Beyond the crowds of Coron lies a quieter island now catching global attention.
BUSUANGA, Palawan — The boat engines hum toward familiar waters, where towering limestone cliffs and aquamarine lagoons have long defined the image of Coron. For many travelers, this is the destination.
But for some, it is only the beginning.
Beyond Coron’s established routes lies the Municipality of Busuanga—an island increasingly described by visitors as the real treasure of northern Palawan, a place where nature remains expansive, experiences feel personal, and the pace of travel slows to something more intentional.
Recent global travel data appears to support this growing sentiment. The island was listed among the 2025 Top Trending Destinations by Skyscanner Australia, reflecting a surge in international search interest and signaling Busuanga’s quiet rise on the global tourism map.
Yet on the ground, little about the island feels hurried.
‘AFRICA’ IN THE PHILIPPINES
Photo courtesy of Busuanga Public Information.
At the northernmost edge of the island sits Calauit Safari Park, a conservation area established during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Today, it is under the stewardship of the Provincial Government of Palawan.
Visitors often describe the experience in paradox: in most zoos, animals are enclosed; in Calauit, it is the people who remain within guided paths while giraffes and zebras roam freely across open terrain.
Feeding a giraffe at arm’s length offers a rare sense of proximity—one that blurs the line between observer and participant.
BLACK ISLAND’S QUIET DRAMA
Photo courtesy of Busuanga Public Information.
A 30-minute boat ride from Salvacion leads to Black Island.
Here, ivory-clear waters meet jet-black limestone formations; hence where it’s name is derived. Inside its caves, its water formations reflect the rock ceiling above. Nearby, a submerged shipwreck skeleton rests beneath the surface, accessible to swimmers and snorkelers, with set-up mini nipa huts perfect for a whole day of sunbathing.
CRAFTING CULTURE IN SAGRADA
Photo courtesy of Buddy Gadiano.
In Barangay Sagrada, Bambuhay Handicrafts is led by Tagbanua women artisans producing woven lamps, baskets, and bags. One will see actual products woven live in house. They have exported their products as far as Siargao and has been showcased in international exhibitions. Among their notable creations are the Chele Lamps which resembples squids and a handcrafted bag worn by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
PRIME BEACHES AWAITING THE SPOTLIGHT
Photo corurtesy of Busuanga Public Information.
North Cay and South Cay Islands and Lakdayan Beach offer fine white sand and clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. Despite visits from celebrities such as Piolo Pascual and Anne Curtis, the islands remain largely uncrowded. Even K-Pop super group, BTS, has graced one of these stunning and pristine islands.
A DESTINATION IN TRANSITION
Through initiatives such as “Tara na sa USU,” it’s airport code, Busuanga is positioning itself as a model for sustainable and community-based tourism.
Flights from Clark (CRK) and Cebu (CEB) and sea routes via Batangas and Mindoro ports to Coron make the island accessible, yet its defining feature remains its serenity.
THE VALUE OF QUIET
Unlike its more established tourist attractions, Busuanga offers space: for reflection, exploration, and a slower kind of travel.
For families and travelers seeking a less crowded destination, Busuanga presents a compelling alternative.
With global recognition beginning to take shape, Busuanga may not remain a secret for long. For now, it remains Palawan’s real sleeping gem.