Matinloc Island
Matinloc Island
4.5

Top ways to experience Matinloc Island and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles258 reviews
Excellent
152
Very good
80
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
1

Hemo K
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia724 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2013 • Couples
It was nice to stop there and see the view. it has have a great view from the top. The story of the island is really sad how it's end like that.
Written 21 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Franchesca Mae C
Cebu City, Philippines55 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Couples
This island was part of the Island Hopping Tour C. You would have to pay an extra 100PHP per head upon entering the island, which was a stop in the island hopping tour.

To me personally, it was not worth the 100PHP entrance fee. Okay, I get it, it is for maintenance and such. The only thing you can do here is climb the rock formation to the top to be able to have a good view of the ocean. I was able to get 2 good photos BUT since mister boatman who took our photo did not really understand the concept of how to get a good picture, most of the group photos he took only focused on the people, and not the view.

Mantiloc is a shrine, but based on how the island was maintained, it looked as if, the 100PHP entrance fee just went to the pockets of the owners. The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was dirty, cracked, full of weeds, etc.

If I had the choice, I wouldnt have paid for the entrance fee and just waited on the boat.
Written 14 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Oj-Lakwatsero
193 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2015 • Solo
I'm am just so lucky to experienced and saw this majestic view at the hilltop. Truly amazing and breathtaking views.
But when I took a photo on the abandoned building, it's different... breathtaking too... but strange.
Written 12 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ineung
Bangkok, Thailand313 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Couples
This island including in Tour C on El Nido island it perfect beach every tour company drop off here for lunch ..for entrance fee 100P per person after lunch can enjoy swimming here also go up to the rock to see best view on top.
Written 23 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gerald D
Pompano Beach, FL20 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2019 • Couples
Owners and management do not care about guests. Made no allowance or consideration for a cancelled flight. Be careful booking to this resort.
Written 18 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

carlo7788
Taipei, Taiwan27 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2017 • Friends
Visit on the tour. Great snorkelling here near the Shrine - many fish and saw a sea turtle. Beautiful clear waters.
Written 7 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Luis E
Mandaluyong, Philippines118 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2017
One of my favorite spots in the El Nido group of islands is the breathtaking Matinloc shrine. The furthest to get to from town, it faces the endless horizon of the South China Sea. To get there, you need to take a boat tour and pass by through other attractions such as Helicopter island, big and small
Lagoon. But personally it's best to hire your own boat(despite the cost) and I will tell you later why.

The boat ride is around 45 minutes to an hour from town. Before getting to the island, breathtaking geological formations welcome you in their beautiful gray or grayish blue and black colors. To get to the shrine one has to enter like a channel, you will notice that the waves will be much calmer and on a really good day there is hardly even a wave just the sight of the ocean like a huge mirror reflecting sunlight. The channel is between rock formation or more of an overwhelming colossal wall as tall as buildings or times 5 in height of the Great Wall of China. This natural wonder is simply captivating and reminds you of cinematic references. In perfect weather, the ocean boasts and mesmerizes you with its varying shades of blue from the lightest to the darkest hues and becomes a sparkling bed of crystals. The minute the boat docks at this prime tourist destination. One is led to the the top of these rock formations. It's a short yet steep climb up just be careful with the sharp edges because one can easily get scratches. The moment you reach the peak one is welcomed by an outstanding view of the entire Matinloc area. One can't help but marvel at the beauty of nature at its finest. The perfect venue for picture taking and of course selfies. Apart from this view there's also a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Now going back to why you should hire your own boat? Aside from the convenience of space and time, opposite the shrine is a pristine beach front with sand as white as teeth and as soft as milk powder. It's the perfect setting to have a great picnic lunch, have some wine, listen to good music or simply enjoy the panoramic view. A good area to go snorkeling so better bring proper gear and a pair of aqua socks due to the corals. Snorkeling is great from the shallow area to a wall of corals that leads to the depths of the ocean.
Personally, Matinloc shrine/island tops the El NIDO go to list. It maybe a trek to get there but worth every minute. It's best to take a trip in the morning when the waves aren't too rough and maybe have another stop at an island before heading back to town or ending a tour.
Written 2 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gunz
New York City, NY461 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Couples
All I can say is skip the shrine. When your tour guide asked if you want to go to the shrine or snorkel, go snorkeling. It doesn't look like much, but my wife and I were amazed and excited how much we felt like we were swimming in an aquarium. Truly amazing!!
Written 25 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anika_018
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016
Matinloc Island is part of Tour C in El Nido. We were lucky when we arrived at the island as there was only one small group in there, but unfortunately they have occupied the best spot for picnic lunch. We still had a good place for lunch, so it's okay. But before that, we climbed into the rocks and upon reaching the top, the view is so amazing, take note that you really have to take care of your steps, and follow the tour guides for safety. :)
Written 23 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Petra19111989
Bratislava, Slovakia50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017 • Couples
Stunning beach, bit of crowdy, but the clearest water I ever seen! We had a lunch here, you can also swim here, not only snorkling:)
Written 7 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MATINLOC ISLAND (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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