Banana Island
Banana Island
4.5
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Travelandtravel005
Makati57 contributions
If you are travelling to Coron, this should be in your itinerary for island hopping.
Though this island is far from the city, its worth the travel. The view is fantastic, i think you can spend the night here. But be cautious on the owner, Violeta, she will ask a lot, even load so she can reply back.
The island is really beautiful though :)
Though this island is far from the city, its worth the travel. The view is fantastic, i think you can spend the night here. But be cautious on the owner, Violeta, she will ask a lot, even load so she can reply back.
The island is really beautiful though :)
Written June 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Yu
Stockholm, Sweden26 contributions
May 2017
Island hopping, the most normal one contains 3 islands where one of em is this one. (Banana Island, Bulog Island, Malcapuya Island )
Nice beach, nice water, but gets crowded really fast,
We payed extra to go on a private boat so we could leave earlier (6.00 am) and u can talk to the boatowner what u wanna eat and they buy everything so it can get grilled in this island, served often with rice and some fruits on the side. Island itself is nice and the beach is really clean.
Dont go on a tour with 15 other people because then u will be on a tight schedule where u dont have anything to say how long u wanna stay at the islands. If u have a tight budget the ur only chance is on these tours with alot of people. If u lucky u get into a boat with cool and nice peoples, but most often they are loud annoying peoples and alot of kids. If u have little more money, getting private boat is the way to go.
Nice beach, nice water, but gets crowded really fast,
We payed extra to go on a private boat so we could leave earlier (6.00 am) and u can talk to the boatowner what u wanna eat and they buy everything so it can get grilled in this island, served often with rice and some fruits on the side. Island itself is nice and the beach is really clean.
Dont go on a tour with 15 other people because then u will be on a tight schedule where u dont have anything to say how long u wanna stay at the islands. If u have a tight budget the ur only chance is on these tours with alot of people. If u lucky u get into a boat with cool and nice peoples, but most often they are loud annoying peoples and alot of kids. If u have little more money, getting private boat is the way to go.
Written July 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelboxph
Pasig, Philippines26 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
My wife and I decided to stay overnight in Banana Island. We're glad we did.
The island is one of the best places in Coron. Fine white sand, crystal clear swimming area, quiet ambient place. The room where we slept is very comfortable.
By the way, the owners are Filipino that's why it's best to patronize this place.
The island is one of the best places in Coron. Fine white sand, crystal clear swimming area, quiet ambient place. The room where we slept is very comfortable.
By the way, the owners are Filipino that's why it's best to patronize this place.
Written November 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheEuge
Manila54 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
When my wife and I were researching about attractions in Coron, we uncovered blogs about the hidden beauty of Banana island, so we decided to book a stay there. My wife and I were not particular about accommodations this time, as long as the beach quality was worth the trip. Banana Island surely did not disappoint!
But first, allow us to share some important considerations:
1. Banana island only offers provincial-style fan cottages
2. Electricity is only provided at night
3. Guests have to bring their own food
4. The island is family-run
If you're amenable to that then we recommend a trip to Banana!
The trip to the island takes about an hour and a half from Coron. Boats can be hired at the Coron pier for transfers to and from the island. Its quite expensive to hire a boat, so what we did was to join a group island tour whose stop is banana island and hitched a ride there. The same can be done for the return trip.
We brought food for 3 days, bought from the market at the pier.
When we approached Banana, we immediately saw how beautiful this island is. There were trees all around, a postcard-worthy beach, and a hill that protects everything below. It really gave off that paradise island vibe. We were in for a back-to-basics, back-in-time barefoot experience. The only reminder of modern civilization was the newly-opened 5-star Two Seasons Resort Coron located on the next island.
Our cottage was simple. It was made of bamboo, featured a porch with table and bench, and was right in front of the water. The bathroom was inside the cottage, but water supply came in the form of a pail and dipper. There were probably 7 or so cottages on the entire island.
The family who run the island also live there. They were friendly and love having conversations with their visitors. They cooked the meals for us, and helped with small requests. They even invited us to go fishing with them during the mornings.
The island was one of the best islands to visit in Coron. The sand was white, and the water clear. We were either swimming, kayaking around the island, hanging around on the hammock or just lazying on the beach, watching the sunset. I was walking around Banana barefoot almost the whole time. The beach was so peaceful and tranquil, time just seemed to stand still. There were day visitors who arrive in boats, but when they leave late in the afternoon, the island becomes our private paradise once more.
