Big Lagoon
Where? Miniloc Island
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, a private boat tour or kayaking from Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido Resorts)
Limestone Cliffs? Yep. To your heart’s content.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Nope.
Sand Quality? Rather soft, but not powdery. But aside from a *very* small pocket beach, it’s all rocky cliffs here.
Water? Clear. Blue green in the shallow part. Dark green on the deep end.
Sunset? Nope.
Best time for photography? Depends on your photography style. Early morning to mid-morning if you want a contrasty punch with harsh shadows. If you’re the light, airy and diffused type, go for a late afternoon trip. But if you really want to capture the best possible color of the water, hands down, it’s mid-morning.
Crowded? Yes, unless you’re doing an early morning kayak trip from Miniloc. But what else can you expect from El Nido’s poster boy?
Author’s Note? First and only trip to El Nido? Add this to your list.
Small Lagoon
Where? Miniloc Island
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour D, a private boat tour or, if you’re fit enough, you can kayak from Miniloc (El Nido Resorts).
Heads up: it’s much farther from the resort as compared to the Big Lagoon.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. More immersive than the Big Lagoon since the channel is narrower.
Heads down: you have to go through a passage way / tunnel of sorts before reaching the main channel. (Check the 7th photo.)
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Sorry. Lo siento. But no.
Sand Quality? Grainy, and from what I’ve experienced, they’re all underwater. There’s no narrow strip of beach, unlike the one in Big Lagoon.
Water? From ideally turquoise, to foreboding dark green in the deep parts. Those are not Crayola colors.
Sunset? That’s a big no.
Best time for photography? Towering cliffs, eh? So midmorning, high noon and early afternoon are your best bets if you want “punch” and contrast in your photos. 4PM-ish is still ok. Anything outside that gives you flat, even light (i.e., skylight). Some like it that way though.
Crowded? Yes. One or two notches lower than the Big Lagoon.
Author’s Note? If you only have time for just one of the two Lagoons, this might help: Times Square or DUMBO? If your answer is DUMBO, it’s Small Lagoon then.
Pinagbuyutan Island
Where? 49CR+RM El Nido, Palawan
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour B, or a private boat tour.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. But wait. There’s more. Everything that you’ve ever wanted in a tropical island. Read on.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes. More than enough for an übertropical vibe.
Sand Quality? Pretty good. But not in the same tier as Entalula Island and Star Beach in Tapiutan Island.
Water? Clear then gradually turquoise. It’s a bit corally and pebbly on some parts.
Sunset? Surprise. Yes. But not on the main beach. That gargantuan limestone cliff slash mountain blocks the late afternoon sun - the south and eastern beaches get shadowy an hour before sunset. But there’s a pocket beach on the western side. It’s not accessible from the main beach though. And it might be tricky to moor a speedboat there. I did a sunset shoot there once.
Best time for photography? Midmorning to midafternoon.
Crowded? Yes, during primetime. The tour boats leave just as the sun is about to “set” behind the island. Around 4-ish? That gives you a tiny window to take photos - without having to use Spot Removal in Lightroom.
Author’s Note? Pressed for time? It’s Pinagbuyutan Island then. 3 beaches + a pocket beach on the western side. Palm trees. Cogon Grass. A rustic native hut. Mother of limestone cliffs, with twin peaks at that. And oozing with tropical quintessence without having to walk for more than five minutes. Just pray that they’re not filming a Survivor spin-off. No, seriously. They do film immunity challenges here.
Entalula Island
Where? 48GP+W7 El Nido, Palawan
Access? Entalula Beach: El Nido Island Hopping Tour B or a private boat tour.
Entalula Beach Club and the beach on the western side: El Nido Resorts guests only (day tour or private events)
Limestone Cliffs? Yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes.
Sand Quality? Powdery white, close to White Beach Station 1 in Boracay. But it becomes pebbly and shelly as you go closer to the water.
Water? Clear, perfect for snorkeling.
Sunset? On the west beach, yes. On the main beach and Entalula Beach Club, it gets shadowy an hour before sunset.
Best time for photography? Midmorning to midafternoon. High noon if you’re doing underwater photos.
