Tucked away in the western reaches of the Philippines and surrounded by the Sulu Sea, the islands of Palawan are often hailed as one of the last frontiers of untouched tropical beauty.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the stunning regions of El Nido and Coron—two postcard-perfect destinations where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge into emerald waters, and remote, palm-fringed islands seem to float across the horizon.
With their dreamlike landscapes, these areas have become a haven for photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike.
While the towns of El Nido and Coron serve as convenient gateways, they are not the real reason travelers venture here. The true magic lies beyond the shore—scattered across the surrounding seascape in the form of hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, sandbars, and vibrant coral reefs.
The best and only way to explore these natural wonders is by boat, hopping from island to island to uncover some of Southeast Asia’s most photogenic and pristine corners.
That said, the region’s growing popularity means many of these spots now face heavy tourist pressure, especially during peak hours when flotillas of tour boats arrive at once.
To capture the serenity and raw beauty of these landscapes, I strongly recommend exploring with a private boat (not a huge cost difference)—adjusting the order of visits, starting early, and deliberately avoiding the traditional group-tour itineraries.
This article will take you through some of the most iconic and visually stunning spots around El Nido and Coron, with a larger-than-usual proportion of drone images, taking full advantage of the dramatic island configurations, shallow lagoons, and sweeping sandbars that reveal their true beauty best from above.
Whether you are planning your journey or simply seeking inspiration, this guide captures the essence of these Philippine gems through the lens of a traveler and photographer.
El Nido Palawan
El Nido is where nature’s architecture truly takes center stage. It’s a surreal seascape that feels more like a movie set than a real place, but it’s real and endlessly photogenic.
The archipelago surrounding El Nido is made up of the Bacuit Bay islands, each offering its slice of paradise.
From the iconic Big and Small Lagoons to lesser-known gems like Talisay Beach, every stop is a visual feast. While many visitors join standardized boat tours labeled A to D, it is again much better to opt for a custom route by private boat, reversing the usual order and starting at dawn to capture scenes before the crowds arrive.
This made a world of difference for photography and for soaking in the raw magic of the place 🤩.
Small and Big Lagoons
Among the countless islets scattered across Bacuit Bay, the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are arguably El Nido’s crown jewels — iconic, cinematic, and essential stops for any traveler or photographer exploring this slice of paradise.
Big Lagoon is exactly what its name suggests: vast and grand. To reach it, you navigate through a narrow turquoise channel that opens into a dramatic lagoon surrounded by soaring karst cliffs.
The water here glows in layers — deep sapphire in the middle, fading to vivid emeralds and icy turquoise closer to shore. At high tide, boats can float almost silently across the surface; at low tide, you might need to paddle in by kayak, which only heightens the experience.
From above, the lagoon reveals its full grandeur, like a heart carved into the island itself. For photographers, this is a dream setting for wide-angle drone shots
Just a short ride away lies Small Lagoon, more intimate and mystical.
Accessible only by kayak or by swimming through a slim limestone crevice, this hidden gem opens into a quiet, enclosed pool flanked by cliffs that rise vertically from the sea.
Both lagoons are part of “Tour A”, the most popular island-hopping route from El Nido. That popularity comes at a cost: they’re often crowded by mid-morning.
If you want to photograph these places at their most peaceful, consider hiring a private boat and arranging to start early, even reversing the standard tour order to avoid the tour groups.
These lagoons aren’t just beautiful — they’re timeless. Whether you’re photographing them from the sky, the water, or from inside a kayak, they offer a chance to capture one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic seascapes in a deeply personal way.
Payong Payong beach
Tucked between limestone cliffs on Miniloc Island, Payong-Payong Beach is a small, dramatic cove that feels like a secret stage set for tropical dreams.
It’s often overshadowed by the more famous lagoons nearby, yet its compact size and striking vertical backdrop make it one of the most photogenic beach stops in Bacuit Bay.
The beach is narrow but pristine, with powdery white sand sloping gently into calm turquoise water. What sets it apart are the towering karst walls that wrap around it, creating a natural amphitheater of rock and foliage.
Though often included as a quick stop on Tour A or Tour D, Payong-Payong is best appreciated when not crowded, early in the day.
While there are no huts, vendors, or facilities here, its raw, untouched feel is part of the charm. You come for the silence, the scenery, and the sublime contrast between white sand, green jungle, and black stone — and you leave with some of your most peaceful frames of El Nido.
Secret Lagoon
Don’t let the name fool you — Secret Lagoon is no longer a secret, but it still delivers a sense of discovery that lives up to its reputation.
