Tucked in the northern part of Palawan, the municipality of Coron is fast becoming one of the Philippines’ premier domestic travel destinations, offering a mix of nature, adventure, and community-led sustainability.

With turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine biodiversity, Coron is not only a haven for beach lovers and divers but also a case study in how tourism can uplift communities and promote environmental responsibility.

Coron Island’s sunken World War II-era wrecks have long attracted scuba enthusiasts, while inland, tranquil hot springs and emerald lakes such as Kayangan and Barracuda provide a retreat from urban stress. “Being in nature here has changed the way I cope with anxiety,” said Marissa Torres, a visitor from Quezon City. “It’s not just beautiful, it’s healing.”

Experts echo this sentiment. According to the Department of Health, regular travel and nature immersion contribute to lower stress levels, improved mood, and overall mental clarity—benefits that many Filipinos can experience without leaving the country.

Flights to Coron via Francisco B. Reyes Airport are accessible from Manila, Cebu and Clark, making it easier than ever for locals to reach the islands. Upon arrival, visitors can use tricycles, vans or tour boats to navigate the area with ease.

Coron’s population, over 65,000 as of the 2020 census, relies heavily on tourism and fishing. But it’s tourism that now leads the economy, following the decline of the once-thriving mining and rattan industries. The shift is visible in towns like Barangay Banuang Daan and Barangay 5, where homestays, boat tours and souvenir shops offer stable employment.

“Before, many of us depended solely on fishing. Now, I drive tourists and run a homestay with my wife,” said Junito Ramos, a resident of Barangay Tagumpay. “We’ve been able to send our daughter to college.”

Local government and non-government organizations have also championed sustainable tourism. The Siete Pecados Marine Park, recognized internationally with the Blue Park Award in April 2024, highlights how community stewardship and ecotourism can coexist. Managed by Jose Mazo, the marine park prohibits destructive fishing and promotes coral regeneration, supporting both conservation and livelihoods.

Visitors also benefit from Coron’s ongoing infrastructure improvements and business-friendly environment. With increasing connectivity and consistent power and water supply in central barangays, Coron is becoming a viable location for small enterprises and digital nomads. Government offices, including the Municipal Circuit Trial Court and the Municipal Legislative Building, are all centralized in the poblacion, making transactions convenient.

Despite its growth, Coron has maintained its cultural roots. The town’s annual fiesta on August 28 honors Saint Augustine, with traditional dances, food fairs and parades that offer travelers a taste of local life.

“Sustainable tourism here isn’t just about nature, it’s about people,” said Councilor Leticia Manalo. “Our goal is to keep Coron a place where locals thrive alongside tourists.”

With its stunning geography, emerging sustainable tourism model, and tangible community benefits, Coron is more than just a postcard-perfect destination—it’s a blueprint for responsible, local-driven development. For Filipinos seeking to unwind, reconnect with nature, or support homegrown industries, Coron offers all that and more, just a short flight away.

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Coron Palawan

Coron, Palawan: A local gem for leisure, wellness, and sustainable growth