Nacpan Beach is the longest and quietest beach around El Nido, running for a full four kilometres. It sits roughly 17 kilometres north of town and is easy to reach by scooter or tricycle. While boats and people crowd together in El Nido town, here you get golden sand, clear water and often only a handful of other people in sight.
The trip isn’t without its catches though. The last few kilometres of the drive are a bumpy track, there’s barely any natural shade, and then there are the sand flies, which cut our day noticeably short. We were there in march 2022 without any repellent. That was a mistake you don’t have to repeat.
In this article you’ll find out how to get from El Nido to Nacpan Beach, what the journey costs, how to protect yourself from the sand flies, where you can stay right on the beach, and whether the trip is worth it for you.
Last updated: August 2026.
Quick Overview Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach facts
Best time to visit: November to AprilDistance: 17 km from El Nido, approx. 45 min
Difficulty: easy – last few km on a sand track
More info: Municipality of El Nido
Highlights
4 km of golden sandTwin Beaches viewpoint
Barely any crowds
Sunset over the bay
El Nido – your base for Nacpan Beach
El Nido in the north of Palawan island in the Philippines is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and rich underwater world. Over the years it has turned into a proper tourist magnet, which means the infrastructure is well developed, with shops, restaurants, hotels and tour operators on every corner.
More about El Nido: El Nido – how to get there, what to see, tips
If you want to experience the island world of El Nido but stay somewhere a bit more remote and spend your days on a quiet beach, Nacpan Beach is where you want to be.
Nacpan Beach – the quietest beach near El Nido
Nacpan Beach is a four-kilometre-long, roughly 50-metre-wide stretch of golden sand about 17 kilometres north of El Nido, with clear water, gentle waves and far fewer people than the beaches in town. That is exactly what makes it stand out among the beaches in El Nido.
There are hardly any hotels here and very little else that could disturb your peace on the beach. For us it was almost a bit too quiet. A few dogs also live at Nacpan Beach, and some of them are not in the best condition. If you like dogs as much as we do, bring some treats or dog food along. The four-legged locals will thank you for it.
How much shade is there at Nacpan Beach?
There is barely any natural shade at Nacpan Beach. One section of the beach has sun loungers with parasols you can use for a fee, but otherwise you should bring sun cream, a hat and plenty of water.
Sand flies at Nacpan Beach – the big downside
The biggest downside at Nacpan Beach is the sand flies. In the Philippines they are called niknik. They are tiny, almost impossible to see, and they leave red, intensely itchy bites that last for days and can leave dark marks behind. We were not prepared for them, which is why we couldn’t stay on the beach anywhere near as long as we wanted to.
What exactly are sand flies in the Philippines?
Sand flies, also called sand fleas or sand midges, are tiny insects that live in damp sand right along the coast. They are far smaller than mosquitoes, which is why you usually only notice them once it’s already too late. They aren’t dangerous as a rule, but the itching is stubbornly unpleasant.
When are the sand flies most active?
Sand flies are most active at dawn and dusk, so early in the morning and from late afternoon until sunset. Which is exactly when the beach is at its most beautiful. If you only lie on the beach around midday, you’ll often get away unbitten.
What helps against sand flies at Nacpan Beach?
A repellent containing DEET works best. Apply it over your sun cream and top it up regularly. Also don’t lie directly on the sand, but use a thick beach mat or a lounger, because a towel on its own isn’t enough. Long, loose clothing during the dusk hours helps too. If you do get bitten: cool the bites, don’t scratch, and use an anti-itch cream.
Tip: Buy your repellent in El Nido town. There are barely any shops at Nacpan Beach itself, and the ones that exist charge considerably more.
★ Our Personal Top Recommendation in the Philippines
El Nido ↔ Coron: 3 Days / 2 Nights by Boat Instead of an 8-Hour Bus Ride
We took this 3D/2N boat tour with El Nido Paradise* ourselves – and would book it again anytime. Instead of simply covering the distance between El Nido and Coron, you'll discover stunning islands and lagoons along the way that you wouldn't otherwise get to see. Most travelers take the bus – and miss out on exactly that.
What to expect: snorkeling at unique coral reefs, overnight stays directly on the beach, and relaxed island-hopping by boat instead of spending hours on a bus.
Twin Beaches viewpoint – Nacpan and Calitang from above
At the western end of Nacpan Beach there is a hill from which you can see both beaches at once: Nacpan on one side and Calitang on the other. That’s why the spot is called Twin Beaches. The climb takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes and is steep but not technical, and from the top you get a panoramic view over both bays. We didn’t climb the hill ourselves, because by that point the sand flies had already driven us off. From above it looks like the photo below.