Crowded? Entalula Beach Club, not at all. But during peak season, expect the main beach to be a bit crowded. But it’s still not as crowded as Helicopter Island.
Author’s Note? Arguably the best white sand beach in El Nido.
Snake Island
Where? Vigan Island
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour B or a private boat tour. If you’re coming from Pagauanen (mainland Palawan), you can actually walk. In theory.
As with any sandbar, take note of the tidal conditions before going.
Limestone Cliffs? Nope.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? On the Vigan Island side? Sparse. On the mainland side though, it’s pretty decent. But not like Pinagbuyutan. Or Siargao.
Sand Quality? Stones and coral shards near Vigan Island. But it gets soft and sandy as you walk towards the mainland.
Water? Clear and sandy white directly above the sandbar. Light blue to turquoise blue on the northern side.
Sunset? Not exactly the best place. The hills of mainland Palawan cover the western horizon.
Best time for photography? Morning to noon. Or possible even shortly after. As long as the sun is in the eastern side of the sky, everything westward - the sandbar itself and the hills of mainland Palawan included - are perfectly lit.
Crowded? Yes. [ your name here ] and 1,001 other liked this post. Island, I mean. Basically, half are trekking up the hill and half are on the sandbar itself.
Author’s Note? Walk up the hill to see the entire length of the sandbar. But you knew that already. Want something else? Use a telephoto lens to compress the helll out of the coconut trees on the mainland. Check out the third photo above.
Hidden Beach
Where? Matinloc Island
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour C or a private boat tour
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. Heck Yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Nope.
Sand Quality? Near white but sharp n’ shelly.
Water? Clear.
Sunset? Nope, since it’s northeast-facing. But as with any north-facing sky, you’ll get a big blue sky most of the time.
Best time for photography? Mid-morning to noon. It gets a bit shadowy by mid-afternoon. Not exactly a good thing if you want your subjects to pop in the foreground. For your reference, the last photo was taken at 3:24PM.
The first five photos where all taken before 11:00AM.
Crowded? You bet. It’s anything but “tranquil” as described by GoogleMaps. These photos were taken a few days before the COVID-19 lockdown. Under normal circumstances during peak season, you won’t be able to get a clear shot, unless you digitally remove everyone else.
Author’s Note? Danny Boyle’s “The Beach” vibe, but way way smaller.
Helicopter Island
Where? Dilumacad Island or Helicopter Island.
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour C or a private boat tour.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes.
Sand Quality? Cream, fine, but not powdery.
Water? Clean and clear, then gradually beautifully blue. Good for snorkeling.
Sunset? Sorry. The main beach is east-facing.
Best time for photography? Mid-afternoon to late afternoon so you’ll have Cadlao Island perfectly lit as your background. If I’m not mistaken, the public boat tours go here in the morning.
Crowded? Chaotic. That’s if you go there on a public boat tour with everyone else.
Author’s Note? Last time I shot was here was in 2017. Unjustifiably crowded. Unlike Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Pinagbuyutan Island - all these live up to the hype. The only redeeming factor is its proximity to Cadlao Island, which gives you a damn beautiful backdrop.
Cadlao Island: Beaches & Coves
Where? Cadlao Island
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour D, or a private tour.
Limestone Cliffs? Not “A” cliff. But “THE” cliff. Cadlao Island’s prominent peak.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? It gets pretty dense on the private beach in front of Bukal Island. But I’m not sure if you can moor your boat there.
Sand Quality? Bukal Beach: coarse white with shells. Natnat Beach: Near-powdery white. Cadlao Lagoon: the pocket beach is quite shelly.
Water? Natnat is good for snorkeling. Bukal Beach is beautifully turquoise, but there’s debris. Don’t panic - it’s organic. Cadlao Lagoon? Definitely not as crowded as Big and Small Lagoon. But it’s not as impressive either. For completionists only.
Sunset? That’s a “no” for Bukal Beach, Natnat Beach and Cadlao Lagoon.
Best time for photography? An hour before sunset. Read: tall, towering limestone cliffs blocking the western sky. For Bukal Beach in particular, the noontime sun brings out water’s best color. If you’re doing underwater photography, as with any other location, shoot from 11:00AM to 2:00PM.
