Nacpan and Calitang: The most beautiful beaches in the Philippines

I was chatting a few days ago with Glizel, Manager/Owner of Lonesome Carabao, one of my favourite hangouts in El Nido about the most beautiful place that she’s been in this area and without a blink she said, ”If you want to see paradise, go to Nacpan Beach.”

I started googling (if there’s such a term) about Nacpan Beach and I found out that it is adjoining Calitang Beach. There’s a reciprocal beach just like the one in Phi Phi (Thailand). And after seeing the pictures, I’m instantly hooked.

We started asking tour agencies about the cost of their inland tour to Nacpan and the price given to us was around P1200 which is way beyond our budget. So, we started asking tricycle drivers the cost for this trip and the price offer that we got was around P1000-P800. Until we hailed one who agreed to take us to Nacpan and Calitang for P500.

The trip took around an hour where the first 25 minutes was spent going through a smooth paved road and the remaining minutes on rough road. We noticed around five western travellers who also just arrived on their motorcycle standing a few meters from us.

After a couple of minutes walk, there it was in front of us. This is probably one of the most gorgeous beaches that I have ever seen in my life.

Long, wide, white, fine sandy shore and emerald green, crystal clear water welcomed us.

Goosebumps man!

I felt such a privilege to be in an extremely beautiful place.

I then walked towards the left side to see the reciprocal beach and I was overwhelmed with such beauty.

The beach was empty except for a handful of tourist, a huge mansion probably owned by a rich foreigner and a small store where you could buy refreshments.

I also explored the rocky side and saw a natural pool. Of all the beaches, coves and islands that I’ve seen in El Nido, this is definitely on top of my list.

How to Get Here

Tour agencies in El Nido can definitely take you to Nacpan and Calitang beach for a much higher cost. You also have an option to take an airconditioned van which would definitely be more comfortable than riding a tricycle. If you’re travelling in El Nido with a big group, you might opt to rent a van since it can accommodate more people.

If you’re travelling with one or two more people then tricycle would be your cheapest choice. Bargain hard!

If you prefer to explore the area on your own, then you can rent a motorcycle. A lot of foreigners are doing it here since it gives you more freedom and flexibility to roam more inland.

Another option would be to rent a boat that could take you to Nacpan and Calitang Beach. It may or may not be cheaper that doing it overland depending on your negotiation skills.

A Little Favor Please

Kindly take whatever garbage you bring with you even if it’s something as small as a cigarette butt. These gorgeous beaches will blow your mind away and the least thing that we want as travellers is to litter it with our plastics and other trashes.

Photo Credits: Pics by Frameless World