San Vicente, Palawan | Longest Beach in Philippines | DIY Travel Guide
Last 2020, Palawan was recognized as the “Best Island in the World” by Travel+Liesure. It held that title several times already. Been fortunate to visit Palawan’s 3 most famous towns; Puerto Princesa, Coron and El Nido. To me, the landscapes and seascapes of those places are truly World Class.
In recent years, other towns of Palawan are getting noticed. Like the azure waters of Balabac and the longest beach of Philippines in San Vicente. Since San Vicente is easily accessible via direct flight, we decided to give it a visit.
We stayed at Victoria Beach House, situated in the middle of Long Beach, Alimanguan, San Vicente. A budget friendly bed and breakfast type accommodation.
For day 1, we just spent the remainder of the day in Alimanguan Beach until sunset.
The next day, start of the island hopping tour. From San Vicente, we chose a modified Port Barton Island Hopping tour. We only selected the famous tourist spots because we only have a day to spend in the Port Barton area.
Our first stop is a sandbar. A small patch of fine white sand in the middle of the sea going to Port Barton.
Then, we spent several hours snorkeling in Twin Reef.
Twin Reef is teeming with life; schools of fishes and vast coral reefs. The underwater scene of Twin Reef was amazing.
Part of our Port Barton Island Hopping Tour is the Turtle Sanctuary. Had an opportunity to swim close to this gentle creature.
After the swimming with turtle experience, we docked at Inaladelan Island (Also known as German Island) for lunch. Inaladelan gets crowded especially at noon because most tours spend their time here.
Then a short stop a SMART Island. If the timing is right, you can enjoy the sandbar here. It was already high tide when we arrived and not much to do here so we continued our Port Barton Island Hopping Tour.
Our last stop on our modified Port Barton Island hopping tour was Exotic Island. A small island with dense forest and decent patch of fine white sand.
Just in front of Exotic Island is Maxima Island. It has several structure and I think it’s private. A dog from Maxima Island swam across to Exotic Island just to greet us.
The next day, we've schedule an Island Hopping Tour to Boayan Island. Based on the recommendations of the locals of San Vicente.
For our Boayan Island Hopping tour, our first stop was Starfish Sanctuary.
Then picked the best spot on the boat on our way to Niapuray Reef.
When we arrived in the area of Boayan Island, I saw why the locals insisted on visiting this place. The water here is Crystal Clear.
Next stop was Pulang Bato Reef. Water was too inviting to use a ladder. Depth was around 20 - 40ft but you can clearly see the bottom.
Spent most of the day swimming in the Crystal Clear Water of San Vicente, Palawan.
Had our lunch in an undeveloped private Island. I think it’s called Paradise Island.
For our last stop, our tour guides brought us to a place that is not included in the tour. Kalipay Cove, a cove with creamy fine sand, Emerald water and lush vegetation. The best part - We had this paradise all to ourselves.
Completed the day with a magical sunset in Alimanguan Beach.
San Vicente, Palawan has plenty of stunning tourist destinations. Aside from Long beach’s 14km long stretch of fine white sand, they have the islands of Port Barton to the exotic Boayan Islands. We did not get the chance to visit visit Bato ni Ningning viewpoint, mangrove forest and falls.
This is just a peek of San Vicente, Palawan.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN
The best time to visit San Vicente, Palawan is during dry season. This is from December to May. But since Palawan is far from the Typhoon belt, there is a low chance of rain even if you scheduled your trip on months outside the dry season.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN
Beachwear
Swimwear
Rubber shoes / Sandals / Slippers
Snorkeling Gear
Fins
Protection from the sun
Beach mat
Dry bag
Tumbler
Trash bag
Camera / Action Cam
Batteries /Memory Cards
Laptop
Universal Adaptor
Powerbank
Charger
HOW TO GET TO SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN FROM MANILA
The most convenient way to get to San Vicente, Palawan from Manila is via direct flight. We’ve tried SkyJet Airlines for this trip. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.
SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated budget for a 3 night trip to San Vicente, Palawan is Php8,500.00 per person. Plane fare not included.
You can still lower the cost if you will join a public tour and try a cheaper food options like carinderias / eateries.
See breakdown of expense below:
NOTE: Prices indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN
San Vicente is still undeveloped. No commercial buildings and fast food chains. Just raw island vibe.
Few resorts and only a handful of restaurants in long beach.
Food
You should try the brick oven pizza of Lazuli Resort
SizToms Chillout Corner
Transportation
You can rent a motorcycle to go around San Vicente, Palawan.
Accommodation
Victoria Beach House
A budget friendly accommodation with a beach front access.
Island Hopping Tour Rates is standardized by the Local Government.
Private tours
You can book this through your accommodation. The price may vary but you can at least see how much it will costs depending on the boat size. If the boat is for 4pax, then multiple the tour price per head by 4. The total will be the max amount for the said tour. But depending on how you bargain with your tour provider, it can be lower.
Ensure that all fees are already included in the tour fee.
All tours include lunch. Inform your tour provider if you have any concerns or issues with food in advance.
Cash basis.
No sure if there’s an ATM in San Vicente. Best to withdraw cash before going to San Vicente, Palawan.
Signal is weak in remote places.
SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN TRAVEL TIPS
If you are coming from Manila, best to fly directly to San Vicente, Palawan. Flight will cost more but it will save you time.
Scheduled a resort pickup from the Airport and back for convenience.
We’ve availed the tour from our accommodation so they also provided transfer from resort to San Vicente port for Island Hopping Tours.
Same with my other Philippine trip, I always recommend to rent a private boat for the island hopping tours. Even if it will cost more, the experience will be worth it.
If you will bring snacks on tours, include some for your tour guides.
Only drink bottled water.
I recommend to bring your own snorkeling gear and fins.
You can buy supplies in the town market just outside San Vicente Port.
Want to see turtle hatchlings? Locals told us that if you visit around December to May, you may see turtle hatchlings in Alimanguan Beach.
Did you know Alimanguan Beach is also a surf spot? They held a surf competition around 3rd week of February.
Do not leave trash behind.
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WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
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