Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches: El Nido's Secret Paradise

Unknown to many tourists, found in the northern part of El Nido in Palawan is one of the best beaches in the country I've seen, the Nacpan and Calitang twin beach in Barangay Bucana. It's one of the many off-the-beaten-path destinations you will find in El Nido that's worth a visit. It's isolated, scenic and breathtaking that it truly defines paradise.

Scenic view from the top of a grassy hill in Calitang, El Nido, Palawan

After my first trip to El Nido last year, I had total beach hangover that I was thinking of booking another flight to Palawan ASAP. That's how I madly fell in love with El Nido. And a few months later, I learned about these unknown twin beaches from the blog of Flipnomad who raves about it being the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. It made my cravings to come back more intense. I wished I had known this before our trip.

I couldn't be more excited when the opportunity to return to El Nido last June came, thanks to promo fare! We made sure to visit Nacpan beach and see for ourselves this little piece of paradise in Palawan.

How to Get to Nacpan and Calitang Beach

On our fourth and last day in El Nido, we met the tricycle driver who I contacted before the trip. He was recommended by Kura on her blog. Nacpan and Calitang can be reached by motorcycle or tricycle. Some tricycle drivers would ask for P1,000 while I got ours at P800 for a round trip service. I think that's the cheapest they could go.

Alternatively, you can sign up from any tour agencies in El Nido for an inland tour. I was surprised to know that Nacpan beach was being offered as part of an inland tour package or some referred to as the Tour E. Makinit Hotsprings and Nagkalit-Kalit Falls are also included in this tour. As far as I could remember, it's not being offered a year ago...or maybe I just didn't notice it. I was kinda worried because this might become another Boracay thing pretty soon. If I were selfish, I would have chosen not to write about this so it remains a secret to a very few people who know about the place. But thanks to the internet anyway.

Coconut trees dotting the shore of Nacpan Beach

The trip to Nacpan and Calitang took about an hour and 10 minutes. It was a tough and rough ride. The road was unforgiving and we had to get off from the tricycle a few times everytime its wheels got stuck in deep mud. Our driver mentioned that he refuses to take guests to Nacpan when it's raining because it's like a trip to hell. We're lucky the weather was good at that time.

Finally, when we arrived, we couldn't contain our excitement. Upon seeing the beach we were rendered temporarily speechless! It's completely unspoiled and undeveloped with no resort found and no single tourist around. The only prominent structure is a big rest house owned by a foreigner. There were lots of coconut trees lining the shoreline. The sand was so fine it felt so great between my toes. And the water was so refreshing and pristine. It's a beach lovers' perfect haven!





It is called twin beach because the lengthy shoreline is shared by two adjoining sitios, Nacpan and Calitang. I think it's the looooongest beach I've seen in a long time.

After those "aaahhhh" moments, I asked our driver if we can explore more of Calitang and climb the hill where we can take photos of the surrounding views. We passed through a fishing village and was wondering why almost every local we met knows our driver. We learned that our driver grew up here so he definitely was the right person to take us there.

At the far end of Calitang we climbed the grassy hill to get an elevated view of the long beach. There was another shoreline, divided by the sand bar, at the back of the village in Calitang where a few boats dock. Most of these are fishing boats while some are passengers boat used to transfer locals to and from nearby islands. I must say that the view from the top of the hill was truly breathtaking!









After a few minutes of satisfying ourselves with lots of photos and being toasted under the sun, we returned to the spot on the beach where we left the tricycle. We spent a little time swimming while waiting for our driver who stayed at one of his relative's house to take some snacks.

We only stayed for a little over an hour in Nacpan and Calitang. We would have liked to stay longer, most likely for a day if we had the chance, but we had to return to the town of El Nido and get ready for our trip back to Puerto Princesa City on the same day. Even though it's a very short time, it's time well spent in this tropical paradise. I cannot wait to go back!

Click here to get some tips on how to travel cheap in El Nido.

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25 comments:

Anonymous said...

The trip to the Twin beaches was crazy.We pushed through even if it was still drizzling and the sky seem to be brewing a storm,we drove our rented motorcycle head on.The roads were beyond crazy!! LOL

But to be rewarded with its beauty,no pretentions.raw.Just beautiful!
Cheers to more travels!

Earl (Suroy Pilipinas) said...

speechless ako sa ganda ng pics! thanks for sharing, these twin beaches just made it to my bucket list.

Anonymous said...

Kung may tine pa kami nung nsa el nido kmi pupunta sana kami join sa mga nkilala namin dun na mga solo tavellers...punta sila dat tine eh...sayang...

Franc Ramon said...

Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beach really looked like Paradise from the fine sands to the blue water to the greenery and the islands that can be seen.

Carl Custodiod said...

Wow! I've been to El Nido but I didn't know that there's a place like this there. Good to know! Thanks man!

Teresa Martinez said...

Well, this must be what heaven looks like on earth. This is the kind of place I've always dreamed of to bring my family.

Kara / Travel Up said...

Wow. This is the first time I've heard of these beaches in El Nido. Makes me want to book a trip there again soon. Great photos!

Pal Raine said...

The place is so VIRGIN. It's my first time to hear about Calitang Beach

Nanardxz said...

El Nido is such a paradise.. beautiful shots bro!

Donald Pagulong said...

Wow! El Nido is a paradise den for nature-seekers, the beaches are that tempting.

Alwin Aguirre said...

Breathtaking scenes. This place is really beautiful. I'm in love, photos pa lang... nice shots!

ralph marcuss Manarang said...

Another paradise in the Philippines! This place must be seen by foreigners.

Lakbay Diva said...

ahhhh... too bad i went here on a stormy day. didn't get to explore it as much as i would have liked. ayos mga pictures! ang ganda!

RonLeyba said...

How I wish I can visit a paradise like this. So effin good! I really wanna see it, the threes, the sand, the beach with my own very eyes.

Ada Lajara said...

Holy Cow!! Ganda ng shots mo!!! Gusto ko balik!!

tedclaudio said...

!
Awesome place. +1 on my list when I plan a trip to Palawan! I agree that it's really a hidden paradise!

mark pogi said...

I love your shots in Nacpan and Calitang twin beach. Very clean. I suggest you stock them. Who knows, a travel magazine might get interested. ^_^

www.destinationdavao.com said...

The lush greenery and white sand makes your photos majestic. I hope to set my foot on the twin beaches soon. You're not the only one who was rendered speechless, the views are jaw-dropping!

Fritz said...

you are indeed a clever photographer! give me some tips on how to take a sharp landscape photos....

Unknown said...

Added this to my bucketlist! thank God i ran into your site.

Sab said...

OH _ MY _ GOSH !! I can't wait to see that place. Isn't it cheaper to hire a scooter and go there by yourself? Would you recommend it?

Pinoy Travel Freak said...

Yup, you can do that -- it's a cheaper option. :)

Tortel's Pack said...

bro! ito nga yun! haha! hope maka balik ako dyan.. sana kasing fine nang sand dyan ang weather sa part 2 nang pagtutuos namin.. :D

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GreenStallion said...

We have been to this place just last week. And it is truly awesome. One of our companion who saw (his 2nd time in El Nido, in fact) this beach in the internet (i don't know if it was your blog) that it was registered in our mind to visit this place when we are still in the plane. Because of this sudden decision, we dropped tour D on our third island hopping in El Nido and go instead Twin Beach. We're glad we made the right decision.

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