Tip: Don’t tackle the climb in the midday heat. Late afternoon is better for the light, but take insect repellent, because the sand flies come out around dusk.
Where to stay at Nacpan Beach
There are only a handful of places to stay directly on Nacpan Beach. We’ve picked the two best options for you.
Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach
Mad Monkey Hostel sits right on the beach. If you’re after a classic hostel atmosphere, want to meet people and enjoy a party, this is your place.
Nacpan Beach Glamping
If you’d rather not stay in a hostel and are looking for something special, Nacpan Beach Glamping is the one. You sleep in luxury glamping tents or treat yourself to a deluxe villa. The whole place is a very calm spot to unwind.
How to get from El Nido to Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is 17 kilometres north of El Nido town, and the drive takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how you travel. Getting there is a small adventure in itself: the first stretch along the main road is easy going, but from the turn-off towards the beach the route becomes a bumpy track full of potholes and loose sand. Driving stops being fun from that turn-off onwards. After rain, the last section also gets slippery.
Which transport should you take to Nacpan Beach?
From El Nido you can reach Nacpan Beach by scooter, tricycle or shuttle van. The prices below are as of 2026 and negotiable, so always agree the total price before you set off.
| Transport | Price | Journey time | Best for |
| Scooter | approx. 400–600 pesos per day | 30–45 min | Flexibility and stops along the way |
| Tricycle | approx. 1,000–1,500 pesos per vehicle (up to 4 people, return trip) | 45–60 min | Small groups without their own scooter |
| Shuttle van | approx. 350–450 pesos p.p. one way, 600–800 pesos return | 30–45 min | Comfort, luggage, larger groups |
Tip: With a tricycle, agree in advance whether the driver will wait for you at the beach. Otherwise you’ll be stuck there in the afternoon with no way back, because tricycles don’t simply pass by Nacpan Beach.
Is there an entrance fee at Nacpan Beach?
There is no entrance fee for the beach itself. El Nido does charge a general environmental levy though, the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF), at 400 pesos per person. The ticket is valid for ten days and covers all tourism sites in El Nido, and you usually pay it at your booking office or on arrival in town. Keep the receipt, as it’s checked at random. You’ll find the current rates at the Municipality of El Nido.
Food, sunset and cash at Nacpan Beach
There are a few beach bars and restaurants at Nacpan Beach, but no cash machine, so bring enough cash with you, because cards are accepted almost nowhere. Prices range from roughly 150 to 400 pesos at simple local eateries up to 600 to 2,000 pesos at the beach clubs with a sea view.
The sunset is the best reason to stay longer. We’d suggest arriving about two hours beforehand: that leaves time for a swim, gets you a good spot, and the midday heat is over. If you want a table at one of the beach restaurants, be there by around 5:15 pm, because it fills up after that.
If you want to be active, you can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks at Nacpan Beach, and surfboards start at about 100 pesos. The waves are usually small, which makes them good for beginners.
Tip: The sunset hour is also peak sand fly time. If you’re eating on the beach in the evening, wear long clothing or top up your repellent, otherwise you’ll pay for that beautiful sunset with twenty bites around your ankles.
Nacpan Beach FAQ
Is Nacpan Beach worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a long, quiet stretch of sand and can live with a bumpy drive to get there. If you’d rather have easy access, shade and plenty of restaurants to choose from, you’re better off at the beaches in El Nido town.
How far is Nacpan Beach from El Nido?
17 kilometres, so 30 to 60 minutes of travel depending on your transport. The last few kilometres after the turn-off are a sand track with potholes.
Are there sand flies at Nacpan Beach?
Yes, plenty of them. The so-called niknik are most active in the morning and in the hours before sunset. Without DEET repellent and a beach mat, your stay turns unpleasant quickly.
Can you swim at Nacpan Beach?
Yes. The water is clear and shelves gently, and the waves are usually mild. Stronger winds can create currents, so stay closer to shore on those days.
How do you get to the Twin Beaches viewpoint?
The climb starts at the western end of Nacpan Beach and takes 15 to 20 minutes. From the top you can see Nacpan and Calitang beaches at the same time.
Can you stay overnight at Nacpan Beach?
Yes, though there are only a few places to stay directly on the beach. The best known are Mad Monkey Hostel and Nacpan Beach Glamping.
Our verdict on Nacpan Beach El Nido
Even though the sand flies really got to us, we still loved the trip out to the beach. The drive is lovely apart from the final stretch, and the quiet on the beach was genuinely relaxing. If you’re in El Nido, you should definitely make the trip out here. Just bring insect repellent, and you’ll last longer than we did. If you want to see more of Palawan afterwards, the boat tour from El Nido to Coron is the most beautiful way to move on.