The twin beaches
Nacpan and Calitang from above.
Micluna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kroisenbrunner — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tuderna — CC BY 3.0 · glwx — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Tuderna — CC BY 3.0 · Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy — CC BY 2.0
A long beach of soft golden sand running for about four kilometres north of El Nido, lined with coconut palms on one side and the open sea on the other, counted among the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the Philippines. At its northern end it meets neighbouring Calitang Beach at a narrow sand spit, so from above the two look like twins facing each other. Unlike the bay islands, Nacpan needs no boat: you get there by road on a motorbike or the local tricycle, along a country road past rice fields and villages. The distance keeps the crowds thin, so you can find empty stretches even in season. At the northern end is a small hill that visitors climb to see the twin beaches from above, the best-known photo spot. On the sand are huts and simple restaurants serving grilled fish and fresh coconuts. The water is clear and the surf usually moderate, but there are no lifeguards, so swim with care. Bring shade and water, and head back before sunset, as the road is unlit.
Nacpan and Calitang from above.
Shade along the sand.
Simple huts on the beach.
About 17 km north of El Nido town, roughly an hour by motorbike or tricycle
By road on a tricycle or a rented motorbike, in about an hour. Agree the return fare and waiting time before you set off.