Philippines

At a glance: Philippines

Difficulty travelling: easy
Distances between photo spots: sometimes very far, good flight connections
Safety: generally very safe with the exception of the south, see HERE for information from the Foreign Office
Language: Filipino, English
Photo spots: lots of nature, underwater photography
Drones: generally permitted, regional no-fly zones (including near airports) HERE is the website of the RPAS aviation authority
Mobile internet: eSIM available here

Fantastic beaches and islands

The Philippines is a true paradise for photographers. Whether you’re into landscape, wildlife or underwater photography, you’ll find spectacular subjects galore here. With good planning, the right camera equipment and an eye for the perfect light, you can take home unforgettable shots from this tropical island nation.

General

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The country captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters, dense jungles and diverse wildlife. For photographers, the Philippines offers a unique blend of dream beaches, imposing limestone formations, colourful underwater life and vibrant culture.

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season from November to May. During these months, the light conditions are ideal, the probability of rain is low and underwater visibility is particularly good.

Cebu Island with Malapacua

Cebu is one of the most famous islands in the Philippines and a paradise for landscape and underwater photography. Malapascua in particular is a hotspot for divers and photographers.

Must-Sees:

Thresher Sharks in Malapascua: Photograph the rare thresher sharks in the early hours of the morning.
Moalboal: Discover this place on a long, beautiful sandy beach and enjoy boat trips and the underwater world.
Osmeña Peak: Spectacular views of the rugged landscape at sunrise.

Tips:

Use a wide-angle lens for the breathtaking waterfalls.
Best time to visit Malapascua: December to May for optimal diving conditions.
Get up early to catch the best light at the viewpoints.

Padre Burgos on Leyte

Padre Burgos is an insider tip for underwater photographers and nature lovers. Here you will find colourful coral reefs and an impressive macro underwater world.

Must-Sees:

Limasawa Island: Fantastic beaches and untouched nature for drone photography.
Whale sharks in Sogod Bay: Sustainable whale watching and impressive encounters with these gentle giants.
Napantao Marine Sanctuary: Perfect conditions for wide-angle underwater photography of coral landscapes.

Tips:

Use a macro lens to capture impressive details of marine life.
Plan your dives early in the morning for the best visibility.
Respect the underwater world and avoid touching corals.

Books

Take a look at my books and eBooks on photography.

Underwater

Optimise your underwater shots with LUTs and presets for GoPro or Olympus.

Lightroom Presets

Perfect your photos with my selected Lightroom presets.

Bohol

Bohol is known for its surreal landscapes and unique wildlife. Here you can capture both nature and culture in spectacular images.

Must-Sees:

Chocolate Hills: Photograph the mystical hills at sunrise for soft lighting effects.
Tarsier Sanctuary: Close-ups of the tiny tarsiers with their impressive facial expressions.
Panglao Island: Crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches offer perfect conditions for drone photography.

Tips:

Use a telephoto lens for impressive close-ups of the tarsiers.
Drone photography is best done early in the morning when there is less wind and fewer crowds.
Best time to visit Bohol: December to May for dry and clear conditions.

Palawan

The entire island of Palawan is considered one of the last untouched paradises in the world and offers an incredible variety of subjects for photographers.

Must-Sees:

El Nido: El Nido is a paradise for photographers who want to capture impressive coastal landscapes.
Coron: Spectacular wreck photography of Japanese warships.
Twin Lagoon: Unique lighting conditions and dramatic rock formations for breathtaking photos.

Tips:

Best time to visit Coron: March to May for the clearest underwater visibility.
Pack waterproof cases for your camera and drone to prevent damage in the boat.

Tips for taking photographs

Safety: Pay particular attention to your equipment in busy areas.
Respect nature: Avoid touching corals or disturbing wildlife.
Drones: Check local regulations before flying your drone.
Check the weather forecast: Sudden rain showers can damage your camera equipment – pack waterproof bags.

Fazit

Wall paintings

Would you like to hang a picture of me on your wall?

Photo story

Visual inspiration for your next project in the form of a photo story.

Packing list

Find my packing list for your (world) trip with a camera here.

FAQ: Philippinen fotografieren

Which camera is best suited for underwater photography?

A camera with a good housing, such as the Olympus OM-System TG 5-7 with an underwater housing, is a good choice. Of course, the GoPro can also achieve wonderful results.

Is the Philippines safe for photographers?

Yes, most tourist areas are safe, but keep an eye on your equipment and back up your data regularly.

What should I do in rainy weather?

Pack waterproof bags for your camera equipment and use a rain cover for your camera.

How can I protect my equipment from high humidity?

Use silica gel packets in your camera bag to reduce moisture and store your equipment in an airtight box.

Can I take my camera equipment with me on island hopping tours?

Yes, but pack them in a waterproof dry bag to protect them from splashes and moisture.