Crowded? Natnat is the crowd drawer here. But compared to the mainstream Trip Advisor-ish spots in El Nido (the Lagoons, Pinagbuyutan Island, Seven Commandos and Helicopter Island), there’s a bigger chance that you’ll have quality chill time in Cadlao Island.
Author’s Note? I shoot here often because there’s significantly fewer people. Cadlao Island’s geographic features are very picturesque.
Cadlao Island: Paradise Beach
Where? Cadlao Island
Access? El Nido Island Hopping Tour D, a private tour or 40 minutes by kayak from El Nido Town.
Cardio and/or photo breaks included. Just paddle straight on from Art Cafe.
Limestone Cliffs? Not “A” cliff. But “THE” cliff. That is, Cadlao Island’s prominent peak.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? There are a few, but they’re anything but dominant.
Sand Quality? Average El Nido island sand - pinkish white - which is pretty good.
Water? Just one or two meters of clear water, then it’s greenish blue to dark blue after. Not exactly ideal for swimming.
Sunset? Nope and it becomes heavily shaded an hour before sunset, because of Cadlao Island’s towering cliff. And it’s facing south as well.
Best time for photography? I usually shoot here 3PM-ish to 4PM at the latest - generally an hour or two before sunset.
The mid-afternoon sun gives off very flattering light.
Crowded? Heck no. Tour D is criminally underrated and kayaking a few kilometers past an open channel isn’t exactly touristy. I’ve been here more than 5 times and I haven’t seen it occupied by more than 5 other persons at any given time.
Author’s Note? There’s a rustic swing at the far end.
Cadlao Island: West Beach
Where? At the western end of Cadlao Island
Access? Private Tour. This is not part of the normal island hopping tours. We came here on a private boat tour c/o El Nido Resorts.
Limestone Cliffs? On the beach itself, there’s one. But I’m sure you won’t miss all of ‘em cliffs and jagged rocks along the coast of Cadlao on your way here.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? There are a few. But you can count them with your fingers and toes.
Sand Quality? Cream-colored and powdery. It’s a virgin beach so it’s squeaky clean!
Water? Very very clear, even when you’re in waist-deep water. You can spot a jellyfish even if it’s a few meters away.
Sunset? Yes. It’s west-facing.
Best time for photography? We came here mid-morning. You have direct light coming from the east. Golden hour shoots here must be awesome.
Crowded? Not at all. All 750 meters of it. No vendors. No selfie-stick people. Just one beach hut owned by the caretaker.
Author’s Note? Say “Heck Yeah” if you love empty, virgin beaches. Heck Yeah.
El Nido Resorts: Miniloc Island Resort
Where? Miniloc Island.
Access? Private. El Nido Resorts guests only. (i.e., Lagen and Pangulasian guests can also go here via scheduled day trips.)
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. They welcome you with open arms, and cradle your back as you sleep. Figuratively, of course.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes. Ample by the poolside and near the basketball court.
Sand Quality? Typical white, but if you want powdery white, you can join the scheduled day trips to Entalula Island.
Water? Clear, but it’s more for snorkeling than leisure swimming. Don’t worry, they have a fancy swimming pool.
Sunset? Sorry. It’s southeast-facing. Then again, you can’t have it all.
Best time for photography? The soft morning sun illuminates the resort perfectly - that’s you standing on the jetty, with the resort and the island behind your back. Gets a bit harsher towards lunch time though. You can go a bit backlit in the early afternoon, before it gets shadowy and grey closer to sunset.
Crowded? From my experience, I’ve seen more guests here at a given time, than Lagen (a fair comparison) and Pangulasian (for obvious reasons). But it’s still a far cry from crowded. Doesn’t feel commercial at all. No, no - you’ll never get that “big commercial resort chain” feel in El Nido Resorts.
Author’s Note? The Big Lagoon is 15 to 20 minutes away via kayak. Then there’s the twice-daily experience of swimming with jackfish - 'em pretty big ones. I know the words “immersion” and “luxury resort” don’t belong in the same sentence, but — if having an immersive experience is on your list, Miniloc’s water cottages are the most indigenously Filipino-looking among the three El Nido Resorts resorts in Bacuit Bay.
