Busuanga
Intro
Say "Coron" to most travelers and they picture jagged limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons. But here is the insider's secret: the famous town of Coron actually sits on a much bigger island called Busuanga in the Calamian Islands of northern Palawan. Busuanga is the large landmass; Coron is the lively port town tucked into its southeastern corner; and a separate smaller island (Coron Island) holds the iconic lagoons offshore. They are all part of the same magical cluster, tied together by one airport.
That airport, Francisco B. Reyes Airport (code USU) near the village of Busuanga, serves the entire region. Fly into "Coron," and you are really landing on Busuanga Island. Once you understand that, the map clicks into place: the spectacular boat tours leave from Coron town, but the island's wilder, lesser-known wonders are scattered across Busuanga itself - African giraffes and zebras grazing under coconut palms at Calauit Safari Park, the windswept white sands of Black Island, and freshwater cascades hidden in the interior.
First-timer essentials
- Visa: Most nationalities enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days, extendable at any Bureau of Immigration office. Confirm current rules for your passport before flying; your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Currency: The Philippine peso (PHP). Approximate guide rates: USD 1 ~ PHP 58, EUR 1 ~ PHP 62, SGD 1 ~ PHP 43 (rates fluctuate). Cash is king on Busuanga; most small tour operators, tricycle drivers, and eateries do not take cards.
- Health: No special vaccinations are required for most travelers, but standard travel jabs (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus) are wise. Dengue is present, so pack mosquito repellent. Drink bottled or filtered water. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, motion-sickness tablets for boat days, and any personal medication. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Money & ATMs: ATMs exist in Coron town (the main commercial hub on Busuanga), but they can run dry, especially on weekends and holidays, and cap withdrawals with fees of roughly PHP 200-250. Withdraw enough cash in Coron town before heading out to Calauit, Concepcion, or remote resorts, where there are no ATMs.
- Safety: Busuanga is welcoming and generally very safe. The main hazards are sea conditions and the sun. Choose licensed boat operators, insist on life jackets, and respect strong currents. Roads are quiet but rough in places.
Top things to do
- Calauit Safari Park (northern Busuanga) - Busuanga's most surreal day out. In the 1970s, African animals were brought here, and today giraffes and zebras roam free alongside endemic Philippine wildlife such as the Calamian deer. You can hand-feed giraffes. Entrance is roughly PHP 200-400, but the real cost is getting there: organized day tours from Coron town typically run PHP 1,500-2,500 per person including the long van ride, short boat transfer, and guide. Allow a full day.
- Black Island (Malajon Island) - A dramatic black-rock island fringed with a brilliant white-sand beach, a sea cave, and snorkeling spots, off Busuanga's western coast. It is farther out than the standard Coron circuit, so it feels uncrowded. Usually visited on a dedicated boat tour for around PHP 1,800-3,000 per person.
- Concepcion Falls - A refreshing freshwater stop in the Concepcion area, with cascades and pools perfect for a cool dip. Often paired with a Calauit itinerary. Entrance is minimal, typically around PHP 50-100.
- North Cay (and remote sandbars) - A castaway-style islet of soft white sand and clear shallows off northern Busuanga, often combined with Calauit and Black Island. Usually part of a private or small-group package; budget within the PHP 2,000-3,500 per person range.
- Coron town and the classic lagoons - Since Coron sits on Busuanga, no visit is complete without the world-famous boat circuit to Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Barracuda Lake on nearby Coron Island. Shared group tours run about PHP 1,200-1,800 per person.
- Maquinit Hot Springs - Just outside Coron town, these natural saltwater hot springs are the perfect sunset wind-down. Entrance around PHP 200-300; a tricycle round trip roughly PHP 300-500.
Best time to visit
The dry season, roughly late November through May, is the best window, with calmer seas, reliable boat tours, and sunny skies. The sweet spot is often December to April, with March and April the warmest. Late November and May offer good weather with thinner crowds. The rainy season (June-October) is lush and quiet with lower prices, but expect afternoon downpours and occasional tour cancellations.
