Planning a trip to Palawan but torn between Coron and El Nido? You’re not alone. These two breathtaking island destinations are among the most beautiful in the Philippines—and each offers its own unique charm.
Having explored both places myself, I’ve seen how different they are in terms of vibe, cost, activities, and accessibility. If you’re trying to decide where to go—whether you’re a diver, a beach lover, or a budget traveler—this guide will help you figure out which one is right for your travel style.
Let’s break down Coron vs El Nido in a side-by-side comparison to help you plan the perfect island escape.
🌊 Coron Overview
Tucked away in the northern part of Palawan, Coron is a haven for nature lovers and underwater explorers. It’s best known for its World War II shipwreck diving, crystal-clear lakes, and quiet island-hopping experiences.
Unlike its busier cousin, El Nido, Coron has a laid-back, small-town vibe that appeals to travelers who prefer peace and authenticity over parties. Accommodations and food tend to be more affordable here, making it ideal for budget-conscious adventurers.
Top things to do in Coron:
• Kayangan Lake (famously clear waters)
• Twin Lagoon
• Maquinit Hot Spring (one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world)
• Wreck diving at Skeleton Wreck and Lusong Gunboat
• Hike Mt. Tapyas for a sunset view
Getting there is straightforward—flights land directly at Busuanga Airport, and from there, it’s a short van ride to Coron Town.
🏝️ El Nido Overview
El Nido, located on the northern tip of mainland Palawan, is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and vibrant tourist energy. It’s the poster child of Palawan, often featured in travel magazines and Instagram reels.
El Nido offers a more developed and social environment—perfect for couples, groups of friends, or first-time visitors who want a little bit of everything: island adventures by day and lively dining or beach bars by night.
Must-do experiences in El Nido:
• Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon
• Tour C: Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine
• Nacpan Beach (for a chill day out of town)
• Sunset drinks by the beachfront
While El Nido is slightly pricier than Coron, it has more options in terms of restaurants, resorts, and guided tours. Getting there can be a bit trickier—either via direct flight from Manila (AirSwift), or a longer journey from Puerto Princesa by van (approx. 5–6 hours).
🔸 Side-by-Side Comparison
🌅 Day & Night Life
• Coron: Known for its diving culture, nightlife here is very relaxed. After a full day of underwater adventures, most travelers wind down over dinner and head to bed early. It’s peaceful and quiet—perfect if you want to rest and recharge.
• El Nido: If you’re craving a mix of beach and nightlife, El Nido has a bit more energy. While it’s not as big or wild as Boracay, it offers cozy beachfront bars, acoustic nights, and a light social scene—without the overwhelming crowds.
🏛️ History vs Viewpoints
• Coron: Ideal if you’re into shipwreck photography, WWII history, and more rugged landscapes. It’s also great for cliff hikes and natural viewpoints like Mt. Tapyas.
• El Nido: More for beach bums and Instagram lovers. The towering limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, and golden hour boat rides make every shot postcard-perfect.
🔸 Who Should Visit Where?
• If you want to experience island life the local way– eating fresh seafood by the beach, relaxing without a strict itinerary, and enjoying chill sunsets- El Nido is for you.
• If you’re into diving, hiking up and down cliffs, discovering historical shipwrecks, and soaking in natural hot springs, then Coron will capture your heart.
🔸 Personal Take: Why Not Both?
For me, I truly love both.
El Nido reminds me how lucky we are to have such stunning islands in the Philippines. It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with nature all over again.
Coron, on the other hand, holds a deeper vibe—one that connects me to our past. The wrecks, the calm town, the landscapes… it almost feels spiritual. It reminds me of our history, especially the Japanese influence during World War II.
If you have the time, don’t choose—visit both. Each one will give you a different piece of Palawan you’ll never forget.
🙋‍♀️ FAQs: Coron vs El Nido
Q: Can I visit both Coron and El Nido in one trip?
Yes! Ferries connect Coron and El Nido in about 4–5 hours. If you have a week or more, it’s worth seeing both.
Q: Which is cheaper—Coron or El Nido?
Coron is generally more affordable for accommodation and food. El Nido has more mid-range and upscale options.
Q: Is Coron better for diving?
Yes—Coron is known worldwide for its shipwreck dives. If you’re a diver or want to try scuba, this is the place.
Q: Is El Nido good for families or couples?
Absolutely. It offers relaxing beach days, stunning scenery, and island-hopping that’s perfect for couples or first-time visitors.
Q: When is the best time to visit both?
December to May is the dry season—perfect for clear waters and smooth boat rides. Avoid July–October due to potential typhoons.
🧠Travel Tips for Coron & El Nido
• Book your island tours early, especially during peak season (Dec–April)
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, a dry bag, and cash
• Internet and ATM access can be limited—withdraw enough cash before arriving
• Consider sea sickness pills if you’re taking the ferry between Coron and El Nido
• For Coron: book a hot spring tour at sunset
• For El Nido: check if Big Lagoon access requires advanced registration
“I booked my island-hopping tour in Coron through this operator and had an amazing time! You can check out available tours here.”
Planning your trip?
âś… Book popular El Nido tours like Big Lagoon or Tour here
âś… Find cheap flights to Palawan here
âś… Check hotel deals in Coron & El Nido here
✅ If you don’t wanna do it Let Elite Dream Travel & Tours experts plan your travel
 ✅ Or check our website for more information.