El Nido Resorts: Miniloc Island Big Lagoon Beach
Where? Miniloc Island. It’s the small beach at the entrance of the Big Lagoon.
Access? Private. El Nido Resorts guests only.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. Yes. Yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Sorry, but the flora here isn’t palmy or coconuty. Still tropical though.
Sand Quality? Shelly white near the shore. Fairly powdery white as you go inland.
Water? Clear in the shallow part and towards the direction of the Big Lagoon.
Sunset? None. You would have to venture out to Bacuit Bay, just behind Miniloc, for sunset photos.
Best time for photography? Here’s the challenge - you have to be here mid-afternoon if you want strong, directional light on both your subject and the prominent limestone cliffs in the background (second photo). Otherwise, it will be shadows on the beach versus strong, direct light on the cliffs. Unless it’s overcast where you have skylight and even lighting throughout (first photo).
Crowded? Don’t you just love private coves?
Author’s Note? This beach is southeast-facing — perfect for moonrise shots.
El Nido Resorts: Lagen Island Resort
Where? Lagen Island.
Access? Private. El Nido Resorts guests only. (i.e., Miniloc and Pangulasian guests can also go here via scheduled day trips.)
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. Same as with Miniloc: they welcome you with open arms, and cradle your back as you sleep. And figuratively as well.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes, a decent row of ‘em at the poolside.
Sand Quality? There’s a small, pocket beach. A bit shelly and is primarily used for beaching kayaks and paddleboards.
Then there’s Cove 2 which you can access via kayak, a “there in a jiffy” speedboat ride, or a 40++ minute rainforest trek. Not exactly sure. Might be longer than that. That was three years ago. The sand is also shelly. Same as my advice for Miniloc: join the day trip to Entalula for that powdery white sand experience. Almost like Boracay, minus the crowds, plus the limestone cliffs.
Water? Clear. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay in one of the water cottages.
Sunset? Yes Virginia, there is.
Best time for photography? Golden hour for warm and moody lighting. Morning if you want sunlight on the limestone cliffs.
Shooting on their iconic jetty or limestone cliffs? Avoid the late afternoon shadows.
Crowded? Not at all. Enjoy that sought-after privacy that you were craving for.
Author’s Note? Going to Lagen Cove 2? Ditch the speedboat. Take the unforgettable (but admittedly arduous) forest trek from the resort. Or perhaps, a kayak.
Burn some calories first. Then order a burger and some chips or fries. And Coke. Then burn ‘em again on your way back.
El Nido Resorts: Lagen Cove 2
Where? Lagen Island
Access? Private. El Nido Resorts guests only. Via speed boat, kayak or an arduous trek through a rainforest.
Limestone Cliffs? Oh yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? There are, but a few.
Sand Quality? Shelly near the shore. Decently powdery as you venture inland.
Water? Aqua, then deep blue all of a sudden.
Sunset? It’s west-facing, but there’s a catch — you can see mainland Palawan on the horizon, which means you won’t see the sun go below the horizon.
There’s a workaround though - ye good ol’ Bacuit Bay sunset cruise care of El Nido Resorts.
Best time for photography? Late afternoon onwards. From nice warm golden light, gradually fading into bluish red hues that make up blue hour.
Crowded? El Nido Resorts guests only. Yey!
Author’s Note? A long stretch of beach + a prominent limestone cliff make it convenient for couple portraits after the ceremony; there’s no need to go on an auxiliary trip to another island if you want to spend more time with your guests. Then there’s Lagen Island Sandbar a stone’s throw away: figuratively if you’re human, literally if you’re metahuman.
El Nido Resorts: Lagen Island Sandbar
Where? South-eastern side of Lagen Island (El Nido Resorts)
Access? An El Nido Resorts boat tour / not an easy 20++ minute kayak from Lagen Island Resort / I’ve seen other private tours dock here as well.
Limestone Cliffs? There. Lagen Island’s limestone cliffs, in full view.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Nope. Just sand, sand, sand.