All in all, we had a fantastic beach trip. We were looking for an authentic unspoiled beach trip and Banana was definitely the place for this. Thanks Banana!
But first, allow us to share some important considerations:
1. Banana island only offers provincial-style fan cottages
2. Electricity is only provided at night
3. Guests have to bring their own food
4. The island is family-run
If you're amenable to that then we recommend a trip to Banana!
The trip to the island takes about an hour and a half from Coron. Boats can be hired at the Coron pier for transfers to and from the island. Its quite expensive to hire a boat, so what we did was to join a group island tour whose stop is banana island and hitched a ride there. The same can be done for the return trip.
We brought food for 3 days, bought from the market at the pier.
When we approached Banana, we immediately saw how beautiful this island is. There were trees all around, a postcard-worthy beach, and a hill that protects everything below. It really gave off that paradise island vibe. We were in for a back-to-basics, back-in-time barefoot experience. The only reminder of modern civilization was the newly-opened 5-star Two Seasons Resort Coron located on the next island.
Our cottage was simple. It was made of bamboo, featured a porch with table and bench, and was right in front of the water. The bathroom was inside the cottage, but water supply came in the form of a pail and dipper. There were probably 7 or so cottages on the entire island.
The family who run the island also live there. They were friendly and love having conversations with their visitors. They cooked the meals for us, and helped with small requests. They even invited us to go fishing with them during the mornings.
The island was one of the best islands to visit in Coron. The sand was white, and the water clear. We were either swimming, kayaking around the island, hanging around on the hammock or just lazying on the beach, watching the sunset. I was walking around Banana barefoot almost the whole time. The beach was so peaceful and tranquil, time just seemed to stand still. There were day visitors who arrive in boats, but when they leave late in the afternoon, the island becomes our private paradise once more.
All in all, we had a fantastic beach trip. We were looking for an authentic unspoiled beach trip and Banana was definitely the place for this. Thanks Banana!
Written May 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria A
Los Angeles, CA72 contributions
May 2017 • Family
This island is just too beautiful for words. All I can say is... I want to be there, RIGHT NOW! Banana Island is part of a package tour that I bought. The water is crystal clear, the water warm.
Written July 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amboy G
Baguio City, Philippines109 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
went here with my family last July 1, 2017 during our Coron vacation. Don't get me wrong though, by itself, banana island is beautiful, more beautiful than most beaches in the Philippines. However i am comparing it (for this review) to the other islands in and around coron. you don't see much by way of snorkeling and its quite far off from Coron pier (about 1 hour+ by boat). the beach is also quite rocky. however, again, compared to other beaches in the Philippines, this island will stand out... but not against the other wonderful beaches and islands in Coron.
Written July 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shari I شاري x
Asia134 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
First off, I love the quirky/catchy name of the island, has quite a nice ring to it. The shoreline, the sandbar, the nipa huts & the lunch served was great!
We snorkeled our way around the island, and the aqua blue water was just surreal. You'd see various fishes swimming around. You wouldn't notice the time as you'd be too busy enjoying yourself swimming and snorkeling through.
When lunch was served, we headed onto one of the nipa huts & savored in the view while munching on the freshest seafood from fish to squid to delicious crabs. There was seaweed salad with tomato as well which was actually tasty. And fresh fruits of mango, pineapple, banana& watermelon. Our drinks were newly opened young coconuts (buko). What a feast & sight it was!
We rested it out a bit here before we headed onto the next part of our island hopping.
Xxx Shari :)
We snorkeled our way around the island, and the aqua blue water was just surreal. You'd see various fishes swimming around. You wouldn't notice the time as you'd be too busy enjoying yourself swimming and snorkeling through.
When lunch was served, we headed onto one of the nipa huts & savored in the view while munching on the freshest seafood from fish to squid to delicious crabs. There was seaweed salad with tomato as well which was actually tasty. And fresh fruits of mango, pineapple, banana& watermelon. Our drinks were newly opened young coconuts (buko). What a feast & sight it was!
We rested it out a bit here before we headed onto the next part of our island hopping.
Xxx Shari :)
Written April 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Momo1975coco
30 contributions
Apr 2013
I am writing this as I sit on a hammock watching the sun rise, over this beautifull island, along side me
Is blackie the owners dog, and Whitey walking around, both of whom slept outside our beachside hut all night.
We arrived yesterday on a tour to 3 islands including banana, we had arranges with the owner many months ago in advance to stay on her island. I guess you can also do ad hoc while you are on a tour.
The island had only us, 2 dogs and the owners family. Once all the tour boats went it was very peaceful.
