Is Concepcion Falls in Busuanga Worth Visiting? A Practical 2026 Guide
Concepcion Falls is a small jungle waterfall located about 40 kilometers from Coron Town on Busuanga Island in Palawan. The 3 to 4 meter cascade flows into clear natural pools surrounded by tropical forest. There is no official entrance fee, although donations are appreciated. Your experience here depends heavily on timing. Visit during rainy season from June to November and you will likely enjoy it. Visit during peak dry season in April or May and you may leave disappointed.
Is Concepcion Falls Worth Visiting?
The honest answer is yes, but only under the right conditions.
This is not a large dramatic waterfall. It is intimate and quiet. The cascade is modest and the main pool measures around 10 meters across. During rainy season the water can reach 5 to 7 feet deep at the base, making it suitable for swimming. In dry season the water level drops significantly and may only reach ankle depth.
If you visit between June and November, especially on a weekday morning, the setting feels peaceful and refreshing. The water is clear, the jungle canopy provides shade, and you may have the place mostly to yourself. On Sundays or during April, the experience can feel very different due to crowds or low water.
Managing expectations makes all the difference.
What Makes It Special?
Despite its size, Concepcion Falls has a few unique qualities.
The water is extremely clear. The jungle surroundings feel natural and relatively untouched. In the shallow sections, small fish gently nibble at your feet. Many visitors call this a natural fish spa experience.
If you stand still in the shallow water, the tiny fish gather around your skin. The sensation feels ticklish but not painful. It is harmless and completely free.
The short five minute walk to reach the falls also makes it accessible for most travelers.
Who Should Visit?
Concepcion Falls is a good fit for nature lovers who enjoy quiet environments, couples looking for a peaceful stop, and budget travelers who appreciate a free attraction. It also works well for visitors who have four or more days in Coron and want to explore beyond island hopping.
It may not suit travelers who only have two or three days in Coron. Island hopping tours and famous lakes should take priority. It may also disappoint visitors expecting a tall or powerful waterfall. Anyone visiting in April or May should reconsider, since water levels can be very low.
The trail includes exposed roots and uneven rocks. There is no wheelchair access.
How to Get There from Coron
The waterfall is about one hour from Coron Town.
The most popular option is renting a motorbike. Daily rental costs around 400 to 600 pesos, and gas for the round trip costs about 100 to 150 pesos. The road is mostly paved and easy to follow. Download offline maps before leaving because signal becomes weak in some areas.
For two people sharing a motorbike, the total cost per person is usually between 300 and 500 pesos.
You can also hire a private tricycle for around 2,500 to 3,000 pesos for several hours. This works better for small groups but takes longer.
Another option is joining a tour that combines the waterfall with Calauit Safari Park. These tours usually cost 1,800 to 2,500 pesos per person and include transportation.
Best Time to Visit
Timing strongly affects the experience.
Rainy season from June to November is the best period. Water flow is stronger, pools are deep enough for swimming, and the jungle looks greener. Fewer tourists visit inland attractions during these months.
Dry season from December to May varies. December to February can still be acceptable. March begins to dry out. April and May often reduce the waterfall to a small trickle.
Weekdays are ideal. Tuesday to Thursday mornings are the quietest. Saturdays are manageable. Sundays are usually crowded with local families gathering for the day.
If possible, arrive before 10 AM.
What to Expect on Arrival
Parking is a simple dirt clearing. There is no formal ticket booth. A donation box may be present near the entrance.
The 600 meter jungle trail takes about five minutes. It is shaded but can be muddy after rain. Proper footwear is recommended.
At the waterfall you will find one main swimming pool, smaller shallow areas, basic wooden changing huts, one restroom with varying cleanliness, and a few concrete picnic tables.
There are no showers, lockers, lifeguards, or reliable phone signal.
Most visitors spend between one and two hours here.
Costs
There is no mandatory entrance fee.
A typical do it yourself visit for two people sharing a motorbike may look like this:
Motorbike rental 400 to 600 pesos
Gas 100 to 150 pesos
Optional donation 50 to 100 pesos
Snacks 100 to 200 pesos
Total per person usually ranges from 300 to 500 pesos.
Organized tours cost more but remove the stress of navigation and transport.
Safety Tips
Rocks in and around the pools are slippery. Water shoes help prevent falls. Always test the water depth before jumping. Avoid visiting during heavy rain because water levels can rise quickly.
Bring insect repellent since mosquitoes are common in jungle areas. There are no medical facilities nearby, so carry basic first aid supplies if needed.
The water is generally calm and safe for swimming, but common sense precautions are important.
Combine It with Other Attractions
The waterfall works best when combined with other nearby spots.
Calauit Safari Park is about 30 minutes away and offers a unique wildlife experience with giraffes and zebras.
Ocam Ocam Beach is about 15 minutes away and provides a quiet stretch of sand and clear water. Many travelers pair a morning at the waterfall with an afternoon at the beach.
Combining attractions makes the long drive more worthwhile.
Final Verdict
Concepcion Falls is small but peaceful. It is not a must see attraction, and it will not impress travelers expecting a dramatic waterfall. However, if you visit during rainy season, arrive early on a weekday, and combine it with nearby attractions, it becomes a pleasant half day escape into nature.
Overall rating 3.5 out of 5.
Set realistic expectations, plan your timing carefully, and you are likely to enjoy the experience.