Melo Villareal
The Ultimate Travel Guide to San Vicente Palawan
Out of the numerous local trips I’ve had, I found San Vicente in Palawan as one of the most promising destinations to date. It’s known for its long white beaches and picturesque surroundings – but more than that, one can feel the tranquility because unlike its nearby municipalities, San Vicente has maintained its number of tourists to preserve and protect their sanctuary.
San Vicente is the first-class municipality of Palawan and has two barangays that offer various activities for tourists – Port Barton and Poblacion.
To walk you through this great destination, here’s a travel guide on where to go, where to stay, and what to do and see in San Vicente, Palawan.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
You’ll notice a lot of European tourists visiting San Vicente – most especially Port Barton from December to Mid-May, where they escape during the winter season in their respective countries.
However, if you’re into cultural festivities, you might as well visit in June for their Malagnang Festival which usually happens around June 19-21.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the long 7 long hours of land travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice versa, travelers can now book direct flights from Manila to San Vicente, Palawan via Skyjet with 50-minute travel time.
However, if you prefer the latter, you can book a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Once you arrived at the Puerto Princesa International Airport, take a van going to San Vicente, which will take about 5 hours.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The local government of San Vicente has also thought of sustainable ways to introduce more transportation options for guests and tourists. One of these would be their electronic bikes (E-bikes) which can be used on land tours, and also a ride from the San Vicente Airport going to your resort or hotel in Poblacion or Long Beach.
You can also rent a habal-habal which are suitable for longer distances and rough roads. However, if you’re into DIY travel, you can rent your motorcycles as well.
WHAT TO DO
With lots of things to do in San Vicente, you’re sure to enjoy an escapade like no other – whether you’re alone or with a group.
Beach-hopping in San Vicente
Some of the beaches in San Vicente worthy of a visit include the Long Beach, Inaladelan, Capsalay Island, Ombo Beach, and more.
To see the complete list of beaches, click here. To explore some of the beaches, one of the best options would be renting a motorbike with a driver, good for 2 persons.
Also read: 19 Must-Visit Beautiful Islands And Beaches In San Vicente, Palawan
Catch the Sunset at Bato ni Ningning
Watch the sun as it sets at one of the best viewing decks in the municipality. It is perched on top of a hill in Brgy.
Alimanguan, the northernmost barangay of San Vicente, and is also the best place to have a fantastic view of the Irawan beach and of course, be able to get that Instagram-worthy shot. Take note that there is a 20 pesos entrance fee.
Discovering the Many Treasures of Port Barton
Another gem worth checking out is Port Barton, where most tourists frequent to get a glimpse of the breathtaking island. Aside from the sunset and rich wildlife, some of the places to visit in Port Barton include the Turtle Sanctuary at Secret Paradise Resort, named as the only official turtle sanctuary endorsed by the Philippine Government (DENR) and the WWF- Philippines.
Other activities include trekking to Pamuayan Falls and beach bumming at Inaladelan Island.
Go underwater at NaoNao Beach
Be mesmerized with the beach’s azure waters and white sand. This beach in Port Barton is also famous for its 70-hectare coral reef that you can explore if you’re into diving and snorkeling. Once you’ve It’s also the perfect way to chill at its tropical cottages and indulge on some fresh seafood – definitely a tropical getaway.
Stay for lunch at Starfish Island
This island is surrounded by lots of starfish and is a popular hot spot for lunch. It is included in one of the island tours, and light swimming is the perfect activity to do in its shallow waters.
WHERE TO STAY
Club Agutaya
Location: Long Beach, Barangay San Isidro, Palawan, San Vicente, 5309
The resort is in its perfect state and it has a perfect location if you just want to stay at the beachfront.
Everything the resort has is unforgettable, especially its friendly staff and its lovely in-house cats and dogs (seriously). I can’t wait to go back to this piece of paradise! Read our Club Agutaya Resort Review.
Villa Encantador Resort
Address: Long Beach Road, San Vicente, Palawan, 5309 Palawan
This is an ideal accommodation if part of the itinerary is beach bumming at the long beach and having some time for yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They feature a modern Unit/Villa and includes free use of the following: free kayaking, free videoke singing, and more.
