Traveling to Philippines

[steve_in_l.a.]

<p>This Friday. Be hitting Manila, Boracay, Palawan (El Nido), and Donsol. My first time, and the plan is to make it a scouting trip, not serious photography. I'll focus on macro work, as the tropics offer so many easy to find wonders. I'd be interested in any tips for finding nature and wildlife photo ops in the places we'll be staying. I am guessing the best bet will be El Nido? Any thoughts or suggestions welcome. We are hoping to snorkel with Whale Sharks in Donsol.</p>

[gungajim]

<p>Baguio to Banaue via Sagada.</p>

[Ian Taylor]

<p>I was in the Philippines last week. Big mistake to "focus on macro"!<br>

Why would you want to do that?</p>

[christianrafael]

<p>i live in Iloilo ( the center of the region for both Palawan and Boracay), it gunna be a pain going to el nido (assuming you are flying over first to puerto princessa) even if you are taking another plane going there (small plane) but if you are there in puerto princessa you might as well see the underground river about 2 hours away from puerto princessa, this is one of philippines best: (i believe its nominated to be one of the 7 wonders of the world)<br>

<a href="http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/">http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/</a><br>

another suggestion if you like underwater photography is look up tubathaha, (have not been there but heard it very good)<br>

<a href="http://www.tubbatahareef.org/">http://www.tubbatahareef.org/</a><br>

another suggestion is that you go around Panay island (iloilo, roxas, antique, and aklan), there are lots of things you can take picture of here. the whole island has churches that was made during the 1700. one example is the miag ao church<br>

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miag-ao,_Iloilo#Miag-ao_Church">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miag-ao,_Iloilo#Miag-ao_Church</a><br>

this is about 4 hours away from boracay, is one of two churches in the philippines that is unesco certified.<br>

let me know if you need more information, and ill try to help if i can <br>

Christian</p>