Located on Miniloc Island (Jiji’s beach), this small, enclosed lagoon is tucked behind a jagged limestone wall, accessible only through a low, narrow opening that you must duck or crawl through at low tide.
Because of the limited access and tidal conditions, Secret Lagoon is often included early in “Tour A”, and it can get crowded quickly. For photographers, again, arriving before the tour boats is key. And don’t forget to waterproof your gear
Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island, located in the heart of Bacuit Bay, offers a perfect balance of dramatic limestone scenery and vibrant marine life.
Its white-sand beach backed by towering cliffs is a great picnic stop, but what makes it special lies just offshore: shallow coral gardens full of colorful fish and crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling.
Despite being a common stop for the tours, Shimizu still feels peaceful, especially after the crowds have passed.
Seven commandos beach
Just a short boat ride from El Nido town, Seven Commandos Beach is often the first or last stop on Tours — and it feels like a gentle welcome or a relaxed farewell to Bacuit Bay.
This wide crescent of soft white sand is framed by lush jungle and limestone cliffs, with calm waters ideal for swimming. Palm trees line the beach, and a small bar adds a chill, tropical vibe.
While it’s more developed than other stops, it’s perfect for casual beach photography or unwinding at the end of the day.
Marimegmeg beach
Just a ten-minute drive south of El Nido town, Marimegmeg Beach — often called Las Cabañas Beach after a popular resort there — is the most accessible and developed beach in the area.
It stretches in a gentle arc facing west, offering soft sand, shallow waters, and a laid-back vibe perfect for an afternoon of swimming, lounging, or sipping cocktails with your feet in the sand.
The main draw here is the sunset — unobstructed views over Bacuit Bay, with silhouettes of distant islands glowing against the sky.
Though it doesn’t have the wild, remote feel of the nearby islands, Marimegmeg is a favorite for unwinding after a day of tours, and for travelers who want beach time without needing a boat.
El Nido town
El Nido town itself has a laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe—dusty streets, dive shops, and beach bars giving it a classic “Routard” feel.
Bacuit Bay is a stunning body of water dotted with dramatic limestone islands and karst formations that make El Nido famous
While the city is not the main reason to visit the region, it’s worth staying for one sunset from a rooftop bar overlooking the bay, where the limestone cliffs glow in the fading light.
Twin Beach
Twin Beach, where Nacpan and Calitang meet, is one of El Nido’s most iconic and photogenic coastal gems, located about 45 minutes north of El Nido town.
Unlike many of the area’s island highlights, Twin Beach is one of the rare gems accessible by land, making it an ideal option for those who want to explore without taking a boat tour.
The twin stretches of golden sand run parallel to each other, divided by a narrow strip of palm-dotted land, offering a striking scenery that’s best captured from a drone.
Just offshore, a few small islets rise from the sea, adding depth and contrast to wide-angle compositions.
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It’s a popular destination, but if you go early or stay for sunset, you’ll catch the beach in its most peaceful and visually rewarding moments.
Helicopter Island
Known locally as Dilumacad Island, Helicopter Island earned its nickname from its silhouette — a long limestone ridge with a raised “tail” that resembles a helicopter from a distance.
It’s one of the larger islands in Bacuit Bay and a frequent stop on Tour C, offering a mix of dramatic cliffs, long stretches of sand, and excellent offshore snorkeling.
The beach here is wide and open, with clear views of the surrounding bay and a wild, untamed feel.
The water gets deep quickly, which makes it a great spot for snorkeling, particularly on the left side of the island.
Helicopter Island feels more raw and less busy than other nearby beaches, especially earlier in the day.
For photographers, it’s a place of contrasts: vertical cliffs rising out of the sea, gentle waves, and open skies. It’s also a perfect stop for those seeking a mix of relaxation and marine life without the crowds.
Hidden beach
Tucked behind a jagged wall of limestone on the edge of Matinloc Island, Hidden Beach is one of the most iconic stops in El Nido — a shallow, secret cove that can’t be seen from the sea.
To access it, you either swim or wade through a narrow gap between sharp rocks, especially at mid or high tide.
On the other side, you’re rewarded with a protected stretch of soft sand, calm turquoise water, and soaring cliffs that wrap around you like a natural amphitheater.
Hidden Beach is part of “Tour C”, and while it’s no longer “hidden” to travelers, it still feels magical when timed right, especially early in the morning before the tour boats arrive.
Matinloc shrine
Unlike the untouched beaches and lagoons nearby, Matinloc Shrine offers something different: a mix of history, architecture, and sweeping sea views.
Located on Matinloc Island, this once-religious site includes the remnants of a shrine built in honor of the Virgin Mary, as well as an abandoned convent and school. Though now weathered by time and salt, the site still carries a quiet, spiritual energy.
