Mt. Tapyas is Coron’s version of Sugarloaf in Rio, with a mix of Hollywood style. Perched on top of this mountain (also known as Coron Hill) is a giant white cross and “Coron” spelled out in big white letters, almost like the Hollywood Hills.
One of the best places in Coron for sunset is Mt. Tapyas. After climbing the 700+ stairs to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Coron, with the sun setting behind the islands directly in front of Coron town.
Along with great views, you’ll get a close-up view of the white Coron sign and a giant cross. A hike to the top of Mt. Tapyas is worth it, and it’s one of the best things to do in Coron!
Mt. Tapyas History
The mountain allegedly got its name from WWII, when Japanese Soldiers were hiding on the hill when US fighter pilots bombed it, knocking off part of the top. Tapyas means to chip or cut in the local dialect.
Also known as Coron Hill, Mt. Tapyas falls short of most definitions of a mountain, but it still gives one of the best views in Coron.
Elevation of Mt. Tapyas: 163 Meters (535 ft) above sea level
How Hard is the Climb up Mt. Tapyas
Overall, it is an easy hike as long as you can handle the stairs. It is paved all the way to the top. Along the way, there are a few nice viewpoints to stop while you take a break from the ascend.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to just about anyone, no matter their fitness level. However, there are no handicapped facilities currently.
I would advise against rushing up the steps after a whole day of shipwreck diving in Coron. I was tight on time, so I did it, but I did not feel awesome climbing the steps and the elevation change.
How many stairs to the top of Mt. Tapyas
From the parking area to the viewpoint at the top of Mt Tapyas is 721 steps. There are many landings equipped with benches, most with viewpoints to catch your breath.
We found most sets of steps not very steep. Each step gained less elevation than a standard step in most sections.
Mt Tapyas Entrance Fee
This is one of the best free things to do in Coron. There is no entrance fee or parking fee. Parking is adequate for motorbikes, but if you plan to park a car, you would need to arrive well in advance of the busy sunset time.
- Entrance: free
- Parking: free
Tips for Hiking Mt. Tapyas
Avoid Hiking mid-day – It can get hot during the middle of the afternoon most times of the year, making the hike hard. Plus, the views are better at sunrise or even more so at sunset.
Sunset is one of the best times – If we had to pick the best time to climb Mount Tapyas, it would be a sunset. The southwest-facing viewing deck is perfect for sunset.
Stay until the lights come on – Most people leave shortly after the sun plunges into the sea, but we recommend staying to see the Coron Sign light up and the sunset fade into the twilight. Just bring a flashlight or make sure your phone is charged enough to use the flashlight on it to better see the stairs on the way down.
What to Bring on a Hike up Mt. Tapyas
You don’t need to bring too much, but a few things will make your trip up a lot better. However, don’t worry too much because there are vendors at the top and along the path with drinks and snacks.
What to bring:
- 1 liter of water per person, especially important if hiking during the warmer part of the day. (water can be purchased along the way too.
- Camera to capture the views.
- Flashlight or headlamp for returning after sunset.
- Standard tennis shoes or even sandals are fine. The path and stairs are all paved.
Sunset on Mt. Tapyas
This is the best place in Coron for sunset, with panoramic views of Coron Island, Uson Island, and Coron Town with the sun setting behind. The view deck of Mt. Tapyas faces southwest with sweeping views of the horizon.
If you want to watch the sunset from the top of Mt. Tapyas, start heading up at least one hour before sunset, 1.5 hours is better so you aren’t rushing up the hundreds of steps as the colors start to get good.
We find some of the best sunset colors start to show about a half-hour before sunset and linger well past. So make sure to get up to the viewing deck, catch your breath, and claim a spot for sunset.
Sunset is probably the busiest time of day here, but even so, there was plenty of room.
Related: Best Restaurants in Coron
Night views of Coron from Mt Tapyas
If you aren’t in a rush to go down Mt. Tapyas, stick around until the lights on the sign and the cross come on. By that time, the crowds will have thinned, and the day’s last light will cast soft pastel colors of Coron.
If you stay until after daylight, bring a little flashlight or your phone’s flashlight because the path is only intermittently lit.
On our last trek up Mt. Tayaps for sunset, the colors lingered in the sky nearly an hour past sunset. We were one of the few left up at the top with some of the best colors all to ourselves.
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Coron check prices on Booking.com. We’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*
Recommended Hotel in Coron – Corto del Mar Hotel
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