Palawan is a photographer’s dream! This guide will help you take amazing photos of this beautiful Philippine island, no matter your skill level. We’ll cover the best spots, times, and tips to capture its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife.
Planning Your Palawan Photography Trip
Before you even pack your bags, some planning is key. Think about what you want to photograph. Is it the lagoons of El Nido, the underwater life in Coron, or the beaches of San Vicente? Knowing this will help you decide where to go and how long to stay.
The best time to visit Palawan for photography is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. The skies are generally clearer, providing better light and fewer chances of rain. Keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. April and May are the hottest months.
Consider the different areas of Palawan. El Nido is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Coron boasts incredible wreck diving and stunning lakes. Puerto Princesa offers a more laid-back vibe and is the gateway to the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For unspoiled beaches Port Barton is worth considering. Each area has its unique photographic opportunities.
Essential Photography Gear for Palawan
Having the right gear can make a big difference in the quality of your photos. Here’s a list of essential equipment to consider:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal for capturing high-quality images. However, even your smartphone can take great photos if you know how to use it. If you are using a DSLR or mirrorless, bring extra batteries!
Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm or 24-105mm) is great for general shooting. A wide-angle lens (like a 16-35mm) is perfect for landscapes. A telephoto lens (like a 70-200mm) can be useful for wildlife and distant subjects.
Tripod: A tripod is essential for shooting landscapes at sunrise or sunset, as well as for long exposures.
Filters: A polarizing filter can reduce glare and reflections, and a neutral density (ND) filter can help you shoot with slower shutter speeds in bright light.
Underwater Housing: If you plan to photograph underwater, you’ll need a waterproof camera or housing. Coron has world-class shipwreck diving, perfect for underwater photographers.
Camera Bag: Choose a comfortable and waterproof camera bag to protect your gear.
Memory Cards and Batteries: Bring plenty of extra memory cards and batteries. You don’t want to run out of space or power in the middle of a shoot!
Finding The Best Places to Shoot: A Palawan Photographer’s Guide
Palawan is brimming with photo opportunities. Here are a few of the must-visit spots for any photographer.
El Nido’s Hidden Lagoons and Islands
El Nido is arguably the most famous part of Palawan, and for good reason. The Bacuit Bay area is dotted with incredible limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden lagoons. Take an island hopping tour, as it is the best way to explore the area.
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon: These lagoons are incredible for kayaking and photography. The narrow entrances create a sense of mystery and offer unique perspectives. The Big Lagoon is larger, naturally, and gives more space for wide shots. The Small Lagoon is more intimate. Aim to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best light.
Secret Lagoon: This lagoon truly lives up to its name. Reaching it requires swimming or wading through a small hole in the rock. The reward is a secluded and magical space. It’s a great spot for capturing unique portraits or landscapes.
Seven Commandos Beach: A beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and towering coconut trees. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and, of course, photography. The beach has plenty of local vendors and the light at golden hour is particularly stunning.
Matinloc Shrine: This abandoned shrine on Matinloc Island offers unique architectural photo opportunities. The contrast between the decaying structure and the surrounding natural beauty is fascinating. It also offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Some tours include snorkeling stops nearby.
Coron’s Underwater Wonders and Lakes
Coron is a paradise for both divers and photographers. The area is known for its well-preserved World War II shipwrecks, stunning lakes, and vibrant coral reefs.
Kayangan Lake: Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is a must-visit. The iconic view of the lake from the viewpoint above is one of the most photographed spots in Coron. The turquoise water and limestone cliffs create a stunning backdrop.
Barracuda Lake: Known for its thermoclines (layers of water with different temperatures), Barracuda Lake offers a unique diving experience. Even if you’re not a diver, the lake’s dramatic underwater scenery is worth capturing with an underwater camera.
Twin Lagoons: These two lagoons are connected by a small underwater passage. You can swim through the passage or climb over a ladder to reach the other lagoon. The contrast between the two lagoons is fascinating.
World War II Shipwrecks: Coron Bay is home to several well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks that were sunk during World War II. These wrecks are now popular diving sites and offer incredible opportunities for underwater photography. Some of the most popular wrecks include the Irako Maru, Akitsushima, and the Olympia Maru. It’s best to hire a local dive guide to ensure your safety and maximize your photo opportunities.
Puerto Princesa’s Natural Wonders
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and a great base for exploring the southern part of the island. It is also where the airport is located for many travelers.
Puerto Princesa Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Underground River is one of the most famous attractions in Palawan. Take a boat tour through the cave and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You can capture some interesting images, it is not always easy to photograph due to the low light conditions. Use a high ISO and a wide aperture.
Honda Bay: This bay is home to several beautiful islands with white-sand beaches and clear waters. Taking an island hopping tour is the best way to explore the area, to see Starfish Island or Cowrie Island, for example. Each island offers unique photographic opportunities.
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm: This unique penal farm allows inmates to live in a more relaxed and rehabilitative environment. You can visit the farm and interact with the inmates, and might capture interesting images of the working environment. Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and culture of the prison farm.
San Vicente’s Long Beach
San Vicente offers a more laid-back and less crowded alternative to El Nido and Coron. The main attraction here is Long Beach, a 14-kilometer stretch of pristine sand perfect for capturing stunning coastal landscapes.