You may meet the friendly family that lives there…
Matinloc Shrine is part of Tour C, but it’s sometimes skipped in favor of beach stops opposite side.
Talisay Beach snorkeling
Talisay Beach, located on Matinloc Island, may seem like just another scenic white-sand stop at first glance
This small, sheltered beach is usually part of Tour C, and while many boats stop here for lunch, the real magic lies just offshore.
Cut beneath the surface, it hides one of the best shallow snorkeling spots in El Nido.
The waters in front of Talisay are calm and crystal-clear, making it easy to spot vibrant corals, sea fans, and schools of tropical fish without needing to venture far.
Even novice snorkelers can enjoy the underwater scenery, as the reef sits close to the surface and stretches across much of the bay in front of the beach.
On calmer days, visibility is excellent, and you might even spot clownfish, parrotfish, and many others.
For underwater photographers, Talisay Beach is one of the easiest and most accessible spots in El Nido to capture reef life without diving.
Secret beach
Tucked behind a jagged wall of limestone on the edge of Matinloc Island, Secret Beach is one of El Nido’s most dramatic natural features.
Unlike Hidden Beach, which is sheltered and shallow, Secret Beach is fully exposed to the open sea, making the approach part of the adventure. To enter, visitors must swim or snorkel through a narrow, wave-swept opening in the cliff — timing and sea conditions matter.
It’s a stop on “Tour C” and one of the more challenging yet rewarding places to visit. Good swimming skills are essential, and waterproof gear is highly recommended for photographers.
Coron Island
Coron Island, part of the Calamian group in northern Palawan, is known for its hidden lakes, dramatic cliffs, and sacred indigenous heritage. It offers a blend of deep cultural significance and raw natural beauty.
Coron town on Busuanga Island has a laid-back, Routard-style charm — a mix of dusty streets, dive shops, and simple eateries. Like El Nido, the true magic of Coron lies not in the town itself, but in the surrounding islets and lagoons — all only accessible by boat.
Twin Lagoon
Twin Lagoon is one of Coron Island’s most iconic and surreal locations — a place where geology, light, and water combine to create a near-magical experience.
The name comes from the two connected lagoons: an outer one where boats anchor, and an inner lagoon tucked behind towering limestone cliffs. The two are linked by a narrow opening— which you can swim through at low tide, or climb a small wooden ladder over during high tide.
What makes Twin Lagoon so unique is the mix of warm and cold water layers caused by the blending of freshwater from underground springs with the surrounding saltwater. Surrounded by jagged karst cliffs and calm, jade-colored waters, the inner lagoon is one of the quietest and most cinematic spots in all of Coron.
It’s a favorite for drone photography, but also for simply floating and soaking in the silence once the tour boats leave. An opportunity to photograph the floating vendors as well 😊
Barracuda lake
Barracuda Lake is one of the most unique destinations in Coron. Tucked into the jagged limestone cliffs of Coron Island, this inland lake is famous for its thermocline: distinct layers of water with dramatically different temperatures and salinity levels.
To access it, visitors hike a short wooden stairway over limestone formations from the boat landing. The lake itself is incredibly deep, bordered by sharp cliffs above and mysterious rock formations below.
It’s a favorite spot for free divers and scuba divers, but also accessible to casual swimmers and snorkelers.
The light plays beautifully on the surface and through the water, making it one of the most photogenic and otherworldly inland locations in Palawan.
Kayagan lake
Kayangan Lake is not only the most visited inland attraction in Coron but also one of the most photogenic natural sites in the Philippines
Nestled within the dramatic karst landscape of Coron Island, the lake is famous for its incredibly clear water, towering limestone cliffs, and peaceful, sacred atmosphere.
Visitors first arrive at the jetty area, a small turquoise lagoon backed by dramatic cliffs — this spot alone is a favorite for drone shots
From there, a short but steep uphill climb leads to a viewpoint. Descending on the other side of the trail, you reach Kayangan Lake itself. The lake is a mix of freshwater and saltwater.
Smith Point
Tucked away in a jade-green cove, Smith Point near Banul Beach is a serene gem on Coron Island.
Its shallow waters, brilliant turquoise tones, and jungle-framed cliffs give the feel of a natural infinity pool, with just a few floating structures nearby — including a small private villa used occasionally by resort guests
The area is part of a privately leased zone, so access may be limited or require arrangement through local tour operators. Unlike the more famous lagoons, this spot is much quieter, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or capturing minimalist aerial shots with striking color contrast.
At sunset, the surrounding cliffs glow gold, completing the dreamlike scene.
