Set against the limestone cliffs and cerulean waters of El Nido in Palawan, Philippines, Lagen Island will unveil its transformation this July following an extensive renovation. Located in the heart of the Philippines, this private island resort is surrounded by tropical forest and a turquoise lagoon.
If you are unfamiliar with the term noctourism, it is the pursuit of nighttime travel experiences and an activity that is rapidly gaining global momentum. An ideal place to experience it is Lagen Island in the Philippines, thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution. It sits under some of the world’s darkest skies, making it a nocturnal playground for after-dark adventures.
Booking.com recently named “noctourism” a major travel trend for 2025 after a survey of more than 27,000 travellers found that around two-thirds have considered visiting “darker sky destinations” to experience activities like star bathing and witnessing once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events.
Another reason travellers are lured to experience nocturnal explorations is that they offer an opportunity to escape rising daytime temperatures and intense UV rays.
Lagen Island Lies Beneath a Blanket of Stars
Lagen Island has recently acquired a Dobsonian 16″ SynScan Sky-Watcher telescope, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the celestial wonders above. Free from light pollution and surrounded by the tranquillity of its private lagoon, the Island offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the Milky Way’s brilliance.
£££: This stargazing experience costs £140 for up to two guests, including cocktails and light snacks.
Illuminated Nighttime Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Launching in 2025, Lagen Island will introduce clear kayaks and paddleboards equipped with LED lighting to illuminate the marine life beneath. Exploring the waters after dark reveals a mesmerising underwater world, from sleeping turtles to rare coral species flourishing in the surrounding reefs.
In 2023, a coral species called Pectinia maxima—nicknamed Pmax—generated a lot of excitement due to scientists’ announcements that it was critically endangered. However, a small healthy stand could be found off one of Lagen Island’s coves. Not soon after, another stand of this significant coral was found just off Lagen Island.
This is an ode to the brilliant work that El Nido Resorts does to preserve its part of the planet. Guests can be a part of something magical at Lagen Island, and nighttime kayaking and paddleboarding to see the underwater world in this unmatched part of the planet is special.
£££: Nighttime kayaking and paddleboarding are available at Lagen Island for £90 per person.
Cliffside Movie Nights
In what is another new addition for 2025, Lagen Island, will be transforming its towering limestone cliffs into an open-air cinema where guests can enjoy film screenings under the stars for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Rates at Lagen Island start from £1,000 / $1,300 per night on a bed and breakfast basis (all other meals are a la carte), inclusive of transfer from Lio Airport to the El Nido Resorts Jetty Lounge and the 30-45-minute boat ride to Lagen Island. The rate is based on double occupancy. More information can be found at www.elnidoresorts.com/lagen-island/.
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