Black Island: Eerily Beautiful Paradise in Coron, Palawan
“If you were stranded on an island, where would it be and why?”
If I were to answer this question, my answer would be as easy as one, two three – Black Island! Considered a side trip to one main tour but it is nevertheless a major attraction, if not the best island destination in Coron.
When in Coron, explore the off-the-beaten path and head to a remote island off the coast of Salvacion, Busuanga. Mix one part history to two parts rugged beauty, and add a dash of trendy glamour. You get Black Island! Geographically known as Malajon Island, this mysterious island looks like a perfect pirate hideaway!
Back when I saw Black Island circulating online two years ago, I thought I needed to go there very soon. Without hesitation, I booked a ticket to Coron, Palawan and scouted for a Black Island Tour because I know right there and then it was going to be an awesome adventure of a lifetime.
Sadly, it didn’t go as planned. I failed to visit this paradise the first time due to bad weather (despite the fact that we were already on board a private boat). Mission failed. My heart was crushed… but not for long!
This year, I decided to give Black Island another try and made sure it’s the first itinerary of our Coron trip. As if the universe conspired, this unspoilt gem finally happened. Stoked that my revenge tour to Black Island was such a bittersweet moment. Ready to know the details? Off we go!
How To Get To Black Island, Palawan
Black Island can be visited via boat (bangka) travel only. There is neither public sea transportation that plies directly to Black Island nor readily available joiner tour exclusive for Black Island from Coron Town. One of the cheapest ways to get to Black Island is by booking a Busuanga-bound Calauit Safari Tour PLUS Black Island sidetrip (pick neither Pass Island nor any other Calauit sidetrip destinations for that matter).
To save time, money and effort, go for that Black Island tour organized by Wonderful Island Travel and Tours, a DOT-accredited tour agency in Coron offering unrivaled tour services. Black Island may just be a side trip to the main Calauit Safari Tour but it guarantees an amazing experience all its own.
After almost two hours of sea voyage from Salvacion Port of Busuanga, the unspoiled beauty of Black Island will welcome you with arms wide open. “What’s with Black Island“, you asked? Here’s what’s in store for you in Black Island, the eerily beautiful paradise in Coron, Palawan.
Karst Landscape
The most obvious feature of Black Island is its karst topography. The island itself is geologically shaped like a sleeping dinosaur dominated by steep cliffs and karst rock formations made of Permian limestone that purportedly transport you back in time during the Jurassic period.
In contrast to the seemingly dark vibrance of the karst limestones, the hue of the surrounding waters turned turquoise when the sun hits its surface, offering unbelievably spellbinding charm of the verdant pastures and sea.
A magical landscape full of hardscrabble hills with pocketful of lush vegetation and sun-baked coves, truly something to look forward to when in Black Island.
Black Island Cave
Having a natural cave in Black Island is not really surprising at all. Given the karst topography of Black island, this geological formation was probably shaped by the dissolution of layers of soluble bedrock by the presence of saltwater around and through the island.
The mouth of Black Island Cave is so big leading to a wide natural void in the ground illuminated by the broad daylight. Marvel at its stunning chambers all gloriously sculpted by the natural process of weathering and erosion.
Take a tour around and you’ll discover another wonder. Black Island Cave Pool is without a doubt otherworldly. The water inside the cave is freezing cold and so clear you could see the fishes freely swimming around. Don’t miss in taking a dip while at it.
Black Island Shipwreck
If you’re not keen with your surroundings, then you’ll probably think that the dark spots near the shore are just sedimentary rocks or corals. Unless you’re listening to your tour guide about the history of Black Island, this wreck could have easily slipped under your radar.
The so-called “Black Island Wreck” is identified as Nanshin Maru vessel, a sunken small tanker converted to carry specific fuel during WWII due to a typhoon. The ship is approximately 50 meters long sitting upright on a sandy bottom. Thrivin’ through the sands of time, the abandoned vessel is believed to sunk on 1944 and was most likely drifted in the tidal current towards Black Island.
Located pretty close to the fabulous white powdery beach of this eerily beautiful island, this dive site black island wreck is perfect for beginner divers and underwater photographers. With a pleasant visibility due to low current plus the crystal clear water, one can vividly see plenty of marine life such as scorpion fish, lion fish, big-sized Emperors, angel fish and groupers.
For more wrecks and dive sites around Coron, visit Skeleton Wreck by booking a CORON ULTIMATE TOUR.
Coral Garden
Anywhere you explore around Black Island, you’ll realize that every angle is instagram-worthy. As captivating as it is way up there, just take a peek on what’s waiting below.
Whether you’re a free diver, professional scuba diver or just someone who doesn’t know how to swim but eager to get a glimpse of the wonders below via snorkeling, you have to consider exploring a whole new world underwater that is coral garden. You’ll encounter a quite pleasant interesting stuff and aquatic creatures playing around various beautiful coral species from brain coral to plate corals.
White Sand Beach
Earlier, when my mom knew about our next destination named as Black Island, she hesitated and suggested that it might not be good idea to sail there because according to her, perhaps the island might be cursed. Outnumbered, the group pushed through with the plan. After setting foot on the white powdery sand of Black Island, she was mesmerized. From then on, she didn’t want to leave said paradise.
An afternoon strolling along a long stretch of white sand beach at a remote and eerily beautiful paradise in Coron, what more could you ask for?
Looking for more pristine beaches around Coron? Read here -> Island Escapade Tour: Triple Beach Treats in Coron, Palawan.
The sugary white beach is perfect for visitors who’d like to loaf under the sun (or munch your aftie snacks) with a tropical vibe. Don’t leave Black Island without going for a quick dip in its pristine seascape from a tiring Calauit Safari tour.
And the most important thing of all – enjoy the trip with your family! Black Island may have disappointed me one year ago but this year, I came back with a vengeance. Indeed, it’s such a bittersweet moment. Good weather and safe tour with fam bam, I couldn’t be more grateful with this second chance. 🖤
Just when you think the trip is over, you’ll be surprised that more tourist spots in Busuanga are waiting. Yes, Black Island is not the last itinerary for Calauit Safari Tour. In fact, there are still a lot more great countryside excursions in Busuanga after this charming trip that you shouldn’t miss.
For the complete list of day tour itinerary, read our CALAUIT SAFARI TOUR experience. For other island destinations and must-try activities in Coron, refer to this article: 5D4N DIY TRAVEL GUIDE TO CORON