The room is equipped with corner tables, With Heater in each bathroom, comfy beds, and a TV. Lastly, the resort can also arrange short trips and activities like island hopping.
Turublien Long Beach Inn and Bar
Address: Poblacion San Vicente, San Vicente, Palawan
If you’re on a budget, then this beach inn might be the perfect place for you. It’s perfect for backpackers, as they have a bar, free private parking, a garden, and barbecue facilities.
They also feature family rooms with a private bathroom with a shower. The resort also provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi.
La Acuario Beach Inn
Address: Sitio Panindigan, Poblacion IV-B MIMAROPA PH, San Vicente, 5309 Palawan
Although a budget-friendly accommodation, this place is one of the most recommended in San Vicente. They’re praised with their impressive food menu, cleanliness, room amenities, and friendly staff. Rooms are completed with free towels, toiletries, and clean beds. With only PHP1,000, you’d get to book a standard room and enjoy the sea view from there.
Also see: List Of Hotels And Resorts In San Vicente, Palawan
WHERE TO EAT
No San Vicente getaway is complete without indulging on various cuisine – most especially seafood dishes at the following restaurants.
Ayette’s Bamboo House Restaurant
Address: Corner Rizal Ballesteros Street, San Vicente, Port Barton, Palawan, Philippines
Located just a few steps away from Itaytay beach lies Ayette’s Bamboo House Restaurant – offering a wide range of menu and drool-worthy dishes such as the range of continental breakfast, prawns with garlic, curries, and fresh seafood of course.
Fruit shakes are also available. Impressively, this place also features a garden and accommodation perfect for families and huge groups.
Mabuti Eat & Chill
Address: Rizal Street Port Barton, Palawan, Philippines
A healthy conscious restaurant in Port Barton? Yes, please! If you want to have your coffee and ice cream fixed with a view of the ocean, then this place is the place to be. They offer vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and they do not use any artificial colorings to create their bread and cakes.
To top it all off, they also serve the best coffees and fruit shakes. Some of their recommended food on the menu includes the mozzarella toast, veggie burger, and a mango salad.
Mojitos RestoBar
Address: Purok Maunlaud | San Vicente road, Port Barton, San Vicente
Cap off your island hopping with some amazing concoctions and refreshments at Mojitos RestoBar.
It has a very cozy and relaxing atmosphere which makes this a perfect place to chill and try some of their impressive refreshments. Try their sharing platters! Definitely worth the hype!
Oasis Port Barton
Address: Roxas Street | Purok Masigla, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan Island, Philippines
Great and quality seafood dishes are here at Oasis Port Barton. It’s one of the most talked-about restaurants in Port Barton because of its impressive dishes, service, and clean surroundings. Must-tries include bulalo, garlic shrimp, and tapsilog.
Reef Café
Address: Bonifacio Street | Corner Burgos Street, Port Barton, San Vicente
It’s burger frenzy here at Reef Café which is popular for having the best burger in town. Try out the onion rings and fish tacos! People also keep coming back for more western food such as margarita pizza, veggie quesadilla, and chicken kebab skewers to name a few.
San Vicente is Palawan is an unmissable destination in the Philippines – fact. Its tranquil beaches are proof that our country is a gem worthy of a visit whether you’re a local or a tourist.
Needless to say, this destination will ensure that everyone has nothing but a good time with a trove of memories to last them well into a lifetime.
With more options on how to go this paradise, you’re surely off to a great tropical adventure.
Palawan Travel and Tour Packages
Searching for the best San Vicente Palawan hotels, resorts, and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new tourist attractions in San Vicente, Palawan? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
*Help us improve this San Vicente Palawan Travel Guide by sending suggestions on new places to visit, foodie spots, or any helpful travel tips. Happy Travels!
Also read:
- Top 20 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches In The Philippines
- Top 8 Calatagan Beach Resorts You Should Check Out
- Travel Guide: Palaui Island Of Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley
