Coron to Manila tickets

About the ride from Coron to Manila

Swapping the insane beaches and brilliant turquoise waters of Coron for the hustle and bustle of Manila might be a hard pill to swallow. Still, the capital of the Philippines has more to offer than most people expect. 

For many visitors, Manila is a transit city to other dreamy Philippine destinations or the final stop on their adventure before flying out of the international airport. A few stick around and see what adventures can be had in this chaotic city of 15 million people!

But regardless of your reason for traveling here, you can only get from Coron to Manila by ferry or flight.

The ferry is for the most adventurous (and patient) travelers, as the journey takes 12-18 hours. 

Flying is the fastest, taking around 1.5 hours, and it isn't always the most expensive option 

either. Continue reading to find out more details. 

Exciting things to do in Manila

Whether you only have a stopover in Manila or a few days to explore, we've got you covered.

It's a city bursting with food, culture, and history, so you're guaranteed to find something to do, even if that's just spending your day eating!

Here are some of the best things on offer in Manila:

1. Take a stroll through Intramuros: The historic walled city is a prime spot to learn about the Philippines' rich history, especially the lasting impact of Spanish colonization. Within its fortifications, you'll come across churches, plazas, and a variety of museums.

2. Visit the National Museum Complex: Spanning a vast array of topics, including art, anthropology, natural history, and even astronomy, this museum can keep you entertained for hours.

3. Discover Binondo: Manila's Chinatown was established in 1594 and is considered the oldest in the world. Like any bustling Chinatown, it's a hotspot for some of the city's best food and a wonderful spot to soak up some culture. 

4. Shop at weekend markets: If you want to sample some delicious Filipino cuisine, the weekend markets are the place to go! Once you're full, you can pick up some souvenirs and admire the local crafts. Don’t miss Salcedo Market, Legazpi Market, and Mercato Centrale.

5. Unwind at Rizal Park: If you're craving a break from the urban bustle, head to Rizal Park. Spanning 58 hectares, it's easy to forget you're still in the city. The park is packed with attractions like monuments, gardens, observatories, a stadium, and more.

How to get from Coron to Manila

There are two ways to get from Coron to Manila: by ferry and flight. 

By ferry

If you're up for an adventure, book a ferry from Coron to Manila. It's definitely not the fastest option, but it will be an experience. 

The ferries depart in the late afternoon and take 12-18 hours, meaning you'll travel overnight. But don't worry. The boats offer bunk beds where you can get a surprisingly good night's sleep. 

Just make sure to pick the class that's right for you. Each ferry company's classes vary slightly, but in general: 

1. Economy class: Basic beds, more people sharing the same space, open-air, meaning they don't have air conditioning. You may have to pay extra for bed linen.

2. Standard class: Similar level of comfort to economy class but tends to have air conditioning. Bed linen is probably included in the ticket price. 

3. Tourist/premium class: More comfortable beds, free bed linen, air conditioning, and fewer people in the room. 

You'll find amenities like toilets, cafes, and small shops onboard. 

Ticket prices for economy class ferries start at $33. Ferries depart from Coron Port and arrive at Manila Port. 

By flight

If you don't fancy traveling for that long or are prone to seasickness, the easiest way to get from Coron to Manila is by flight. 

Flights depart from Busuanga Airport and arrive at Manila Airport. Ticket prices start from $30 if you book in advance, sometimes making it cheaper than the ferry. 

What to expect on the journey from Coron to Manila

Your experience will vastly differ depending on the transportation you pick. 

Taking the ferry will take much longer but can feel like an adventure. We highly recommend taking at least one overnight ferry during your trip to the Philippines. It's surprisingly fun!

Flying is a much more convenient way to cross the Sulu Sea in between Coron and Manila. 

Flights are operated by Sunlight Air and Philippine Airlines, offering a few flights per day. 

When is the best time to visit Manila?

The ideal time to visit Manila is typically during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is more pleasant during this period, with cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall.

Manila's hottest month is May, with temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F). Navigating a busy city in that kind of heat can be quite challenging… and sweaty! 

The rainy season runs from June to November, with August being the wettest month. While rain can ruin your time on the islands in the Philippines, Manila's many malls and restaurants make escaping the rain a little easier. 

How many days should you spend in Manila? 

Most visitors to the Philippines aren't looking to stay in a bustling city for long. They're usually drawn to the islands, eager to relax with a cold drink under a palm tree. 

If that sounds like your plan, spending just one to two days in the city is sufficient to get a taste of urban life, enjoy some delicious food, and gain a brief insight into the country's history.

Where should you visit after Manila? 

Being one of the biggest transport hubs in the Philippines, you can go practically anywhere from Manila. 

Why not swap the idyllic islands for some rice fields? Eight hours from Manila is Banaue, a town often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its extraordinary rice terraces.