Sand Quality? Rather pebbly. Barefoot, yes, but it’s not exactly comfortable.
Water? Not exactly crystal clear. As a consolation, it gets nice and blue as you go closer to Lagen.
Sunset? Nope. The sun hides behind Lagen 30 minutes before sunset.
Best time for photography? Beginner? Morning sun, if you want direct sunlight on your face, with Lagen Island perfectly lit in the background. Pro? Nice, ethereal backlighting in the afternoon. (Check out the fourth photo in the slideshow.)
Crowded? Not at all. It’s basically out of the way from the rest of the public island hopping tours.
Author’s Note? Having a wedding or elopement ceremony in Lagen Island? Chances are, I’ll do your bride and groom portraits here.
El Nido Resorts: Pangulasian Island Resort
Where? Pangulasian Island.
Access? Top Tier Private. Pangulasian guests only. (i.e., Doesn’t go both ways: Miniloc and Lagen guests can’t go here on a day trip.)
Limestone Cliffs? It has a high point, but I wouldn’t consider it as a “textbook El Nido cliff”, as compared to the ones in Lagen and Miniloc.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes. Good enough for a cliché postcard of a tropical island with the words “Wise You Were Here”. That’s a good thing BTW.
Sand Quality? Shelly near the reception area. But it gets gradually softer towards the far end of the main beach.
Water? Clear near the shore, beautifully aqua a bit farther.
Sunset? The resort is facing south. But wait, there’s a workaround. Two actually. Go on a sunset cruise, or take the trek up to the island’s view deck for a superlatively commanding view of Bacuit Bay - jaw-droppingly gorgeous sunset and all.
Best time for photography? Mid afternoon for pool shots. You lose directional sunlight in the late afternoon, but that’s still ok if you want soft, even lighting.
Crowded? Ha. Hell no. As expected.
Author’s Note? [whispers] Villa 28. [winks]
Three Coconuts x Skipper Charters
Where? Mainland El Nido (Pagauanen, as the southwestern part of Bacuit Bay) but…
Access? Private. You can only access this cove by boat (ie, an island hopping tour with Skipper Charters).
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. End to end.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Here’s the good news - there’s more than three!
Water? Deep blue with pockets of aqua.
Sunset? No, sorry. It’s north-facing.
Best time for photography? You have a north-facing sky. The sun travels from east to west, so it’s pretty consistent from midmorning to late afternoon.
Crowded? Not at all. Skipper Charters and Frangipani El Nido guests only. They normally stop here for lunch during their island hopping tours.
Author’s Note? I’ve only shot here once, but the bamboo jetty — that’s one hell of a clincher. Perfect for tropical adventure-themed photo shoots.
I obviously milked it to the very last drop.
Star Beach x El Nido Yachting Club
Where? Tapiutan Island. Northwest of Matinloc Island.
Access? El Nido Yachting Club. You’ll stop here for lunch.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Ummm… errrr… one?
Sand Quality? Pretty good, actually. Soft, but one tier lower than “immaculate powdery white”.
Water? Deep, dark blue surrounding Tapiutan Island, but clear and aqua near the shore.
Sunset? No, sorry. It’s east-facing.
Best time for photography? Midmorning to mid afternoon.
Crowded? The entry point is quite small. That’s the one with native huts (where you’ll have lunch).
But you can make your way northward to the main beach. You’ll definitely have ample personal space.
Author’s Note? Uphill, on the main beach, you have a pretty nice view of Matinloc Island and Tapiutan Strait.
Bacuit Bay (Day Tour)
Where? Bacuit Bay
Access? Public Tour. Private Tour. Or kayak from the mainland.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Depends on which island.
Water? Deep, dark blue.
Sunset? Just head westward, beyond Miniloc and Matinloc Island.
Best time for photography? Sunset. But it also depends on what type of light you prefer, or which island you want to be in the background.
Crowded? It’s f(x) where x is the number of people on your boat.
Author’s Note? The water’s color is a function of its depth, the color of the sand directly below it, the magnitude and angle of incidence of sunlight hitting it, and the sky and type of cloud cover directly above it.