For completeness, a bit north is Smith Point Beach, a small, curved strip of white sand tucked into a secluded cove on Cadlao Island, just across the bay from El Nido town
Banul beach
Banul Beach is a postcard-perfect strip of powdery white sand nestled beneath towering limestone cliffs on Coron Island. Despite its small size, it offers dramatic visual contrast: clear turquoise waters lapping at the shore, dark gray karst walls rising behind, and rustic wooden huts lining the edge.
It’s a popular lunch stop on day tours, so it can get busy midday — but with careful timing or a private boat, you can photograph it in its most serene state, especially early in the morning when the light is soft and the beach is quiet.
Ditaytayan Sandbar
Ditaytayan Sandbar is one of the most striking sights in the waters between Culion and Coron — a flawless arc of white sand surrounded by nothing but clear shallow sea.
Often included in the more remote island-hopping routes from Coron or Culion, this spot feels like something out of a dream.
What makes Ditaytayan special is its perfect crescent-shaped sandbar, which shifts gently with the tides and light. At low tide, you can walk the entire length of the sandbar, surrounded by vibrant shades of turquoise on either side.
There are no facilities, no shelters, and no structures — just sand, sea, and sky. It’s one of those rare places that feels completely untouched, especially when visited early or late in the day with a private boat.
Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Calamian group.
With a wide crescent of powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and a backdrop of coconut palms and rocky cliffs, it’s the kind of place that defines the word “paradise.”
Located southwest of Coron and reached by island-hopping tours or private boats, Malcapuya offers a perfect blend of raw beauty and comfort for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking up the view.
There are no luxury resorts here — just a few rustic huts, basic picnic areas, the sound of waves, and a few locals around.
Early arrival is key before the mid-day crowds arrive …
Coco Beach
Coco Beach is a serene stop tucked between the more well-known Malcapuya Island and Ditaytayan Sandbar, usually included in extended island-hopping tours from Coron.
Despite its proximity to these popular destinations, Coco Beach remains relatively quiet and feels wonderfully secluded.
What makes Coco Beach special is its laid-back atmosphere — soft white sand lined with coconut trees (true to its name), shallow waters perfect for swimming, and a few rustic huts and hammocks for shade.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the only sounds are the rustle of palm fronds and the lapping of gentle waves.
Banana Island
Banana Island, also known locally as Dicalabuan Island, is a highlight of the Coron Escapade Tour, typically paired with Malcapuya and Bulog Dos.
Despite its name, there are no bananas here — just a long curve of soft sand, coconut palms, calm waters, and a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that makes it ideal for a leisurely beach day. People believe it looks like the top of a banana 😏
The beach stretches out in front of the island’s modest cottages and beach huts, with plenty of shade and hammocks available for those wanting to unwind.
Banana Island feels more developed than its neighbors, offering picnic tables, small stores, and basic restroom facilities, but without sacrificing the tranquil island feel.
CYC beach
CYC Beach, short for Coron Youth Club Beach, is one of the closest island destinations from Coron town
This small beach sits on a mangrove-lined islet surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear waters and seagrass beds. A small patch of white sand emerges during low tide, creating a great spot for sunbathing or a quick dip.
CYC doesn’t have any infrastructure — no huts, no vendors, just the natural charm of sand, mangroves, and water. Because of its accessibility and cost-free entry, it can get busy during midday, but late visits reward you with peace and perfect light.
Bulog Dos Island
Bulog Dos Island is a tiny, pristine islet located southwest of Busuanga, often visited during island-hopping tours that include Malcapuya and Banana Island.
Though small in size, it offers one of the most stunning natural features in the area: a white sandbar that stretches out into the clear, shallow sea, connecting the island to a nearby private resort islet during low tide.
The water here glows in every shade of turquoise, and the sand is powdery white — ideal for barefoot walks, drone shots, and lazy swims.
Coral patches can be spotted just offshore, and the views back toward the surrounding islands are wide and cinematic.
There are no permanent structures on Bulog Dos, which helps preserve its raw, untouched feel.
So here it is — a travel and photography guide through the stunning stretch from El Nido to Coron, chasing lagoon secrets and island dreams.
For more articles on other breathtaking regions of the Philippines, check out the links below.
→ Three Days Across Bohol and Cebu, Philippines
→ Journey Through Northern Luzon: Rice Terraces, Crater Lakes, and Highland Beauty
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Selected photographs from this journey are available as fine art prints and for licensing on Shootplanet.com galleries link:
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NB: The website galleries showcase only a small selection of photographs from my journeys. All images featured in the article are also available as fine art prints or for licensing.
Please contact me at marcturcan@shootplanet.com for further information.
