Matinloc Shrine El Nido Palawan
A deserted shrine on a secluded island offering stunning panoramic views of El Nido's turquoise waters and limestone karsts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Matinloc Shrine El Nido Palawan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A deserted shrine on a secluded island offering stunning panoramic views of El Nido's turquoise waters and limestone karsts.
"Amazing place! Breathtakingly beautiful! My favorite part of the tour!"
💰 Extra Entrance Fee
Budget an extra 200 PHP per person for Matinloc Shrine entry on top of your tour.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Shoes
Sturdy footwear is recommended for climbing the rocky path to the viewpoint.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Shrine's Viewpoint
Top of the cliff
Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and crystal-clear waters.
Sacred Heart Shrine
Base of the cliff
Explore the unique, albeit unfinished, shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Palilo Beach
Adjacent to Matinloc Shrine
A secluded beach offering a tranquil escape and beautiful snorkeling opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Matinloc Shrine Entrance Fee
Tour C Inclusion & Alternatives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Extra Entrance Fee
Budget an extra 200 PHP per person for Matinloc Shrine entry on top of your tour.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Shoes
Sturdy footwear is recommended for climbing the rocky path to the viewpoint.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the shrine are incredibly photogenic.
🏊♀️ Snorkel Nearby
Explore Palilo Beach for snorkeling if you have time.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Extra Entrance Fee
Budget an extra 200 PHP per person for Matinloc Shrine entry on top of your tour.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Shoes
Sturdy footwear is recommended for climbing the rocky path to the viewpoint.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the shrine are incredibly photogenic.
🏊♀️ Snorkel Nearby
Explore Palilo Beach for snorkeling if you have time.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during sunny days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matinloc Shrine elicits mixed reviews. While many are captivated by its breathtaking views and unique setting, some find the additional entrance fee steep for the shrine's unfinished state. The journey can be wavy, but the scenic payoff is often deemed worth it by those who appreciate its distinct charm.
"We visited Matinloc Shrine on 2nd April 2023. You're probably on Tour C now and are here to try to figure out whether or not to pay 200 pesos to enter Matinloc Shrine. My advice is don't bother. There are a couple of concrete effigies of Jesus, a concrete statue of Mary, a bizarrely constrasting concrete effigy of Marcos, and some unfinished ruins of buildings. They clearly need the money to complete the construction works, so there is absolutely no need for you to contribute to the building costs. We loved Tour C, and the natural world we experienced with the beaches, views and photo opportunities. In my opinion you can skip Matinloc Shrine and you haven't missed anything. Oh it does have a lovely viewpoint between the rocks from up fairly high. That's the only nice part though, and not even worth 40 pesos never mind 200 pesos. I have genuinely no idea how this tourist attraction is getting nearly 5 star reviews on Google. Hope this helps!"
Kenny McGuire
"Amazing place! Breathtakingly beautiful! Even if our way there is super wavy, it's all worth it. My favorite part of the tour!"
Nin Arty
"There's a separate entrance fee of 200 pesos on top of the Tour Package. I hope they could renovate and improve their restroom.
Nothing special other than overlooking view of the nearby islands."
Dward Sealmoy Jr.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Matinloc Shrine is exclusively accessible via island hopping tours from El Nido, typically as part of Tour C. You cannot reach it independently.
Yes, Matinloc Shrine is a standard stop on El Nido's popular Tour C, alongside other famous spots like Hidden Beach and Secret Beach.
Yes, you can arrange a private boat tour to Matinloc Shrine and other destinations, offering more flexibility.
The boat ride to Matinloc Shrine from El Nido town usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on sea conditions.
No, due to its island location, the only way to visit Matinloc Shrine is through organized island hopping tours or private boat rentals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an additional entrance fee of 200 pesos per person to enter Matinloc Shrine, which is separate from your island hopping tour package.
Yes, the 200 pesos entrance fee is mandatory if you wish to go ashore and explore the shrine and its viewpoint.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but typically the fee applies to all visitors. It's best to inquire with your tour operator.
Tickets for Matinloc Shrine are usually purchased on-site upon arrival as part of your tour. Booking in advance is generally not necessary.
The fee grants you access to the shrine area and the path leading to the viewpoint. It does not include any guided tours within the shrine itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Matinloc Shrine features a deserted Virgin Mary shrine with a white dome, effigies, and unfinished buildings. The main draw is the stunning viewpoint overlooking nearby islands.
Opinions vary. Some find the views breathtaking and the experience unique, while others feel it's not worth the extra fee due to the unfinished state of the shrine.
The top of the cliff offers the most iconic panoramic shots. The shrine itself also provides interesting photographic opportunities.
Restrooms are available but have been noted by some visitors as needing renovation.
The primary activities are exploring the shrine, enjoying the scenic viewpoint, and taking photos. Nearby Palilo Beach offers snorkeling.
📸 📸 Photography
Mornings generally offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. However, the dramatic views are impressive throughout the day.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful if you plan to swim or snorkel nearby.
Drone usage regulations can change and may be restricted in protected areas. It's advisable to check local rules before flying.
The viewpoint from the top of the cliff, the white-domed shrine itself, and the surrounding turquoise waters are highly Instagrammable.
Yes, you can take photos inside the shrine area, but be respectful of the religious site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The surrounding waters near Palilo Beach offer opportunities for gentle swimming and snorkeling, which kids usually enjoy. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Capture the dramatic limestone formations, the turquoise waters, and the vastness of the Palawan seascape. The unique architecture of the shrine itself, with its white dome and religious iconography, also offers interesting shots, particularly when contrasted with the natural landscape. Visiting in the morning can provide softer light and fewer people, enhancing your photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Matinloc Shrine's History and Purpose
Visitors often find the shrine's abandoned feel intriguing, adding a layer of mystery to the experience. The site serves as a pilgrimage destination for some, while for others, it's a point of historical and architectural curiosity. Despite its incomplete state, the shrine's presence on this remote island makes it a memorable stop on El Nido's popular Tour C.
It's important to note that the shrine's development has been ongoing, and some visitors have commented on the need for further renovation. However, the spiritual significance and the unique setting continue to draw visitors seeking a different kind of island experience in El Nido.
Navigating El Nido Tour C and Matinloc Shrine
+1 The journey to Matinloc Shrine involves a boat ride from El Nido town, which can be quite scenic but also subject to choppy waters depending on the weather. +1Upon arrival, you'll disembark and follow a path leading up to the shrine. Be prepared for a short climb over rocky terrain, making comfortable footwear essential.
The main attraction here, besides the shrine itself, is the breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding limestone karsts and the vast expanse of the Sulu Sea. +1While the shrine is part of the tour, remember the additional entrance fee of 200 pesos. Some travelers suggest that if you're on a tight budget or prefer focusing on pristine beaches and lagoons, you might consider skipping the shrine to allocate more time to other stops. However, for those interested in a blend of natural beauty and a touch of unique history, Matinloc Shrine offers a distinct experience.
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