Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach - Palawan

Located in El Nido in the province of Palawan, Nacpan Beach is known for its pristine azure waters and powdery white sand. While on the other end of it is an area called Calitang Beach, known for its unique dual-sided beach. These two beaches are usually referred to as the Twin Beaches by several bloggers. 

Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach

Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach Details

Although not part of the four island hopping tours of El Nido, Nacpan Beach is usually clustered in the inland tour packages of some travel agencies. The beach is several kilometers away from downtown El Nido and it would probably take you 15-20 minutes to reach it by land of course. (Although I haven't heard of a tour to Nacpan Beach by boat, it is still very possible.)

Nacpan Beach - El Nido, Palawan

Even the dogs love its waters

Can you spot the crab?

Beautiful white sand in Nacpan Beach

 Nacpan Beach is quite popular with foreign tourists because of the unperturbed solace offered by this beautiful destination. Aside from that, its 4 kilometer stretch of powdery white sand is also perfect for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, and of course building sandcastles.

Best place to unwind

I got to visit Nacpan Beach when a local friend of ours drove us there for a tour of his town. Before we went to the beach, he told me that we were going to paradise. True enough, when we reached the beach it was indeed paradise. I particularly loved swimming in its azure waters where schools of fish would usually swim with me even if I'm near the shore.

The small strip of beach that separates Nacpan Beach from Calitang Beach

The hill that overlooks both beaches

Calitang Beach - El Nido, Palawan

Panoramic view of the twin beach

 Aside from the picturesque 4-kilometer Nacpan Beach, our friend directed us to a hill several meters away from the parking area. Upon reaching it and scaling it, I was greeted by a far more scenic view of the beach being divided by a small strip of land. For me, it is quite similar to Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Due to this unique characteristic, locals also refer to the beach as Calitang Beach before being famously called Nacpan Beach. Nagpalitan means "to switch, trade, or change" which makes sense because, from the hill, you could see that one side of the beach has fine white sand while the other side is dominated by craggy rocks. From the hill, you would also see the small privately-owned Buri Island which you could probably simply by swimming. You have to ask the caretaker to explore it though.

Can you spot my sister?

Lolo and Ella bonding moment

Nacpan Beach is so clean

Off to work!

 Overall, Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach are two of the best beaches to visit in El Nido. It is almost a perfect getaway for city dwellers. However, my only concern is the dusty, uncemented road that one has to pass in order to reach the beach from the highway. To add up to that, one has to endure not only the dust but also the bumps along the way but then again, that's part of the adventure, isn't it?

Why visit Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach?

Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach are must-visit destinations in El Nido, Palawan. It's a perfect place to visit if you are looking for clear waters and powdery sand beaches. Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach is also a place that is not part of the El Nido tours so it is a place that you should consider visiting. 

Getting to Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach:


From the town of El Nido, you can hire a trike to bring you to the beach. As part of the bargain, these trikes would wait for you to finish exploring the beach then bring you back to your hotel. This arrangement costs P700-1000.

Just follow that arrow!

Another option is to avail of the inland tour which costs P1500. This tour will not only bring you to the two beaches but also other sites around El Nido too. However, in doing so, you would have limited time to explore and enjoy the beach.

You have to go through this road...

...and this bridge

 The best option (for me) is to rent a motorbike or scooter and ride there on your own. It gives you the luxury of time and also the adventure to ride through the bumps ala motocross to reach the beach. Renting a motorcycle or scooter costs P500 for the whole day. Just make sure you return the same amount of gasoline as you borrowed it. 

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Location: Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

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