Roomer

Paolyn Floating House Restaurant

Coron, Philippines
$350-550/ night

Book this if You want to wake up directly on the water in a UNESCO biosphere and beat the tourist hordes to Twin Lagoon by paddling there in your pajamas.

Why People Love It

  • The only accommodation actually located ON Coron Island (everyone else is a boat ride away)
  • Free kayaks let you access Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake before the tourist boats arrive
  • Zero light pollution means stargazing from your private deck is world-class

Quick Take: It’s a logistical marvel that feels like a Bond villain's eco-hideout, but you'll pay extra for AC and have to pre-order your dinner like a school lunch.

Reviewed by @nadam.ib: I've never stayed anywhere like this. Living right on the water in a private lagoon was surreal. I spent my days kayaking to hidden spots and snorkeling with turtles right off my deck. It’s rustic but the location is pure magic. Definitely for nature lovers.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

A once-in-a-lifetime bucket list stay that justifies the price with exclusive access to the lagoons.

Reality check

The food is decent but not Michelin-level, and the 'glamping' vibe means you might hear monkeys or creaking wood at night.

  • You're an early riser who wants the lagoons to yourself
  • You're comfortable with 'rustic luxury' (vacuum toilets, solar power)
  • You want total disconnection from the chaotic town center

Cleanliness & Maintenance

9.5
  • Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; staff are praised for keeping a floating structure spotless.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Vacuum toilets prevent the 'marine head' smell common on boats.
  • Maintenance: Excellent condition, though salt air takes a toll so expect minor weathering on wood.
  • Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though not 1,000-thread count luxury.
  • Odors & scents: Fresh sea breeze. No sewage smells reported (a major engineering win).

Sleepability™

9SILENT
SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Morning bird calls and monkeys
  • Occasional creaking of the floating structure

Before you book

Good to know

  • Airport transfer (van + speedboat) is FREE and included, which saves you ~$30-50.
  • There is no ATM on the island; bring plenty of cash for tips and incidentals.
  • WiFi is Starlink and surprisingly fast, but power is solar-dependent.

What to pack

  • Dry bag for kayaking to the lagoons
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (strictly enforced in the lagoon)
  • Earplugs if jungle sounds (monkeys!) tend to wake you up

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Junior Suite (Upper Floor): Private balcony with the best sunset views and more privacy.
  • Mega Glass Houseboat Suites: Floor-to-ceiling glass for immersion, but ensure you use curtains for privacy.

Rooms to avoid

  • Ground floor rooms near the common docking area if you dislike foot traffic passing your window.

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I'd love to request the Junior Suite on the upper deck for the private balcony, or a corner unit on the Glass Houseboat for maximum privacy away from the dock.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is there really no AC?

There is AC hardware in the rooms, but running it requires a generator surcharge of ~2,500 PHP/night. Fans are free and usually sufficient with the breeze.

How do I get there?

Fly into Busuanga (USU). The hotel provides a free van to the pier (30 mins) and a speedboat to the lagoon (15-20 mins).

Can I swim right off my room?

Yes, every houseboat has direct water access via ladders. The water is crystal clear and safe for swimming.

What is the food situation?

You must order lunch and dinner the day before. The menu is Italo-Filipino (owner is Italian). Prices are ~400-500 PHP per main dish.

Are there bugs?

Surprisingly few mosquitoes due to the breeze and saltwater location, but it's still the tropics. Sandflies are rare on the boat itself.

Is it safe for kids?

Allowed, but stressful for toddlers due to open decks and deep water. Best for older kids who can swim well.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    Paddle to Twin Lagoon at 7:00 AM. You will be the only person there for an hour before the tour boats arrive from town.

  • ✨

    Ask for the 'Unicorn Room' if you want a quirky layout with a nice balcony.

  • ✨

    The 'Italian' part of the menu is legit—the owner imports ingredients, so the pasta is better than you'd expect in a jungle lagoon.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The toilets are electric vacuum flush (like on a plane) to protect the lagoon—they make a loud 'whoosh' sound.

  • 💡You might see monkeys on the nearby cliffs or even on the boat decks in the early morning.

  • 💡If you don't pay for AC, the rooms can get stuffy during the day, even with fans.

  • 💡The stairs to Kayangan Lake are steep; doing it from the hotel means you can go late afternoon when it's cooler and empty.

  • 💡You can't just 'pop out' to a store. You are completely off-grid.

Local Playbook

Map

See where Paolyn Floating House Restaurant is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services