Bacuit Bay: Sunset Cruise
Where? Bacuit Bay, on the western side, beyond Matinloc Island. The Guntao Islands are typically in the shot’s foreground.
Access? A scheduled or chartered El Nido Resorts sunset cruise or a private boat tour with a special permit from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. You’ll pass them by as you make your way to the western side of Bacuit Bay.
Water? Deep, dark blue.
Sunset? Meta.
Best time for photography? 20 minutes before sunset all the way down to blue hour.
Author’s Note? All the photos in this set are part of sunset cruises organized by El Nido Resorts (Lagen, Miniloc or Pangulasian).
Public group tours and even regular private chartered tours have to be back in El Nido Town or Corong-Corong waaay before sunset, as per the Philippine Coast Guard’s regulations.
Nacpan Beach
Where? 20 kms north of El Nido Town.
Access? By land. Around 30-40 minutes by car; a bit longer on a motorbike.
Limestone Cliffs? Nope. Nada. Zilch.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Definitely. But still not at par with Siargao.
Sand Quality? Utterly sandy. Cliche tropical beige. Nice and soft. Barefoot mode: on.
Water? Bluish, then foamy white as the waves crash a few meters from the shoreline.
Sunset? Yes, but beyond Twin Beach. See below.
Best time for photography? Any, since there are no geographic / topographic features that would block sunlight. Stay after sunset for killer blue hour shots.
Crowded? Sadly, not as isolated as when we first shot here in 2013. Beach bars, day trippers, a glamping site.
Author’s Note? We’re Nacpan OGs! Saw how beautifully virgin this was way back in 2013.
Twin Beach
Where? At the southern end of Nacpan Beach, 20 kms north of El Nido Town.
Access? By land. Around 30-40 minutes by car; slightly more on a motorbike.
Limestone Cliffs? There’s a cliff alright, but it ain’t limestone.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes, but sparse and scattered. One the way here from Nacpan Beach, there’s a decently thick row of coconut trees.
Sand Quality? Utterly sandy. Nice and soft. Barefoot mode: on.
Water? Strong waves for the win.
Sunset? Yes. On the ridge side (western side).
Best time for photography? Any, since there are no geographic / topographic features that would block sunlight.
Crowded? Not as crowded as neighboring Nacpan. Not at all.
Author’s Note? There used to be sand fleas here 7 years ago - that level of being “off the beaten path”.
Corong-Corong Beach
Where? Mainland El Nido
Access? By land. 5 to 7 minutes from El Nido Town via tricycle. Just say the magic words: “Pops District” or “Republica Sunset Bar”.
Limestone Cliffs? A big one at the northern end.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Just pockets of it. It’s a non-uniform mishmash of tropical flora.
Sand Quality? Fine but a bit average light grey sand, with an unwelcome mixture of mud in some parts.
Water? It’s ankle-deep, so you can see the sandy bottom and be wary of sea urchins.
Sunset? The best things in life are free. That’s a yes, with minimal effort. The one in Las Cabanas requires a fair amount of walking.
Best time for photography? Thirty minutes before sunset up until blue hour and twilight.
Crowded? At 1.5 to roughly 2kms long, it has every reason not to be. Except for the areas with beach bars: Panorama, Republica Sunset Bar and Pops District.
Author’s Note? I have a lot. Want low key luxe in the mainland? That’s Frangipani El Nido for you. Try the Lechon Fiesta there, even if you’re just passing by. On a budget? Suites by Eco Hotel. Altrove Pizza has a branch in Pops District that a lot less crowded than the main one in El Nido Town. You can also try La Lupa if you want an alternative. Third Wave Coffee? The Cavern. Want the best seat in Republica Sunset Bar? Go there an hour before sunset, sit at the bar facing Bacuit Bay, the one behind the wooden beam. Still better than an SPF 70 sunscreen. No pain, no gain. If you want a younger, hipper vibe (at the expense of a commanding view though), there’s Panorama.
Las Cabanas & Maremegmeg Beach
Where? Mainland El Nido. It’s before Corong-Corong if you’re coming from Puerto Princesa.
Access? By land. Just say the magic word: McDonald’s. Then it’s a chill 10-minute walk from the national highway.
