I Saw the Sun in Nacpan

So, you already know that I’m clearly obsessed with this little corner of paradise in the Philippines called El Nido, right? Think of your idea of an island paradise—turquoise, glistening waters, white sand, limestone karsts and cliffs carved to perfection, amazing beaches and lagoons—yes, that’s El Nido!

Just when I thought I couldn’t be floored even more, El Nido surprised me (yet again!) on my third visit.

Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido


I got to visit a twin beach called Nacpan-Calitang.

I can’t say it was love at first sight. After all, the moment we stepped out of our tricycle ride after a 45-minute rough, yet scenic, ride from El Nido town proper, what we saw did not exactly impress me.

Sure, there were local kids with warm smiles and cheers as our welcoming committee in Sitio Calitang. But right behind us at the make-shift Tourist Center was a group of foreign tourists with their choice of rock music blasting. Not exactly my kind of jam on an island paradise.


Children of Nacpan Calitang El Nido

We went towards the shore after registering. On one side is Nacpan, a long stretch of creamy shore and dancing coconut trees while on the opposite side lies Calitang, a quaint coastal village.

Smacked at the center of Nacpan Beach were tricycle services and tourists of all races, everyone eager to see this once-deserted spot in El Nido. There was also a huge German-owned rest house near the beach (how lucky these mortals can be!).

Restaurants in Nacpan Calitang El Nido
There were people everywhere when we arrived by mid-day. Thankfully, they all stayed at the middle of the beach.

Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido

But the crowd melted away in our eyes as we focused on what this place has to offer. Against the backdrop of clear waters, soft waves, and a bright, sunny day, it has to be one of the most stunning beaches we’ve ever laid eyes on! Once again, El Nido did not disappoint and just like that, we were happy sunshine chasers!

Overwhelmed with excitement over finding the perfect beach that we hoped for, we slowly strayed away from the crowd and set off to explore the southern stretch of the tropical paradise.

That was where the magic started.


Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido

Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido

As we went farther, it seemed like we had the twin beach to ourselves. The scorching sun smoldered our skin as we took the long walk further but we did not mind. The heat blended in harmony with the waves, the coconut trees, the sea, the skies, the unbelievable views around…

We were totally in the moment—enjoying every casual second in which we just lazed by the shore, eating pandesal and Spanish bread with toes in the sand, reminiscing college memories, taking endless photographs of the jaw-dropping vista and yes, dipping in the sea.

Filipinas in Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido
My travel buddy for El Nido Round 3 was my sweetheart of a college roommate, Ela. #HiEla
Filipinas in Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido
Bread by the beach– nothing compares.
Hill at Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido

Nacpan Calitang Twin Beach El Nido boats and skies

After a few hours of beach bumming, we decided to walk some more at the far end of the twin beach and hiked the grass-covered hill. From the cliff, the views were just beyond surreal. It’s the kind you’d like to take a snap of and set as your desktop wallpaper background for eternity. That’s how crazy it was!

Though Calitang was scattered with empty coconut shells, docked-fishing boats, and seaweeds, it was still a sight to behold. We spent so much time snapping a thousand photographs of this place and just shouting our hearts out. Standing at the top of the hill by ourselves, surrounded by God’s purest creations, I felt peace—peace in my heart and peace in my mind.






Soon, it was time to go home.

Granted, Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beach has its imperfections.

But on that one sunny afternoon in January 2014, it was the most blissful beach it could be.


Where: Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach is located at Sitio Calitang, a 45-minute drive from El Nido (Palawan, Philippines) town proper. El Nido is a 6-hour land travel from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

How to get there: It’s part of the El Nido inland tour itinerary of most travel agencies but you can do-it-yourself. Hire a tricycle or habal-habal for a roundtrip service which usually costs around Php800-Php1300 (we got ours for Php800). Renting and driving for yourself a habal-habal would cost much cheaper.

What to expect: During the monsoon season, the road going to Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach can be muddy so wear your tough sandals and dress appropriately. On normal days, the ride can be just fine. Don’t forget to lather sunscreen protection, take lots of photos, throw your trash properly, interact with the locals, drink buko juice, and just enjoy every moment!

19 (na) komento

  1. Ninay, idol talaga kita sa mga outfits mo sa trips. Never sacrifice fasyon talaga :).

    TumugonBurahin
  2. Hahahaha! Ms B, ganyan po talaga ako. Para maganda sa picture! Kaya habang maaga, sanayin mo na si Gwen. ;)

    TumugonBurahin
  3. Sometimes things converge in a moment to render magic. It sounds like this was one of those times that we all chase. :)

    TumugonBurahin
    Mga Tugon
    1. Betsy, appreciate you dropping by here at Girl Chasing Sunshine. Thank you for taking the right words out of my heart. :) Very true, indeed.

      Burahin
  4. I've been to Nacpan beach twice. The first was a really hot sunny day with hardly anyone on the beach. The sand was sparkling white and we were mesmerized by it. The water was also very calm. When I came back the 2nd time, the sand and beach was still as mesmerizing but the waves were huge and we weren't allowed to swim that day. It was very windy. Nonetheless, on both occasions, Nacpan beach didn't fail. It was sooooooo pretty! Love your pink skirt by the way

    TumugonBurahin
  5. Anne this is great, so glad I found it. I'm going to El Nido in December for the first time and really, really looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll find this place while I'm here and I'm definately going to stay in touch to follow up on your Palawan adventures!

    TumugonBurahin
  6. What an incredible place! I am loving your posts on the Philippines. I am actually planning to go there with my sister in March and... well, I can't wait to see it all with my eyes!

    TumugonBurahin
  7. The beach looks beautiful and so relaxing! I love how blue the ocean looks. I haven't been to Philippines but I would love to go. It's on the top of my list so hopefully I can go soon :)

    TumugonBurahin
  8. I went to Nacpan beach but I think I may have missed the twin beach! Such a shame, it looks awesome. Nacpan beach is so gorgeous though. We had it all to ourselves! I plan to go back to El Nido to explore the rest of the islands. So far I've only done Tour A and Tour C...would love to see the other hidden beaches.

    http://girlunspotted.com

    TumugonBurahin
  9. Nice post, I am not a beach person but looking at your pics makes me wanna go there, relax and just listen to the sound of the waves as it touches the shore. Lovely place!

    TumugonBurahin
  10. Thank you for sharing such wonderful places that I would never have known about! Can't wait to visit myself one day

    TumugonBurahin
  11. it's so nice finding 'hidden paradises' isn't it ?
    and I love empty beaches ... far from the crowds

    TumugonBurahin
  12. You can't beat beach bumming in the Philippines!

    TumugonBurahin
  13. What a gorgeous beach! You really hit the jackpot, those pictures are stunning!

    TumugonBurahin
  14. Oh what a beautiful region of the Philippines! Just goes to show we barely skimmed the surface when we visited Cebu last year. So many reasons to return!

    TumugonBurahin
  15. What an amazing place. Great photographs. Keep up the great work!

    TumugonBurahin