For those who have said they have no idea why it's called banana island when there are no bananas grown there, the reason is its shaped like a banana leaf. They do have cashew nuts, mango, jackfruit and tamarin
growing here. We spoke to the owners who are very chatty and allowed us to use the family kitchen to cook our parrot fish we bought from coron for 50p
The island does have beach side huts you can rent and for last night we paid 700 peso each (£11-£12) for that price you can not expect a 5 star hotel, but you can expect to get away from it all and experience "island life" someone has mentioned there are plastic chairs, yes and? If you as an island owner are having 200 plus people each day visiting then it would be easier to replace damage? No? Also sea water and air corrodes wood unless its many thousands of pounds. As long as its comfortable so what.
The beaches are pristine and the waters clear, take some bread out and you will have 100's of fish around you.
There is an island 5 mins from here same beaches same water but it's over £600 a night!! What do you get? Noise, modern buildings, is it worth it? I know what I would have.
Come and visit banana island it really is an amazing island.......
Is blackie the owners dog, and Whitey walking around, both of whom slept outside our beachside hut all night.
We arrived yesterday on a tour to 3 islands including banana, we had arranges with the owner many months ago in advance to stay on her island. I guess you can also do ad hoc while you are on a tour.
The island had only us, 2 dogs and the owners family. Once all the tour boats went it was very peaceful.
For those who have said they have no idea why it's called banana island when there are no bananas grown there, the reason is its shaped like a banana leaf. They do have cashew nuts, mango, jackfruit and tamarin
growing here. We spoke to the owners who are very chatty and allowed us to use the family kitchen to cook our parrot fish we bought from coron for 50p
The island does have beach side huts you can rent and for last night we paid 700 peso each (£11-£12) for that price you can not expect a 5 star hotel, but you can expect to get away from it all and experience "island life" someone has mentioned there are plastic chairs, yes and? If you as an island owner are having 200 plus people each day visiting then it would be easier to replace damage? No? Also sea water and air corrodes wood unless its many thousands of pounds. As long as its comfortable so what.
The beaches are pristine and the waters clear, take some bread out and you will have 100's of fish around you.
There is an island 5 mins from here same beaches same water but it's over £600 a night!! What do you get? Noise, modern buildings, is it worth it? I know what I would have.
Come and visit banana island it really is an amazing island.......
Written April 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissa990
Woy Woy, Australia249 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Part of our island hopping trip, this was the best (Banana, Malcapuya and Bulog).
Gets crowded unbelievably fast as most if not all boats have lunch here. Lots of places to have lunch and also lots of hammocks to chill out in and relax for the afternoon. Snorkeling pretty good with lots of fish, coral and also big clams.
Small shop on site that sells snacks and drinks. Toilets basic but clean.
Gets crowded unbelievably fast as most if not all boats have lunch here. Lots of places to have lunch and also lots of hammocks to chill out in and relax for the afternoon. Snorkeling pretty good with lots of fish, coral and also big clams.
Small shop on site that sells snacks and drinks. Toilets basic but clean.
Written October 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay P
Hong Kong, China34 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
I wanted to go solo on a deserted island,armed with a bag of fruit and water, this island wasn't deserted as the owners of Banana Island a nice couple Guido and Violeta, have been building 5 nice cottages. Some excursion boats come to the island 12-2 but windy weather stopped the boats from coming and for 3 days I had the whole Island to my self. Great snorkelling, beach, sun sand and every star in the evening sky. Slice of paradise.
Written February 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
And the ither island is Bulog...
Written October 2, 2019
where did you arrange for your overnight stay? how was the cottage/rooms? salamat
Written October 19, 2018
What is special about coron island?!which one is better El nido or coron?!
Written July 28, 2018
Hey I’m just wondering how can I get there, if I’m coming from Manila? Do you recommend me to fly to El nedo, or direct to busanaga.
Thanks
Written July 23, 2018
Hi! I’ve seen that some people had slept in this island, do you know any your operator or how can I arrange it ? I would really love it. Thanks
Written May 20, 2018
Hello,
If i want to stay in Banana Island Resort, the wood cottages, do I have to take my own food?
Is it possible to get sea food around there?
Thank you very much.
JM
Written December 18, 2015
How do I get from Palawan to Banana island
Written January 1, 2015
From Manila, you need to get a flight to Busuanga, from the airport, the hotel will pick you up and take you to Coron. There are lots of boats there on their pier. You may hire one of the boats to take you to Banana island.
Written June 14, 2015
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