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.
Adventure engagement + elopement wedding + influencer travel and lifestyle photos in Pinagbuyutan Island. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Destination wedding photography in Southeast Asia x redsheep. Color remastered using redsheep Chromavictrix 160MC+, February 2022.