Overnight Ferry from Manila to Coron

Overnight Ferry from Manila to Coron

Along with El Nido and Siargao, Coron is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Famed for its incredible WW2 dive sites, limestone cliffs, and an array of tropical locations that truly belong in films, Coron easily makes it onto any itinerary of the Philippines… if you can get there!

Located in the cluster of islands that make up Northern Palawan, Coron is made up of Busuanga Island (home to Coron Town Proper), Uson Island, Apo Island, Sangat Island, and the confusingly named Coron Island, among others. Coron Town Proper makes a great base to explore the surrounding area. But if you’ve just touched down in Manila, you’re probably wondering how to get there!

The cheapest way to get to Coron from Manila is by taking the overnight ferry from Manila to Coron. Continue reading this guide to check out my experience doing this and how you can do it yourself!

Ferry from Manila to Coron Overview

There are two main ferries travel from Manila to Coron. The most popular is the 2Go Travel Ferry which is a traditional passenger ferry. This is the option that I chose and hence this article covers the most information.

The other is with Atienza Shipping Lines which offers a cheaper alternative since they’re essentially a cargo ferry that offers space for foot passengers as well. I have tried my best to include additional information on this as well.

How long is the ferry from Manila to Coron?

The ferry from Manila to Coron takes approximately 13 hours.

Delays mean that the journey can sometimes take up to 16 hours.

Manila to Coron Ferry Schedule

2Go Travel:

• Departs: Every Friday at 16:00
• Arrives: Every Saturday at 05:00
• Journey time: 13 hours

Atienza Shipping Ferries:

• Departs: Wednesdays and Saturdays (variable times)
• Journey time: 19 hours

How much is the ferry from Manila to Coron?

The ferry from Manila to Coron costs a different amount depending on who you book with and also the type of ticket you get.

Ticket prices vary considerably depending on when you book. Peak season (December-March) is often more expensive, whilst booking further in advance will also save you money.

2Go Travel

• Super Value Class Shared Cabin: 1486 PHP
• Mega Value Class Shared Cabin: 1536 PHP
• Tourist Class Shared Cabin: 2294 PHP

Atienza Shipping Ferries

• Economy: 1000PHP
• AC Class: 1150PHP

NOTE: Prices are correct at the time of writing, however, they do fluctuate considerably so please refer to their websites.

Where to buy tickets for the ferry to Coron?

You can purchase tickets online for the Manila to Coron Ferry. There are several sites to choose from, however, I found booking directly through 2Go Travel was cheaper than using alternatives. Plus 2Go Travel are it’s the best-regarded for ferries and their website was easier to understand!

Options include:

• 2Go Travel
• 12GoAsia (redirects to 2Go Travel)
• Direct Ferries (also uses 2Go Travel)

You can also get tickets through Atienza Shipping Ferries (formerly Atienza Shipping Lines). Their website isn’t kept updated so it’s best to use their Facebook to confirm times. You will need to contact them directly to arrange a booking:

• Their office hours are 08:00-17:00
• Email: atienzashippinglines@yahoo.com
• Booking: +63 928-457-7623
  Ticketing: +63 998-532-6553
  Billing/Cargo Rate Inquiry: +63 917-677-8698
  Marketing: +63 999-881-7266

How to get to the ferry port in Manila

All of the 2Go Travel ferries from Manila to Coron leave from Manila North Harbour Pier 4. While the Atienza Ferries leave from Baseco Port in front of their office.

From the airport:

If you are coming straight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport the easiest method is to get a taxi. You can hail a taxi from the airport or I recommend using Grab Taxi to give you a fair price.

Traffic in Manila can be very slow. Whilst Google Maps may tell you it takes 30 minutes, be prepared to spend up to an hour (sometimes longer) travelling!

It is possible to get public transport, but it is relatively unreliable. You will need to walk to Baclaran Market. From there, take the number 2 bus from Baclaran Market to Recto Avenue. This will drop you a 10-minute walk from the ferry port.

TOP TIP: Give yourself plenty of spare time to get around in Manila as traffic is very slow.

From Central Manila

Depending on where you are staying in Manila, it’s likely that your easiest option is to, once again, get a taxi.

You can wait safely while they can pick you up from your accommodation and take you directly to the ferry port. Grab Taxi is your best option unless your hostel knows any local taxi companies that can offer a better price.

If you are already exploring the main sights of Manila, such as Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral or San Agustin Church, you can walk directly to Manila Ferry port. These places are less than 3km from the port so you can walk in 30-40 minutes, which is a similar amount of time as public transport.

It’s not the most pleasant walk (particularly with all your bags), so understandable if you opt for another option.

My experience of the Ferry from Manila to Coron

Arrival at the port

You need to arrive at the port 60 minutes before departure.

Much like in an airport, you will need to check in at the front desk (however you keep your bags with you).

If you haven’t paid already, you will also need to pay the 30PHP security/terminal fee.

Once you have had your ticket checked you will be waiting in a large hall until the ferry is announced ready for boarding.

Boarding

There is an announcement when the ferry is ready to board. You will then leave the waiting area and make your way outside to board the ferry on foot with all your belongings.

Since my ferry was delayed, I left the hall at 17:40 and was on the ferry before 18:00. Despite that, we were still at the port at 19:00.

Our tickets had assigned beds, so after boarding I spent the first few minutes figuring out where it was. Different classes of tickets are located in different areas of the boat.

