Post Summary: A preview to Banol Beach in Coron – a must-stop visit on your next trip to Palawan!

One could argue that Coron may have some of the best beaches in the Philippines. Along with its neighboring island of El Nido, Coron boasts some of Palawan’s most stunning beaches. It has some of the whitest and softest sand you’ll ever lay your foot on with the warm and clear waters with different shades blue and teal. It’s only a matter of time until the beaches in Coron get the same recognition as they do in Boracay. 

I particularly love the beaches in Coron because it offers more than just a place to relax. Some of the beaches have incredible underwater marine life in some of its surroundings, and you can easily spend a few hours snorkeling (and even diving) just by hanging out at some of the beaches here. 

The Banol beach in Coron is one of my favorite beaches in all of Palawan. I’ve visited Coron about five times the past seven years, and I almost make it a point to stop at this particular beach to relax and enjoy the crystal clear waters surrounding the beach.

 

 

banol beach in coron palawan philippines

Where is Banol Beach

Banol Beach is located in Coron Island, about a thirty-minute boat ride from Busuanga Island. 

It may sound confusing, but most tourists who visit Coron stay in Busuanga Island. This area is where the Coron Town Proper is located, along with the many hotels, restaurants, bars, and tour agencies operate. 

For your reference, below is a map where Banol Beach is located compared to the rest of the islands in Coron. 

How to Get to Banol Beach From Coron Town

The easiest and fastest way to get to Banol Beach from Coron Town is by boat. The journey from Coron Town to Banol Beach typically takes about 30 minutes by boat, depending on the wind and the choppiness of the water. 

Banol Beach is part of the itinerary when you go on an island hopping tour in Coron. The Coron island hopping Tour B includes Banol Beach as one of its stops, in-between visits to other famous sites in Coron, such as Kayangan Lake and the Blue Lagoon. 

Alternatively, you can hire a private boat to take you to Banol Beach. The downside with hiring a private boat tour is a lot more expensive than joining a regular island hopping tour. The advantage, however, is that you can control your schedule and itinerary and decide how much you want to spend on Banol Beach. Hiring a private boat allows you to change your itinerary order as you see fit, which is ideal if you want to come earlier to Banol Beach to beat the crowd. 

What to Do in Banol Beach

banol beach island hopping tour in coron
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Banol Beach is a relatively small stretch of beautiful sandy white beach and a typical lunch stopover while on an island hopping tour. But to be honest, there is no other attraction once you arrive at Banol Beach. 

Even though Banol Beach may be smaller than other beaches in Coron, I particularly like coming to this beach to unwind and relax. From the number of times I visited this beautiful beach, I was able to appreciate its isolated location and have some quiet time. It also helped that there weren’t many crowds during the few times I visited Banol beach.

For the other times we visited Banol Beach, we chose to rent a private boat so that we can specifically come earlier to this beach for lunch. Like El Nido, island hopping tours in Coron are famous for the yummy lunch they serve during the island tours. Before we leave Coron Town, our tour guides bring on board all the food you possibly need for the day. Our guides typically bring an assortment of seafood, meat, rice, vegetables, and fruits that they prepare and grill while on Banol Beach. On our last visit to Coron, we chose to arrive earlier in Banol Beach so we can beat the crowds and ensure a spot for lunch. 

Apart from being the perfect lunch spot, the soft and creamy and aquamarine waters and the majestic backdrop of limestone cliffs make for an Instagram-friendly photoshoot.

However, it is important to know that there are no public toilets or bathrooms in Banol Beach or any of the other remote islands and beaches in Coron.

Where to Stay in Banol Beach

We mentioned earlier that many of the hotels in Coron are on Busuanga Island. Below are our top picks for you to stay if you are looking for accommodations near Banol Beach. 

The Funny Lion (Value)

where to stay in coron banol beach

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The Funny Lion is a charming boutique resort in Coron near the public marke. It is a shord distance from the town proper Mount Tapyas, and short boat distance from the famous Kayangan Lake. It’s the perfect hotel for those looking for an excellent value for a comfortable and relaxing stay while on the islands. 

It’s one of the few four-star resorts on the island, and you can immediately see why with the elegantly designed rooms. Each room is furnished with natural earth tone colors and is equipped with a flat-screen television with cable, a work desk, and a safety deposit box. 

The Funny Lion also provides other luxury amenities in the hotel, such as an open-air outdoor bath and an outdoor swimming pool. Both of these are located on the upper deck of the hotel, where you can relax with a drink in hand while enjoying the stunning views of the famous Coron bay. There is also a restaurant on-site, Pride Rock Deck, which serves daily continental breakfast and Filipino cuisine. 

This beautiful hotel also provides island hopping tour arrangements and other activities in the area and can help you further with your itinerary in Coron. 

 

Hop Hostel (Budget)

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I stayed in Hop Hostel a few years ago with a group of friends from Europe, and I must say I was taken by surprise on how much I like this place – A LOT. 

Hop Hostel is undoubtedly one of the top ten hostels I’ve stayed in since I started backpacking Europe and Asia during and after my college years. Upon arriving, you’ll be immediately impressed by the facade and exterior of the hostel. It’s all painted in white with a touch of blue hues, resembling many buildings you see in Greece!

The rooms itself were immaculate. The interiors have plenty of space to store your luggage without feeling like you are on top of your other roommates. All of the beds in the room are very comfortable, as well. They are wide and cushy and will ensure you get a good night’s sleep after a day of island hopping. Also, the rooms are well-kept and cleaned religiously by the staff. 

But the hostel’s main selling point is their rooftop bar, where you can catch Coron’s legendary sunsets with a drink in your hand. The overall atmosphere is excellent, with a DJ and the social vibe of the bar!

 

Club Paradise Resort (luxury)

where to stay in coron near banol beach

>> Click here to check the best rates and availability

Club Paradise Resort Palawan is the perfect hotel for those wondering where to stay in Coron that offers exclusive and private accommodations.

This resort’s location is stunning, featuring an island rimmed with 700 meters of soft white beaches. Considering its secluded location, guests will feel isolated from the rest of the main island. But even with the remote location of Club Paradise Resort, everything is completely taken care of, with all the amenities you possibly need available at the resort. 

A live performance band awaits your arrival at Club Paradise Resort, with welcome live music, a personal introduction from the manager, and a relaxing foot bath while you are checked-in. The resort also features a beautiful 24 hours outdoor pool, water sports, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious traditional and western cuisine. 

The rooms at Club Paradise are as exotic as they get. They are modeled after traditional wooden huts that are famous in the Philippines. Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a fridge and electric kettle. Rooms also have a balcony and a living area.