The Public Market of Coron: A Visitor’s Guide

Want to see a different side of Coron?

Visit the public market.

Away from lagoons, resorts and tour boats, the market gives you a glimpse into what people in Coron actually buy, cook and eat every day.

It may not be a conventional tourist attraction, but that's precisely why it's interesting.

Go in the Morning

Markets work best early.

This is when you'll generally find the greatest activity around the fresh sections, particularly seafood.

Coron is surrounded by productive fishing grounds, and market stalls can contain an impressive variety of fish, squid, shrimp, crabs and other seafood.

Even if you aren't cooking, walking through the seafood section can introduce you to species you've probably never seen in a supermarket back home.

Look Beyond the Seafood

You'll also find vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, rice, seasonings and everyday household products.

What is available changes according to season and supply.

Remember that Coron is an island community. Not everything sold here is grown locally—many goods must travel from elsewhere in Palawan or other parts of the Philippines.

The market therefore tells you something about island life as well as Filipino food.

Look for Palawan Products

The market can also be a good place to look for cashews and dried seafood.

Palawan is the Philippines' principal cashew-producing province, making cashews one of the most appropriate edible souvenirs to take home.

Dried fish and squid are another very Filipino option.

If you're flying afterward, ask vendors to package dried seafood properly. They are accustomed to travelers wanting their purchases sealed before putting them into luggage.

Bring Cash

Don't assume every market stall accepts cards or electronic payments.

Bring Philippine pesos, preferably smaller denominations.

And if you're buying seafood or other products sold by weight, ask the price first.

Don't Expect a Tourist Market

This is important.

A Philippine public market is primarily a working market for local people, not an attraction designed for visitors.

It can be hot, wet, crowded and strongly scented around the fish and meat sections.

That's part of the experience.

Be respectful when photographing vendors or their products. If you want a close photograph of someone, ask first.

Check Which Market You're Going To

Coron's market facilities and locations have changed over time, and older online maps and travel articles may still point visitors toward previous market areas.

Before setting out, check the latest location locally or ask your accommodation or tricycle driver.

Why Visit?

Because Coron isn't only what you see from a tour boat.

Spend half an hour in the market and you'll see another part of the destination:

fishermen, vendors, ingredients, families and everyday island life.

Sometimes the best way to understand a place is simply to see what people are having for dinner.

Discover more of local Coron with ilovecoron.com.

Because I Love Coron.