Nagtabon Beach: The Puerto Princesa Not Everyone Knows

Nagtabon

Nagtabon Beach was quietly sitting away from the general public’s radar for quite some time until social media triggered its rise to fame recently. It used to be a secret getaway of those who want to enjoy the sand, sea and sand sans the crowd, well it still is most of the time but is starting to get the attention of the public.

Some 31 kilometers away from downtown Puerto Princesa, Nagtabon Beach is a mile long cove facing West Philippine Sea. It could be the last spot you’ll ever think of to include in your itinerary but for some, it is an ultimate destination… a home, a sanctuary.

Nagtabon Beach
A calm morning in Nagtabon Beach

Its light colored sand and azure water are surely enticing, its sunset… breathtaking! It offers the pleasures of simplicity and serenity, things such as sitting aimlessly at the beach, a coconut on the side, a book to read or a loved one to share the quiet moment. It is a complete opposite of all the chaos of Honda Bay and Underground River.

Nagtabon Beach
Cottage by the beach

There is no high end establishment in the beach to date, just local cottages which can be rented for only P250 for the entire day. No party and loud crowd, only fisher folks minding their own lives and local kids enjoying their playground.

It may not have the whitest sand nor colorful reefs due to huge waves during monsoon season, but its remoteness is a charmer. It is Puerto Princesa not everyone knows and Puerto Princesa others dreamed of.

Nagtabon Beach
A silent sanctuary

How to Get to Nagtabon Beach

To get to Nagtabon Beach from Puerto Princesa City:

  • Make your way to San Jose Terminal, there are jeepneys in the downtown going there
  • At San Jose Terminal, catch a bus to El Nido, Taytay, Sabang or Roxas and get off at Bacungan (P30/30 minutes)
  • Transfer to a tricycle from Bacungan to Nagtabon Beach (P200/trike max 3 pax, 15 minutes)