Coron vs El Nido: Which Is Better? All Differences Explained

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Palawan Island is renowned for its tropical landscapes and island hopping adventures. When comparing Coron and El Nido, which one stands out?

Both destinations are incredible and worth visiting (I highly recommend doing both if you can!). However, if time is short, you might need to choose between them as they are separated by 100 kilometers of sea in the Philippines.

El Nido is more popular and developed compared to Coron, but that isn’t necessarily a plus. Coron is quieter and offers superior snorkeling and diving experiences. Both El Nido and Coron boast stunning islands and beaches to discover.

In this travel guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive comparison of the two, helping you decide whether Coron or El Nido is the better choice for your trip!

Coron vs El Nido – Which Is Better?
Coron vs El Nido – Which Is Better

Getting There

• El Nido

You can reach El Nido town by plane, van, bus, or ferry.

The most convenient, quickest, and priciest (but highly recommended) option is to take a direct flight with AirSWIFT to El Nido, Palawan.

Since El Nido airport (ENI) does not accommodate international flights, you will first need to fly into a major city in the Philippines, such as Manila or Cebu, and then take a connecting flight to ENI.

You can compare and book flights to El Nido or Coron on Skyscanner.

Coron

Flights to Coron’s airport (USU) tend to be more affordable than those to El Nido, thanks to a greater variety of airlines, including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

If you’re looking to visit both El Nido and Coron, the most popular method is to take the fast ferry between the two locations.

Alternatively, you can embark on a 4-day Palawan sailing expedition from Coron to El Nido (or the reverse) to explore some of the stunning, secluded islands en route (I’ll provide more details on this later).

Matinloc Island in El Nido
Matinloc Island in El Nido
Twin Lagoon in Coron
Twin Lagoon in Coron

Things To Do

• El Nido

El Nido is a paradise for island hopping, boasting stunning turquoise lagoons, dramatic karst mountains, and the finest white sand beaches in Palawan.

If you have the time, start by completing all four of the El Nido island hopping tours (A, B, C, and D). Then, enjoy the sunset at Marimegmeg Beach and explore mainland attractions like Nacpan Beach and Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfall.

Coron

Coron’s Ultimate Island Tour takes you to the expansive Twin Lagoon and the renowned Kayangan viewpoint, along with several coral reefs and hidden spots.

Other excursions, such as the Island Escapade, allow you to walk across a narrow sandbar and visit numerous stunning white sand beaches, complete with hammocks, fresh coconuts, and all the essentials for relaxation.

Coron offers the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Palawan. The coral reefs, exotic fish, and sunken shipwrecks in Coron far surpass those in El Nido.

Coron also boasts some fantastic beaches, although they are only accessible via boat tours, making them less convenient to reach compared to the mainland beaches of El Nido.

Entalula Beach in El Nido
Entalula Beach in El Nido

Accommodation

• El Nido

El Nido offers a diverse selection of both budget and luxury hotels. However, it is generally more expensive than other destinations in Southeast Asia. For instance, the value for money here is lower compared to Bali.

This is likely to evolve over time. Currently, tourist demand in El Nido has surpassed the pace of development. As more hotels are constructed to meet the growing number of visitors to Palawan, the situation is expected to improve.

Coron

Accommodation in Coron tends to be more affordable and offers better value than in El Nido, though the options are primarily budget hotels with limited luxury choices.

During our last visit to Coron, we were on a strict budget and chose to stay at the Coron Visitors Hotel. We secured a clean double room with efficient air conditioning, and the hotel was conveniently located near some excellent restaurants.

If you have a more generous travel budget, finding quality accommodations in Coron is quite feasible.

Frendz Hostel in El Nido
Frendz Hostel in El Nido
Aquilah Homestay in Coron
Aquilah Homestay in Coron

Restaurants

• El Nido

There’s no comparison. El Nido offers a far superior variety of restaurants, street food, and nightlife compared to Coron. The dining options are abundant and diverse.

For instance, you can enjoy affordable Asian cuisine at CB Cafe, savor pizza at Altrove, indulge in fruit smoothie bowls at The Vegan Cafe, and relish excellent international and Western dishes at El Nido Boutique Artcafe.

Coron

Coron falls short of El Nido in terms of dining options, but the number of restaurants is rapidly increasing. Our top picks included Om’s Thai, El Kuvo, and Levine’s Eatery.

These places were fantastic, offering delicious food at very reasonable prices. While finding good food in Coron is fairly easy, it doesn’t compare to the extensive culinary choices available in El Nido.

Shimizu Island in El Nido
Shimizu Island in El Nido
Snorkeling in Coron
Snorkeling in Coron
Karst limestone peaks in Coron
Karst limestone peaks in Coron

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between Coron and El Nido ultimately depends on individual preferences and the type of experience sought. Coron is ideal for those who are passionate about wreck diving, historical sites, and therapeutic hot springs, offering a serene environment with fewer crowds.

Its raw, rugged beauty and exceptional underwater adventures are perfect for explorers and diving enthusiasts. On the other hand, El Nido captivates with its dramatic limestone cliffs, diverse island-hopping tours, and vibrant nightlife, making it a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers.

El Nido’s picturesque landscapes and variety of activities cater to those looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement. Both destinations boast stunning natural beauty and unique attractions, ensuring that either choice will provide an unforgettable experience in the Philippines.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal interests, whether one leans towards the tranquil allure of Coron or the dynamic charm of El Nido.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which destination is better for diving, Coron or El Nido?

Coron is renowned for its world-class wreck diving sites, offering numerous sunken World War II ships and rich marine life, making it a top choice for divers. While El Nido has beautiful underwater landscapes and vibrant coral reefs, it doesn’t offer the same level of wreck diving experiences as Coron.

Are there family-friendly activities in Coron and El Nido?

Both Coron and El Nido offer family-friendly activities. In Coron, families can enjoy lake visits, hot springs, and island-hopping tours with calmer waters. El Nido provides a variety of kid-friendly beaches, snorkeling spots, and guided tours suitable for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family.

What is the best time of year to visit Coron and El Nido?

The best time to visit both Coron and El Nido is during the dry season, from November to May. This period offers ideal weather for outdoor activities, clear skies, and calm seas, making it perfect for island-hopping, diving, and exploring the natural beauty of both destinations.

Which destination is more budget-friendly, Coron or El Nido?

Coron tends to be more budget-friendly compared to El Nido. Accommodation and food options in Coron can be cheaper, and there are numerous budget tours available. El Nido, while offering a range of accommodations, generally has higher prices due to its popularity and more developed tourist infrastructure.

How do the nightlife scenes compare between Coron and El Nido?

El Nido has a more vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, beachfront parties, and live music venues, catering to those looking for evening entertainment. Coron, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back and quieter nightlife, with a few bars and restaurants providing a relaxed atmosphere for unwinding after a day of exploration.

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