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.

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.

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!).

There were people everywhere when we arrived by mid-day. Thankfully, they all stayed at the middle of the beach.

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.

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.

My travel buddy for El Nido Round 3 was my sweetheart of a college roommate, Ela. #HiEla

Bread by the beach– nothing compares.

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!