The four-kilometre, palm-fringed crescent of Nacpan is the best mainland beach near El Nido — long, mostly empty, lined with coconuts, and ending at a small twin-beach headland in the north (where you can climb up for a view). A handful of low-key beach bars and bamboo bungalow places have opened along the strip in recent years, but compared with the town beach it remains wonderfully uncrowded.
A tricycle from El Nido takes about 45 minutes (the last part is rough). You can stay overnight; otherwise come for the day with cash, sunscreen and a hat.