Most visitors to Puerto Princesa hear about Honda Bay and the Underground River. They almost never hear about Nagtabon. That's the appeal.
Nagtabon Beach is a quiet, fine-sand cove on the western coast of Palawan, about thirty to forty-five minutes northwest of the city center. It's the beach we recommend to guests who tell us they've already done the famous spots and want to see something the tourist trail hasn't paved over yet.
What makes it different
The famous Palawan beaches are organized for visitors — entrance fees, permits, scheduled boats, joiner queues. Nagtabon has none of that machinery. You pay ten pesos at a small booth at the entrance. There's a row of cottages you can rent for the day for three hundred. Beyond that, it's a beach.
The water is calm, the sand is soft and fine, and the rock formations at the south end give the cove a quiet drama. There are no sea urchins or sharp coral — safe for swimming with kids. There's a small surf break during the rainy months for those who know how to read it.
Getting there
Nagtabon is about 46 kilometers from the airport, north on Puerto Princesa North Road for roughly twenty kilometers, then a left at Bacungan Elementary School, eight more kilometers, and a final descent of about a kilometer down to the beach. The last section is paved but narrow.
Options for the trip:
- Private van: ₱3,500+ for a half-day. Most comfortable, especially with a group.
- Motorbike rental: ₱600-1,000 per day. Cheapest option if you're a confident rider; the road is straightforward.
- Tricycle: Around ₱500 negotiated round-trip. Slow but pleasant.
- Public transport: Possible but unreliable; not recommended unless you have a flexible day.
What to bring
- Food and water — small stalls sell snacks and drinks but selection is limited. Pack lunch if you're staying past noon.
- Sun protection — the cove is open and shade is limited.
- Cash — no card readers anywhere. Bring small bills.
- Trash bag — pack out what you bring in. The locals work hard to keep it clean.
Costs at the beach
- Entrance fee: ₱10 per adult.
- Cottage rental: ₱300 for the day.
- Local food vendors with Filipino dishes (₱50-150 a plate). Bring your own if you want options.
Skip it if…
You're looking for snorkeling — the water is calm but not particularly rich for marine life. Honda Bay is better for that. You're looking for an organized tour — this is a do-it-yourself day. You want a famous photo — the beach is beautiful but not iconic in the way the Underground River or Big Lagoon are.
Visit if…
You want a quiet day. You like beaches that locals actually use. You're staying a few days and want a half-day off the standard itinerary. You'd rather sit on the sand with a book than squeeze into another joiner van.
Tell us when you check in if you'd like to go — we can arrange the van and pack a takeaway breakfast or lunch from the kitchen. The afternoon return is a nice slow drive through farmland and small barangays, the kind of Palawan most tours skip.
