Port information & tips for Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is a tropical paradise in the Calamian Archipelago of the Philippines and an absolute highlight for lovers of pristine natural beauty. The island delights with its powdery white sand beach, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a relaxed atmosphere that instantly creates a holiday mood. Top attractions include the vast Malcapuya Beach, the vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling right off the coast, and the neighboring Banana Island with its idyllic tranquility. Since the island does not have a large pier, cruise ships anchor in the protected bay and bring their guests directly to the fine sandy beach by tender boat. Thanks to this direct connection, travelers arrive from the ship straight into the heart of this island paradise, far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Malcapuya Island in Palawan is not a classic port of call for large cruise ships, but rather an idyllic destination for island hopping tours that typically start from Coron Town. Since the island itself has no infrastructure of its own, such as roads or train stations, travel from the DACH region is primarily by plane followed by a boat transfer.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is usually via long-haul flights to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), from where you take a connecting flight to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) on Busuanga Island. This airport, also known as Coron Airport, is the closest to the starting point of your cruise and is located about 22 kilometers from Coron Town. Please note that direct flights from Manila to Coron have only been available on a limited basis since March 2026 due to restrictions on turboprop aircraft; travel via Clark (CRK) or Cebu (CEB) is therefore recommended, or a shuttle transfer from Manila to Clark Airport.
Transfer to the boat harbor (Coron Town)
From Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), you can easily reach Coron Town by shared van in about 30 to 45 minutes. These minivans wait directly in front of the airport building and offer a cost-effective transfer for about 250-300 Philippine pesos. Many hotels in Coron Town also offer a free or paid shuttle service. Coron Town serves as the main pier for island hopping tours to Malcapuya Island, which are carried out with traditional "Bangka" boats and take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Pre-cruise Hotel & Boat Transfer
Due to the long international flight and the required transfer to Coron as well as the subsequent boat transfer to Malcapuya Island, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Coron Town is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise adventure and sufficient time to organize the island hopping tour. Many hotels in Coron Town offer comprehensive assistance with booking tours and transfers, where you can choose between group tours or private boat charters. The cruise ships themselves usually anchor off Coron Bay, and passengers are brought by tender boat to the pier in Coron Town, from where the excursions start.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
