Nacpan Beach is a four-kilometer strip of cream-colored sand and coconut trees with crystal clear turquoise water. It is located 17th kilometers north of the El Nido town proper in Palawan. This powdery paradise was one of the secret getaways for some tourists until its beauty was discovered by many andeventually became one of the most sought after destinations in El Nido.
Nacpan Beach generally only has a few visitors at a time. Hence, it is ideal for those who prefer more serene surroundings that are ideal for relaxing. Tourists can lie on the beach or settle in hammocks if they want to sunbathe.
Aside from swimming, visitors can also go surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you want to discover what kind of marine life lives off the shore, you can rent snorkeling gear from various stores and resorts along the beach.
Nacpan Beach is also known for the handful of local restaurants that offer various cuisines. There are also snacks for sale along the beach's entrance that are perfect for a pick-me-up while strolling along the sand.
Nearby tourist destinations
Nacpan is one-half of the popular twin beaches in the area-the other one is called Calitang Beach. The two beaches merge in a narrow sandbar that snakes into a lush hill, which offers an excellent view of Nacpan and Calitang. Tourists must trek to the southern portion of Nacpan to reach the hill where it meets with the smaller Calitang Beach. Calitang is also a stretch of white sand, but its waves are calmer than those in Nacpan. It is a fishing village with multi-colored boats anchored along the shore.
How to Get There
The most convenient and comfortable way is to book a shuttle service, which is usually part of organized tours going to Nacpan Beach. This is also a great way to meet other travelers as you will most likely share the service with other people.
For a more authentic island experience, you can hop on a tricycle to get to Nacpan Beach. While this is cheaper, expect a more bumpy ride as some parts of the road going to the beach are not fully cemented and are sometimes muddy.
You can also rent a motorbike and drive your way to Nacpan. Most budget travelers and thrill-seekers opt to do this since rental rates for an entire day are cheaper than a shuttle or tricycle service, plus they also have the freedom to go at their own pace and explore other places around Nacpan Beach and the rest of El Nido. As mentioned, some roads leading to Nacpan are still not in great condition, so be extra careful when choosing this transport option.
Best Time to Visit
It is highly recommended to visit Nacpan Beach during the country's summer season, which usually starts in March and ends in late May. But since this is peak travel season, expect to bump into a crowd of tourists - although it does not get too busy compared to other popular beach destinations in the Philippines.
If you are a fan of sunsets, it is best to arrive before 5 PM so you can catch the sun dip behind the horizon and paint the sky above Nacpan Beach beautiful shades of orange and pink.