With its stunning turquoise waters and scenic white sand beaches, Palawan is one of the most popular and beautiful islands in the Philippines. The island is a favorite among beachgoers and visitors from all over the world constantly visit its beaches, making it a busy tourist spot almost all-year-round.
This is especially true for its two most famous spots – Coron and El Nido. Although both are similar in terms of appearance as well as available activities, there are subtle differences that can make an impact on your trip.
With that said, check out what each place has to offer and how they differ from each other in this El Nido Coron comparison.
El Nido
While both are popular with both locals and foreigners, when it comes to the extent of the popularity, El Nido has a slighter edge than Coron. Located in the northern part of Palawan, El Nido features plenty of amazing scenic locations that will make you feel like you’re in a dream.
As the larger spots of the two, El Nido features more accommodations as well as options for activities compared to Coron. However, because of this, El Nido tends to have more people as well which can feel too crowded at times. Moreover, the accommodations can be more expensive as the place is more developed compared to Coron.
However, its beautiful islands, exquisite beaches, and superb limestone formations will leave you awestruck and amazed at its beauty.
Some places you definitely should visit in El Nido are:
- Snake Island
- Las Cabanas Beach
- Nacpan Beach
- 7 Commandos Beach
Pros
- Stunning beaches and lagoons (Tour A, B, C, D island hopping)
- Offers more convenience
- More accommodations to choose from
- More inland activities to do other than island hopping
Cons
- More people/crowds
- More expensive
Coron
The smaller location of the two, Coron is less known than El Nido albeit only slightly. Because it’s less commercialized and developed than El Nido, it gives you a more raw, close-to-nature vibe.
So, if you’re looking for a spot to take you away from the busy life of the city, then Coron is the place for you. However, this also means that you get less of the convenience that larger locations like El Nido have to offer.
Nevertheless, Coron is a must-visit for vacationers, especially those with an adventurous streak. After all, it’s more known for the exciting activities it has to offer its visitors than anything else. Popular activities in the area are swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and even hiking.
Witness the incredible underwater beauty of nature and see real-life WWII shipwrecks by scuba diving at some of Coron’s amazing locations.
If you’re visiting Coron, then you definitely need to check out the following places:
- Black Island
- Coron Bay
- Barracuda and Kayangan Lakes
- Twin Lagoons
Pros
- Plenty of activities for the adventurous spirit
- Fewer people than El Nido
- More budget-friendly
Cons
- Offers less convenience
- Farther from the main city and airport
El Nido vs Coron, Who Wins?
In the battle between Coron vs El Nido, there’s really no “better” between the two as each location is beautiful in its own right and both are definitely must-visit spots if you’re visiting the country.
It just boils down to your preference and priorities as each has its own strength and weakness. El Nido is better for those looking for a more luxurious experience and wanting to pamper themselves with downtime on some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
On the other hand, Coron is ideal for those with an adventurous spirit as this is where it shines. It’s also ideal if you’re on a tighter budget and want to make the most out of your time in Palawan.
Nevertheless, if you have more than enough budget and time, both El Nido and Coron are places you definitely shouldn’t miss if you want an amazing and memorable experience in Palawan.
Ready to embark on your El Nido travel adventure? Check out GoWaves Travel’s island tours and El Nido tour packages.