Limestone Cliffs? Nope. You’re here for the sunset.
Palm Trees / Coconut Trees? Yes, fairly decent in terms of density. But still not like Siargao.
Sand Quality? Lackluster. Average Joe. But good enough for bumming around.
Water? Not exactly clear. [sigh]
Sunset? Yes. Definitely. Come for the sunset, stay for a starry night sky shot.
Best time for photography? From sunset all the way up to blue hour.
Crowded? Very. But hey. So is Venice.
Author’s Note? Just walk down further, beyond Las Cabanas Beach, or brave the jagged rocks to Depeldet Island for a better than usual souvenir photo.
Papaya Beach
Where? Mainland El Nido BUT it can only be accessed by boat or kayak.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes.
Sand Quality? Fine. Light gray to bordering near-white.
Water? It’s ok. “It’s ok.” when you’re in El Nido is not exactly a good thing.
Sunset? Fringes of it. You’re facing the Southwestern sky.
Best time for photography? Late afternoon.
Crowded? Not as crowded as Seven Commandos right next door.
Author’s Note? Chances are, if you’re getting married in El Nido and you’re not staying in an El Nido Resorts resort or Frangipani El Nido, you’ll have your ceremony here. This is one of the few coves and beaches that you can reserve for weddings and events.
Lio Beach
Where? Lio Tourism Estate, 5 to 10 minutes from the El Nido Airport (ENI) or 20++ minutes from El Nido Town.
There’s a shuttle that leaves every hour starting at 8:00AM.
Limestone Cliffs? No, not here.
Sand Quality? Middle grey. Fine, but not powdery. It’s clean though, and they beach comb it every morning.
Water? Like Seminyak, Bali. Strong waves (which I like). But it’s silty-sandy as a consequence. Not for snorkeling.
Author’s Note? If you want a virgin/empty tropical beach vibe, walk all the way to the northernmost end, past Seda. There’s hardly anyone there even in the summer months. Done shooting? There’s Shaka El Nido and Jungle Bar by PIOPIO.
El Nido Town
Where? Head to the northeastern end of El Nido beach, towards the direction of Caalan Beach.
Limestone Cliffs? Yes. Taraw Peak and Cadlao Island.
Sand Quality? Below average quality, to oil-infused gray. But hey, it’s way better now than two years ago.
Water? Please, no. Corong-Corong is just a few minutes away.
Sunset? Not directly. Go to a more west-facing beach, like Corong-Corong or Las Cabanas.
Best time for photography? Mid-morning to an hour or two before sunset.
Author’s Note? The shooting spot above? Minimum effort, maximum profit. And while you’re there, you might as well do the following: Taste El Nido (Anti-oxidant Orange smoothie bowl), Osaka Castle (decent Japanese food), Altrove Pizza (but the one in Corong-Corong is less crowded). Then there’s Friendz Hostel and Spin Designer Hostel for your lodging options.
Starry Night Sky Photography
Where? Miniloc Island, Lagen Island, Pangulasian Island, Dibuluan Island, Entalula Island, the far end of Las Cabanas Beach, Caalan Beach beyond El Nido Town, the far end of Lio Beach and Nacpan Beach.
Best time for photography? After Astronomical Sunset (ie, when it’s officially night). If you’re shooting the Milky Way, better use an app (SkyGuide, PhotoPills, etc).
Author’s Note? There’s significant light pollution coming from El Nido Town so strictly speaking, El Nido isn’t a dark sky location (I’ve been to legit ones, such as Mauna Kea in Hawaii, and Lake Tekapo in New Zealand).
But wait, there’s hope. Aim towards a west-facing sky. And pray for perfect conditions. The Milky Way shot in the third photo? That was at the heart of densely populated Corong-Corong. It was taken after one whole day of torrential rains, so the atmosphere was clear and smog free in the evening.
That’s qarah - being put at the right place at the right time. All of my Milky Way shots were actually unplanned.
Intimate wedding, travel couple, honeymoon, elopement wedding and adventure engagement photography in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines and in Southeast Asia x @redsheepphotocinema. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavibe 160M. September 2020.