El Nido Inland Adventure: Waterfalls, Duli and Nacpan Beach

The other side of El Nido

Everyone comes to El Nido for the island-hopping, but the mainland behind the town hides a whole different adventure. This inland tour swaps boats for back roads, taking you to hidden jungle waterfalls and the long, wild beaches of Duli and Nacpan on Palawan's quieter coast. It is the perfect counterpoint to a day on the water - greener, less crowded, and a chance to see the El Nido that most visitors never reach.

What you will discover

Jungle waterfalls

Tucked into the forest inland from El Nido are waterfalls that reward a short trek through the trees - cool, clear cascades dropping into natural pools where you can swim away the heat. The walk in, past farmland and jungle, is part of the appeal, and the falls are a refreshing, often peaceful contrast to the busy island boats. Conditions vary with the season, with the falls at their fullest after rain.

Nacpan Beach

Nacpan is the showstopper - a four-kilometre curve of golden sand and rolling surf, consistently rated one of the finest beaches in the Philippines. Backed by coconut palms and joined to neighbouring Calitang by a slender sandbar known as the Twin Beach, it has a wild, open feel a world away from the sheltered lagoons. There is room to walk for ages, swim in the waves, and watch the light change over an enormous sky.

Duli Beach

Duli is even quieter - a long, palm-fringed stretch popular with surfers in season and blissfully empty much of the year. It is the kind of beach where you might share the sand with only a handful of others, ideal for a slow afternoon of swimming, lounging and soaking up the unspoiled coast.

The setting

El Nido sits at the top of mainland Palawan, and while its fame rests on the offshore islands, the mainland coast and interior are just as beautiful in their own way. The roads inland wind through farmland, forest and small villages, and the northern beaches face the open sea rather than the sheltered archipelago, giving them their surf and their sweeping scale. A vehicle and guide make these scattered, off-the-beaten-track spots easy to link in a day.

Practical tips

Wear comfortable shoes or sandals you can walk and get wet in for the waterfall trek, and bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water and insect repellent. The roads can be bumpy, so it is a more rugged day than the boat tours. Confirm what your tour includes - transport, guiding and any entrance fees - and carry cash for fees, snacks and drinks. The waterfalls are fullest in and just after the wet season; the beaches shine year-round.

Who it is for

This tour is for travellers who want more than just the islands - nature lovers, beach connoisseurs and anyone seeking a quieter, greener side of El Nido. It suits couples, families and independent spirits happy with a bit of rough road in exchange for empty sands and jungle falls. Book through the GetYourGuide link on this page to explore inland El Nido.