Coron was our third stop in the Philippines, after visiting Puerto Princesa and the incredible El Nido. After spending a few days on this incredible island, we decided that we can’t leave this place before climbing to the top of Mt. Tapyas, to witness the most beautiful sunset in Coron.
We knew that a few hundred stairs were waiting ahead of us but we were determined to get to the viewing platform and admire the best view in Coron. In this post, I will share with you everything you need to know about climbing to the top of Mount Tapyas. Read carefully, and enjoy your adventure!
1. About Mount Tapyas
With a height of 210 meters, Mount Tapyas is not a “real” mountain but rather a hill. However, compared to the surrounding flat landscape of Coron Town, Tapyas stands out and offers the best view of Coron Island and the nearby islands. Actually, the tallest hill in Coron is Mount Darala which can be admired from the Mt. Tapyas view platform.
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Apart from the 360-degree platform, there is also a huge iron cross. The name of the island, Coron, is written with big letters, watching over the city (similar to the Hollywood sign). The original cross was destroyed by the Haiyan typhoon but the locals rebuilt it and today, the new cross can be seen from all around the city.
The mountain got its name due to its shape and “Tapyas” actually means chipped or cut.
Good to know – don’t leave Coron without enjoying one of the most popular activities on the island – an island hopping tour.
Sunset at Mt. Tapyas
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the sunset over the incredible Coron Bay, I definitely recommend climbing Mount Tapyas. My advice would be to start climbing at 4 pm to make sure that you get to the top in time for the sunset.
Oh, and make sure you have your camera ready. The view is breathtaking and it deserves to be immortalized in a photo!
-> Are you traveling from El Nido to Coron? Book your ferry tickets here!
2. Hiking to Mount Tapyas, Coron
There are 721 steps waiting for you (yes, I’ve counted) and it’s not gonna be an easy hike. Even though the hike itself might not be that difficult, the heat and the humidity are simply unbearable.
The good news is that, along the way, there are a few benches and resting points. I must admit that climbing stairs is not my favorite activity but once I reached the top, it was all worth it.
-> Check out this tour which includes Mt. Tapyas and the famous Maquinit Hotspring.
Mt. Tapyas view deck
Once you reach the Mount Tapyas view deck, sit back and admire the 360-degrees view. There is beauty all around you. I loved the view towards the Coron Bay. There were so many islands in the distance, surrounded by the most beautiful blue water. Truly a unique sight.
Even though getting to the viewing deck is a bit tiring and challenging, you will be rewarded with the best views in Coron. Also, a bit of exercising never hurt anybody, right?
-> Are you eager for a bit of adventure? Take a banana boat ride in Coron!
Things you need to know before hiking
- There are a few locals at the base of Mt. Tapyas selling water and refreshments but the prices are a bit higher compared to the city. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you. You will need it.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Climbing Mt. Tapyas in flip-flops is not the best idea.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen. The sun can be extremely harsh, even towards the end of the day.
- Don’t forget your camera home!
- There are plenty of local shops and restaurants at the base of the stairs. If you are hungry or thirsty, don’t worry!
3. How to get to the top
To get to the base of the stairs, you have two options – either you walk or take a tricycle from the city. We chose to walk and from our hotel to the stairs it only took us about 10 minutes. Depending on where your hotel is situated, you can choose one of these two options.
-> While in Coron, go on an island hopping tour!
If you choose to walk, you’ll need to find the intersection between San Augustin Street and Nueva Street. From here, just follow the signs and in about 5 minutes you will get to the stairs. Climbing the stairs to Mt. Tapyas will take around 45 minutes, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
You will see that there are many tricycles parked at the base of the stairs, just in case you decide that walking back to your hotel is too much after the hike.
4. Entrance fee & opening hours
There is no entrance fee to Mount Tapyas and you can visit it whenever you want. You can come for sunrise and have the place to yourself or come for the sunset and see how the sun sets while the city’s lights come to life.
-> Are you traveling from El Nido to Coron? Book your ferry tickets here!
5. Other things to do in Coron
You can’t visit Coron without taking an island hopping tour. The beaches and islands in the Coron Bay are absolutely stunning and you can visit them as part of an island hopping tour. Here are a few options (make sure to book your tour at least one day in advance):
- Tour A – CYC Beach, Coral Garden, Atwayan Beach, Hidden Lagoon, Quin Reef, Kayangan Lake
- Tour B – Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, Reef Garden
- Tour C – Waling Waling Island, Ditaytayan Island, Malcapuya Island
- Tour D – Bulog Dos Island, Pass Island, Coral Garden, Lusong Gun Shipwreck
6. Where to stay in Coron
If you are looking for the best hotel suitable for your budget, I am here to help you. I’ve been looking for the best accommodation in Coron and below are my recommendations:
- Budget – Ken’s Homestay – excellent location, clean & spacious rooms, good WiFi, super-friendly host
- Mid Budget – Vela Terraces – modern & clean rooms, excellent facilities, helpful staff, breakfast included
- Luxury – The Funny Lion – great location, beautiful pool, excellent amenities, included breakfast, extremely clean
I hope that you’ve found my guide about Mount Tapyas, Coron useful. Put your most comfortable shoes on and start climbing those stairs! If you have any question, do not hesitate to let me know in the comments section below.
May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!