Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Kayangan Lake Viewpoint, Coron
The elevated viewpoint above Kayangan Lake offers one of the most iconic shots in the Philippines — a panoramic view of the turquoise lake framed by dramatic limestone karst cliffs with Coron Bay visible beyond. Join the first boat transfer from Coron pier to arrive before the crowds.
Best time: morning (8-10AM)
El Nido Big Lagoon
Towering limestone karst walls reflected in mirror-still turquoise water — the Big Lagoon is one of the most photographed natural landscapes in Southeast Asia. The light inside the enclosed lagoon is soft and perfect for photography throughout the morning.
Best time: morning (8-11AM)
Las Cabanas Sunset Zipline
The zipline at Las Cabanas Beach passes directly into the sunset silhouetting riders against vivid orange sky and karst islands. Action shots of the zipline with the sunset behind create stunning images unique to El Nido.
Best time: sunset (5-6:30PM)
Nacpan Beach Sunset
The long expanse of Nacpan Beach with coconut palms leaning over the sand creates a classic tropical paradise scene. The sunset from the north end looking south along the beach with warm golden light on the sand is exceptional.
Best time: late afternoon to sunset
Coron Tapyas Mountain Sunrise
The 360-degree view from Tapyas Mountain cross gives a sweeping panoramic shot of Coron Bay, the limestone karst islands, and Busuanga Island. The sunrise light creates a spectacular layered mist effect over the islands.
Best time: sunrise (5:30-7AM)
El Nido Small Lagoon Kayak Entry
The narrow cave passage that opens into the Small Lagoon creates a dramatic doorway shot with brilliant light from within the enclosed basin contrasting with the dark cave walls. Best captured with someone paddling through the entrance.
Best time: morning (7-10AM)
Matinloc Shrine Viewpoint
The viewpoint above Matinloc Shrine offers a spectacular panorama of the outer Bacuit Archipelago — turquoise water dotted with limestone karst islands in every direction. One of the widest panoramic views accessible without a drone in El Nido.
Best time: morning (9-11AM)
Puerto Princesa Underground River Cave Entrance
The cave entrance emerges onto a stunning beach framed by tropical vegetation and limestone. The contrast between the dark cave interior and bright beach exterior creates naturally dramatic compositions. Inside, boat tours allow photography of the stalactite formations.
Best time: morning (8-9AM when light enters cave)
Twin Lagoon Coron
The interior of Twin Lagoon's inner basin — framed by vertical limestone walls with the bright passage connecting to the outer lagoon — creates striking geometric compositions. The water's turquoise color is most intense in midday light.
Best time: late morning (10AM-12PM)
El Nido Town at Night
The El Nido beachfront strip at night with lanterns, fire performers, and the silhouettes of karst islands in the background creates a magical travel scene. The warm light from beach bars and restaurants sets a beautiful atmospheric tone.
Best time: evening (7-9PM)
Honda Bay Starfish Island
The shallow crystal water over white sand around Starfish Island creates an extraordinary underwater shooting environment — dense starfish against brilliant white sand in water so clear it barely registers on camera.
Best time: midday (10AM-2PM)
Coron WWII Shipwreck (underwater)
The WWII Japanese shipwrecks in Coron Bay covered in coral and inhabited by vast schools of fish provide extraordinary underwater photography opportunities. The Akitsushima seaplane tender in particular offers large open structures ideal for wide-angle photography.
Best time: morning dive (8-11AM for best visibility)
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Palawan's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Tapyas Mountain Coron, Nacpan Beach north end, Long Beach San Vicente
Sunset photography
Las Cabanas Beach El Nido, Corong-Corong Beach, Coron Town waterfront
Architecture photography
Immaculate Conception Cathedral Puerto Princesa, Iwahig colonial buildings, indigenous Tagbanua structures
Street photography
Puerto Princesa Public Market morning, El Nido town center, Coron morning market
Nature photography
Kayangan Lake, El Nido lagoons, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Tubbataha Reef
Night photography
El Nido beach strip fire shows, Puerto Princesa Baywalk, Coron waterfront reflections
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- 5:30-7:30 AM year-round (Palawan is near the equator so sunrise time is fairly consistent)
- Midday
- Harsh overhead light best for underwater photography and interior shots
- Sunset
- 5:30-6:30 PM year-round; best colors December-April during dry season with clear skies
- Blue Hour
- 20-30 minutes after sunset for Coron waterfront and El Nido beach strip reflections
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Bring a polarizing filter to cut through sea glare and saturate turquoise water colors
Waterproof camera or housing is essential for boat trips and island-hopping
The soft morning light in El Nido's enclosed lagoons (8-10AM) is perfect for wide landscape shots
Drone photography requires CAAP permit and is prohibited over national parks and protected areas
Always ask permission before photographing indigenous community members
The first hour of morning light at any of Coron's lakes gives the softest, most dramatic reflections
A wide-angle lens (17-24mm) captures the full scale of El Nido's limestone karst formations