Malcapuya Island
A long white beach and clear water in the islands east of Coron.
Quick answer
- Where: a small island east of Coron town, Palawan.
- The beach: long white sand, with a viewpoint on a hill above it.
- The tour: usually visited with Banana Island and Bulog Dos on one day trip.
- Fees: each island charges an entrance fee.
- Best time: November to May, when seas are calmer.
Why it is a wonder
Coron is famous for limestone lakes and shipwrecks. East of town, the scenery changes to low islands ringed with white sand, and Malcapuya is the best known of them. Its beach runs along most of the island, with clear water over coral just offshore. A short climb to a viewpoint shows the whole sweep of sand and the neighbouring islands.
Tours usually pair Malcapuya with Banana Island and Bulog Dos, where a sandbar connects two islets at low tide, making a day of swimming, snorkelling and a grilled lunch on the beach.
Beat the crowds
- Book an early start, or a private boat, to reach Malcapuya before the main groups.
- Avoid peak holidays, when tours fill up.
Getting there
Tours leave from Coron town, often called Tour C, and include hotel pickup, boat and lunch. Fly to Busuanga airport, then drive to town. See our Palawan guide and Kayangan Lake.
A perfect day
- Leave Coron early by bangka.
- Swim and snorkel at Malcapuya, then climb the viewpoint.
- Lunch on Banana Island.
- Walk the sandbar at Bulog Dos before heading back.
Through the seasons
- November to May: calmer seas, the best time.
- June to October: monsoon swells can cancel the longer trips.
Respect the place
Don’t stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and take your rubbish back to Coron. See our guide to island hopping.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Malcapuya from Coron town?
It is a longer boat ride than most Coron tours, often more than an hour each way, so tours start early.
Can I snorkel there?
Yes, there are corals off the beach.
Is Malcapuya private?
It is privately owned but open to visitors with an entrance fee.
Which other Coron sights should I see?
Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and the Second World War wrecks.
Carcar
Lacy wooden mansions, a hilltop church with onion domes, and a market famous for lechon.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
