Black Island: Busuanga’s Dark-Cliff Paradise
From a distance, Black Island looks almost intimidating.
Huge dark limestone cliffs rise abruptly from the sea. But as your boat approaches, the picture changes completely: beneath those cliffs is white sand and clear blue water.
Welcome to Black Island, also known as Malajon Island—one of the most distinctive islands around Busuanga.
First: Black Island Is Not in Coron
You'll frequently see it advertised online as “Black Island Coron.”
Geographically, that's misleading.
Black Island belongs to Busuanga Municipality and lies off the northwestern side of Busuanga Island, near Barangay Panlaitan.
That also explains why it isn't normally included in the standard Coron Island tours visiting Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon.
Getting here requires heading much farther north.
Why Is It Called Black Island?
The name becomes obvious when you see it from the water.
Its enormous limestone formations appear unusually dark, creating a dramatic backdrop against the island's pale beach.
The contrast is what makes Black Island so photogenic:
dark cliffs + white sand + turquoise sea.
Don't Just Stay on the Beach
The beach alone would make Black Island worth visiting.
But there's another reason to come here.
The island has caves.
Walk inland from the beach and you can explore limestone chambers containing clear natural pools.
It makes Black Island unusual because you can combine several experiences in one stop: beach, swimming, snorkeling and cave exploration.
There's WWII History Underwater Too
The waters around Black Island also contain Japanese World War II shipwreck remains.
You don't necessarily need to be a scuba diver to appreciate the area's underwater attractions. Some wreckage and marine life can be explored while snorkeling when visibility and sea conditions allow.
Busuanga's environmental management plan specifically identifies shipwrecks around Malajon Island as tourism sites.
How Does Black Island Fit Into a Trip?
Black Island makes particular sense when exploring northern Busuanga and Calauit rather than trying to add it to a regular Coron Island tour.
Busuanga Municipality's current recommended itinerary includes it on an island-hopping day together with places such as North Cay, Pass Island, Coral Garden and Lusong Gunboat.
Another option is combining the northern journey with Calauit over a longer itinerary.
Black Island or Pass Island?
If your priority is simply relaxing on a beautiful tropical beach, Pass Island is difficult to beat.
If you want something more adventurous, choose Black Island.
You get the beach—but also dramatic limestone, caves, snorkeling and wartime history.
And because reaching this part of Busuanga requires more effort than joining the standard tours from Coron Town, it can feel like you're discovering a completely different side of the Calamianes.
Black Island isn't just another beach stop. It's one of Busuanga's most unusual island experiences.
Explore more of Busuanga beyond the usual Coron routes with ilovecoron.com.
Because I Love Coron.