Long Beach: With its endless stretch of sand, Long Beach provides plenty of opportunities for unique perspectives. Capture the sunrise or sunset over the ocean, or shoot some wide-angle shots of the beach and the surrounding landscape.
Tips for Landscape Photography in Palawan
Palawan’s landscapes are simply breathtaking. Here are some tips to help you capture their beauty:
Golden Hour and Blue Hour: The best time to shoot landscapes is during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset) and the blue hour (the hour after sunset and the hour before sunrise). The light is soft and warm during these times, creating beautiful colors and shadows.
Use a Tripod: A tripod is essential for shooting landscapes at sunrise or sunset, as well as for long exposures. It will help you keep your camera steady and create sharp images.
Composition: Pay attention to composition. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other compositional techniques to create visually appealing images.
Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the vastness of Palawan’s landscapes.
Filters: A polarizing filter can reduce glare and reflections, and a neutral density (ND) filter can help you shoot with slower shutter speeds in bright light.
Tips for Underwater Photography in Palawan
Palawan’s underwater world is just as stunning as its landscapes. Here are some tips for capturing its beauty:
Get Certified: If you’re not already a certified diver, consider getting your certification before you go to Palawan. This will allow you to explore the underwater world more safely and confidently.
Underwater Housing: You’ll need a waterproof camera or housing to photograph underwater. Make sure your housing is properly sealed before you enter the water.
Natural Light: Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light and shoot at the right time to make adjustments. The visibility affects the quality of the available natural light.
Close-Up Shots: Get close to your subjects to capture the details and colors of the underwater world. A macro lens can be helpful for this.
Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility when editing your photos.
Tips for Photographing People and Culture in Palawan
Palawan is not just about landscapes and underwater wonders. It’s also about the people and their culture. Here are some tips for photographing them respectfully:
Ask for Permission: Always ask for permission before photographing people. A simple “May I take your picture?” can go a long way.
Be Respectful: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid photographing people in sensitive situations, such as religious ceremonies.
Candid Moments: Capture candid moments of people going about their daily lives. These images can be more authentic and engaging than posed portraits.
Tell a Story: Use your photos to tell a story about the people and culture of Palawan. Show their lives, their work, and their traditions.
Editing Your Palawan Photos
Editing your photos is an important part of the photographic process. Here are some tips for editing your Palawan photos:
Use Editing Software: Use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One. These programs offer a wide range of tools for adjusting exposure, color, and sharpness.
Adjust Exposure: Adjust the exposure to brighten or darken your photos. Pay attention to the highlights and shadows, and make sure that your images are not overexposed or underexposed.
Adjust Color: Adjust the color to enhance the natural beauty of Palawan. Increase the saturation to make the colors more vibrant, or adjust the white balance to correct any color casts.
Sharpen Your Images: Sharpen your images to bring out the details. Be careful not to over-sharpen, as this can create unwanted artifacts.
Crop Your Images: Crop your images to improve the composition. Remove any distracting elements and focus on the main subject.
Ethical Considerations for Photography in Palawan
As a photographer, it’s important to be mindful of the impact your work has on the environment and the local communities.
Minimize Your Impact: Be mindful of your impact on the environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging natural habitats. When photographing underwater, avoid touching or disturbing coral reefs.
Support Local Communities: Support local businesses and communities. Hire local guides, eat at local restaurants, and buy souvenirs from local artisans.
Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and avoid photographing people without their permission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced photographers can make mistakes. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when photographing in Palawan:
Forgetting to Charge Your Batteries: Always make sure your batteries are fully charged before you head out for a shoot.
Not Protecting Your Gear: Protect your gear from the elements. Use a waterproof camera bag and lens cloths to keep your equipment clean and dry.
Not Backing Up Your Photos: Back up your photos regularly to avoid losing them. Use a portable hard drive or cloud storage service to store your images.
FAQ
What is the best time of day to photograph in Palawan? The golden hours (shortly after sunrise and shortly before sunset) and the blue hours (shortly before sunrise and shortly after sunset) offer the best light for photography. The light is soft, warm, and flattering during these times.
What are the best places to photograph sunsets in Palawan? El Nido offers incredible sunset views from places like Las Cabanas Beach and Corong Corong Beach. In Coron, Mount Tapyas is a popular spot for sunset viewing. Long Beach in San Vicente is also ideal for sunset photos.
How can I protect my camera gear from the humidity in Palawan? Store your camera gear in a dry bag or airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Clean your lenses regularly with a lens cloth to remove any condensation or fingerprints.
What should I wear for photography in Palawan? Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also essential. If you plan to shoot in the water, wear water shoes or sandals.
Do I need any special permits to photograph in Palawan? Some areas, like the Underground River, require permits or entry fees. Check with the local tourism office or your tour operator for more information before you go. Drone photography may also be restricted in certain areas, so be sure to check local regulations.
References
UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Philippine Department of Tourism.
Local tourism operators in Palawan.
Ready to capture the magic of Palawan? Start planning your trip today! Book your flights, pack your camera gear, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of this incredible island. Don’t forget to share your stunning photos with the world using PalawanPhotography. Your adventures await!
