Coron Health & Safety
Why Do Wounds Heal Slowly in the Tropical Climate?
If you get a small scratch from a coral reef, a scooter scrape, or a mosquito bite, you will notice that wounds heal very slowly in the tropics.
The air in Palawan is very warm and humid. This wet environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Sweat and saltwater can also irritate your skin, which keeps the wound open for a longer time. Even a tiny cut can quickly become a serious infection if you ignore it.
How to Clean and Care for Cuts in the Tropics
- Wash immediately: Clean the wound with clean, bottled water and mild soap right away.
- Disinfect everything: Apply an antiseptic liquid or cream (like iodine or Betadine) to kill the bacteria.
- Keep it dry: Put a breathable bandage over the cut to protect it from dust and flies, and change it daily.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Coron and Busuanga?
Important Rule: Do not drink tap water anywhere on the island!
The local tap water is not safe for travelers to drink and can cause severe stomach issues.
- Drink Purified Water Only: Always buy bottled water or use purified water from large blue refill jugs provided by your hostel or hotel.
- Be Careful with Ice: In standard tourist restaurants and nice hotels, the ice is made from purified water and is safe. If you visit very remote local villages, it is safer to ask for drinks without ice.
- Brushing Your Teeth: Use bottled water to brush your teeth to be 100% safe.
What Vaccinations Do You Need for Palawan?
Before you travel to the Philippines, you should make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. There are three main health risks you should know about:
- Tetanus: This is crucial. If you scratch yourself on rusty metal, a scooter, or sharp rocks, you need a current tetanus vaccine.
- Rabies (Tollwut): There are many stray dogs and monkeys on the islands. Rabies is fatal if untreated. If any animal bites or scratches you, wash the wound instantly with soap and go straight to a doctor for post-exposure shots.
- Dengue Fever: Dengue is a virus spread by mosquitoes that bite during the daytime. There is no vaccine for short-term tourists, so your best defense is protection.
How Can I Prevent Mosquito Bites and Illness?
You can easily prevent most common travel illnesses by planning ahead and packing the right gear.
- Wear Water Shoes: When you go island hopping or walk on beaches like Ocam Ocam or Black Island, always wear protective water shoes. They protect your feet from sharp coral, sea urchins, and hidden stonefish.
- Use Strong Insect Repellent: Buy a repellent with DEET or Picardin. Apply it during the day and especially around sunset to protect yourself from Dengue mosquitoes.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical sun is very strong. Drink plenty of purified water throughout the day to avoid heat stroke.
Where Can You Buy Medicine in Coron Town?
If you need rehydration salts, painkillers, stomach medicine, or band-aids, you do not need to see a doctor immediately. Local pharmacies (drugstores) can help you with basic health issues.
- Where to Find Them: You will find several well-stocked pharmacies along the National Highway and Real Street in Coron Town Proper (such as Jhunbelle Drugstore or Dr. Care Pharmacy).
- Pharmacists Speak English: The staff in the pharmacies speak excellent English. You can explain your symptoms, and they will recommend the right medicine.
Emergency Medical Numbers and Hospitals in Busuanga
If you have a serious medical emergency, a deep wound, or an animal bite, you must seek professional medical treatment immediately.
General Emergency Number: Dial 911 for an ambulance or immediate medical rescue.
- Coron District Hospital: Located in Coron Town, this public facility can handle basic medical emergencies, standard illnesses, and provides anti-rabies treatments.
- Busuanga Emergency Rescue: If you are staying on the remote western side near Salvacion or Ocam Ocam Beach, call 0966-476-1174 for local emergency assistance.
