Matinloc Island is one of the most dramatic islands in the Bacuit Archipelago — home to the abandoned cliffside Matinloc Shrine, the spectacular Hidden Beach, and some excellent snorkeling. It forms the centrepiece of El Nido Tour C and is a must-visit for anyone seeking El Nido’s most otherworldly scenery. This guide covers everything about the island.
Matinloc Island: Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Outer Bacuit Archipelago, southwest of El Nido |
| Distance from El Nido town | ~45–60 min by bangka |
| Key attractions | Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, Tapiutan snorkeling |
| Accessible via | Tour C (group), private charter |
| Inhabited | No permanent residents |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (Nov–May); check weather for outer islands |
| Sea conditions | More exposed — can be choppy vs inner islands |
Matinloc Shrine — The Abandoned Cliffside Chapel
The most distinctive attraction on Matinloc Island is the Matinloc Shrine — a roofless, partially-built Catholic chapel perched dramatically on the island’s limestone cliffs. It’s one of El Nido’s most photogenic spots and one of its most mysterious: the chapel was built by a local family in the 1980s and inexplicably abandoned before completion.
The Climb
- Duration: 10–15 minute climb up concrete steps cut into the cliff face
- Difficulty: Moderate — the steps are steep and uneven; wear proper footwear (not flip-flops)
- At the top: The ruined chapel and a viewing platform with panoramic 360-degree views across the Bacuit Archipelago
- The view: Tapiutan Island, Matinloc itself, the open Sulu Sea beyond, and the dramatic limestone karst landscape in every direction — one of El Nido’s finest vistas
The Shrine
- What remains: Roofless stone chapel, altar niche (still with a faded statue), surrounding walls overgrown with tropical vegetation
- Atmosphere: Hauntingly beautiful — the combination of ruins, jungle, and clifftop views creates an unforgettable atmosphere
- Photography: Best photographed in the soft morning light. The view from the altar looking out through the roofless chapel to the sea is iconic.
- Respect: The shrine is still considered sacred by some locals — treat it respectfully
The History
The Matinloc Shrine was built by a devout local family as an act of religious devotion, intended as a private chapel. Construction began in the 1980s but stopped abruptly — the official reasons are unclear, though local stories involve financial difficulties and a sense that the project had been spiritually completed. The Philippine government later designated the island as part of the protected Bacuit Bay Marine Reserve, effectively preventing further construction.
Hidden Beach — Matinloc’s Crown Jewel
On the western face of Matinloc Island lies Hidden Beach — one of El Nido’s most remarkable spots. The beach is completely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs and is only accessible by swimming through a narrow gap in the rock wall. The sense of discovery on emerging inside is genuinely overwhelming.
- Access: Swim ~50m from the anchored bangka to the cliff face, then pass through a submerged rock gap. The passage is 3–4m wide; you need to duck slightly. Life jackets available and used by most visitors.
- Inside: A small, perfectly enclosed white-sand cove. The surrounding cliffs block wind completely — the water inside is often glassy even when it’s choppy outside. Utterly secluded feeling.
- Size: Small — when multiple tour boats arrive simultaneously the cove fills up. Timing your arrival (early morning, or private charter) makes a huge difference.
- Swimming: Excellent — calm, clear, and warm inside the cove
- Photography tip: Go through the gap first, before the group, and turn around immediately — you’ll have an unobstructed shot of the empty cove for a few minutes
Snorkeling Near Matinloc
The waters around Matinloc Island are part of the protected Bacuit Bay Marine Reserve and have excellent snorkeling, particularly at Tapiutan Island (immediately adjacent) and along Matinloc’s southern reef.
- Tapiutan reef: Colourful hard and soft corals in 2–6m depth; parrotfish, moorish idols, clownfish, occasional turtles
- Matinloc south reef: Accessible on private charters; deeper reef slope with larger fish species
- Visibility: 8–12m on calm days; reduced after strong winds
How to Visit Matinloc Island
| Option | Cost | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour C (group) | ₱1,500–₱2,000/person | Matinloc Shrine + Hidden Beach + Helicopter Island + Star Beach + lunch | Budget travellers |
| Private charter | ₱5,500–₱7,500/boat | Custom itinerary — can spend longer at Hidden Beach | Groups 6+, photographers |
Key tip for Hidden Beach: On a private charter you can arrive at Hidden Beach before the group tours (~8:30am) or after they’ve left (~3pm). Both windows give you the cove almost to yourself.
Matinloc Island Tips
- Wear proper shoes for the shrine climb: The concrete steps are steep and worn — water sandals with grip are fine; flip-flops are risky
- Check the weather: Matinloc is on the outer islands — Tour C can be cancelled or roughened by bad weather. Check conditions the night before.
- Bring water shoes: Useful both for the shrine approach (rocky ground) and for wading into Hidden Beach
- Don’t miss the view: Some people skip the shrine climb because they’re tired — don’t. The panoramic view from the top is one of El Nido’s best moments.
Matinloc is visited on Tour C: Tour C Complete Guide
Compare all tours: Tour A vs B vs C vs D
All El Nido islands: El Nido Beaches Guide