Food and Entertainment

The ticket also includes food which is available for most of the evening. Like school dinners, you can go up and get a bit of everything. We were given takeaway boxes so we could go away and find a seat to tuck in! The food wasn’t the best, but it’s better than nothing.

There is a large deck at the back of the boat which is a good way to get some fresh air rather than being stuck in a cabin for the whole time. I played cards here with a few other backpackers making the journey from Manila to Coron.

Then in traditional Filipino style, the karaoke began!… and continued long into the night!

Sleep

I was in the main economy cabin because of my budget.

In these large halls, everyone is crammed in together – each with their own wipe-clean mattress (which was reasonably comfy). There is minimal privacy, just a small barrier at the side of each bed to separate you from the next one along (and stop you from falling out!). As someone who stands at nearly 6ft, the beds certainly could’ve been longer…

There was no air conditioning where I slept, but it wasn’t noticeably hot. I had the fortune of going in a lower bunk which I usually love. But this time, it meant I had to flick away a couple of cockroaches in the night (lovely!)…

Since there are no lockers available in the economy class, I kept my bag of valuables wrapped around my arm and positioned underneath my pillow to keep them safe.

The lights remain on throughout the night in the larger halls, so make sure to bring an eye mask along with your earplugs for any chronic snorers!

It wasn’t the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had, but it also wasn’t the worst! Waking up to the sunlight in the morning over the ocean was amazing. I went out to the viewing deck to look out over the ocean and see if I could spot Coron.

With a cabin, you will get air-conditioning, more privacy, security and control of the lights.

Arrival

Arrival at Coron Pier is usually at 05:00.

In reality, after the delay, I arrived closer to 9:30. At least it meant I got to enjoy a longer sleep and some stunning views.

All foot passengers are allowed to leave the ferry first to make their way to land.

Once you exit the ferry in Coron, you will likely be swarmed by people trying to sell you tricycle rides to your destination.

Depending on where you have accommodation booked, you can either walk to Coron Town Proper yourself or get a tricycle.

How to get from Manila to Coron without the Ferry

Given that the overnight ferry from Manila to Coron only goes once a week, timings may not always align with your plans. Your next best alternative is to fly.

Flying from Manila to Coron

There are frequent direct flights from Manila Airport to Francisco B. Reyes Airport on Busuanga Island (Coron). The flight takes 60-80 minutes and you should be able to find flights for less than £100 for a one-way flight*.

Philippine Airlines, AirSWIFT, Cebu Pacific (CebGo), and Sunlight Air all fly from Manila to Coron daily.

Francisco B. Reyes Airport is about 25km north from Coron Town Proper, which is less than an hour’s drive. There are shared vans that regularly link the airport and town. Expect to pay around 150PHP/person.

*NOTE: During high season flight prices can increase dramatically. Book as far in advance as possible. Since Manila is often the first stop in the Philippines for many, hopefully, you can book this at the same time as your flights to Manila. This price doesn’t include any extra baggage charges.

Is the Ferry from Manila to Coron Worth it?

If, like me, you want to avoid flying wherever possible, it’s definitely worth taking the ferry! That’s even without considering the cost difference!

The ferry from Manila to Coron is cheaper than flying, plus it includes food and a bed for the night on top of your transport costs! I also find unique transport like this feels like more of an adventure and allows you to meet travel friends for your onward journey!

The overnight ferry is by no means the most luxurious, nor the quickest option. And it’s particularly non-glamourous if you’re in the super value class like myself. But I honestly wouldn’t change my decision!

I would only recommend flying if you are on a strict timeline and need to catch a quicker or earlier flight. Or if you’re unable to get the ferry because it’s either sold out or there isn’t one for another few days.

What to do in Coron

Once you’ve arrived on Coron, there are plenty of things to do.

• Explore out the abandoned plane wreck
• Island Hopping Tours (including Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon)
• Climb Mount Tapyas and check out the Coron Sign
• Dive the WW2 wrecks

How to get around in Coron

Once you have touched down in Coron, you can explore the main town on foot, but you will need other modes of transport to explore. Here are the best ways to get around:

• Motorcycles: Available to rent throughout the town for approximately 300-500PHP for a day rental.
• Tricycles: Coron’s version of a taxi or tuk-tuk, these are the best way to get around. Expect to pay 10PHP for rides around town and 30PHP from port to town.

Where to stay in Coron

Best Hostel: HOP Hostel

Long-established as the best hostel in Coron Town Proper, HOP Hostel offers a clean, fresh feel. Plus it has a fantastic rooftop bar overlooking the sea where you can watch the sunset. It’s a great place to have a drink, meet new people, and chat about your day exploring the abandoned plane!

NOTE: Book in advance as this hostel often sells out during the high season.

Budget Private Room: JMP Hostel

JMP Hostel doesn’t boast the facilities or social side of other hostels. However, if you are looking for your own space to decompress and get a good sleep for a reasonable price, JMP Hostel will provide it.

Other Ferry Options from Manila

If you aren’t able to catch the ferry from Manila to Coron, don’t despair! There are plenty of other ferry options to take you elsewhere in the Philippines.

• Cebu
• Bacolod
• Palawan (Puerto Princesa)
• Iloilo

Before you go

Thank you for reading my travel guide on the overnight ferry from Manila to Coron. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!