The secret’s out, Duli Beach is the beach for all the cool surfer kids, titos, and locals hanging out in between running tourism businesses. Simply drive up a half hour north of Nacpan and you’ve got a 2-kilometer shoreline of fine beige sand and a peek into the diversity of El Nido’s mainland beaches.
Surf El Nido
Surfer boys and girls, turtle conservationists, and those seeking refuge from the hustle of town are heading to this still off-the-beaten path. While Duli Beach isn’t going to attract international competition, it’s perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers with its consistent, moderately sized waves and a nice sandy beach break. Amihan season is the surfing season in Duli Beach. From November to March, the northeasterly trade winds from the Pacific brew up storms and low-pressure areas that bring cool, strong breezes to our eastern coastlines. This coincides with the dry season and brings water sports enthusiasts to our local archipelago. The consistent wind opens itself up for various carbon-free water activities such as surfing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, and sailing.
Earlier this December during the Balinsasayaw Festival in El Nido, Duli held a local competition organized by many community stakeholders.
No waves? No problem. Grab a kayak or SUP board instead. Don’t forget the masks and snorkels.
If getting on a board isn’t your thing, this beach is still great for swimming or simply lounging. You can find good food at the end of the beach, as well as all the provisions you’ll need for the day. Simply pop into Duli Beach Resort and check in.
Surf lessons can be taken with local surfers at Surf El Nido. Rates may differ, but not by much. Generally, they should be around PhP750 for hourly surf lessons and PhP350 for board rentals.
Getting to Duli Beach
Take note that getting here is difficult for those not used to riding scooters on steep hills. Those roads tend to keep the crowds away, but if you manage, consider yourself fortunate as you now enjoy a virgin beach with just enough provisions for a day or two.
Ride north past Nacpan Beach for another 10-15 minutes until you see green signage on the left side that says Barangay Bucana. Beyond this, you’ll see directional signages for Duli Beach.
If you don’t know how to ride a scooter or are a first-time rider, this is not the road you want to practice on.
Where to eat in Duli Beach
Our recommendation is to bring your own picnic. There haven’t been many waves on the food side of things but recently Tipsycow’s come in trying to bring in some decent food. From the road you’ll have Daluyon on your right when you get to the beach and then the majority of the businesses will be on the left side. Surf and Skate have new equipment, Northswell El Nido Surfing is directly where most of the waves will be and Duli Beach Resort are OGs sitting near the southern end of the beach. All these spots will have instructors and surfboards for rent.
Where to stay in Duli Beach
There are a few reminders when you want to get to Duli Beach. Bring what you need for the day as there are no shops here. Budget travelers should check out Surf and Skate Duli El Nido just before hitting the beach. They’ve got budget hammocks to overnight plus a skate bowl. On the beach, the most recommended spot is Duli Beach Resort, At the time of writing Kaway (off the beach), was on its way to soft opening. Accommodations are limited here, as is wifi and phone reception.
Conservation in El Nido with El Nido Marine Turtle Network
Duli Beach is an identified marine turtle nesting area, particularly for the olive ridley and green sea turtles. Nesting season is from January to February when thousands of eggs are laid. Duli Beach Resort has partnered with the El Nido Marine Turtle Network to maintain and protect these critical sites. Beyond Duil Beach, they are also helping neighboring Mariposa Beach and Dagmay Beach. Learn about turtle conservation efforts here. Nesting is typically between November and April.
Things to know about Duli Beach
Beware of sand flies, as unspoiled beaches have lots of them. You should bring insect repellents with you; organic ones are better.
There is little to no phone reception in the area, so keep this in mind. This has improved and some establishments will offer limited wifi.
Electricity can be intermittent and most folks use solar or generators.
Don’t expect change, don’t expect phone reception, and don’t expect a great road though it’s been improving. At the time of writing the hill on the barangay road to Duli Beach is one-way with on-going cementing of one of the lanes. The potholes are huge here. Dry means dusty, wet means slippery drive with caution and wear a helmet.
[mwai_chatbot id=”default”]
