Discover the Top Attractions in San Vicente
Plan your visit to San Vicente, Palawan, and explore the top attractions of this stunning municipality. From pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery to local culture and delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone in San Vicente.
SAN VICENTE
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Palawan’s Natural Wonders | 8 Days
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San Vicente is a first-class municipality in Palawan, Philippines, consisting of 10 barangays, including Port Barton. The primary livelihoods here are fishing and farming, but the area is also becoming increasingly recognized as a tourism hub. Visitors can explore the bay, undeveloped beaches, jungles, and ports, as well as enjoy a few shops and markets.
In the bay, visitors can see several green islands scattered in the distance, including those in the Port Barton archipelago. While some of these islands offer accommodation, others do not due to a lack of fresh water sources. However, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, such as scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling around the nearby islands, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, visiting fishing villages on neighboring islands, and relaxing on the famous but undeveloped 14 km-long long beach, the longest in the Philippines.
San Vicente is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning white sand beaches, coral reefs, islands and islets, waterfalls, vast forest cover, mangroves, and diverse endemic flora. The municipality is also home to 23 of the 25 wildlife species found on the island of Palawan, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism. Plan your visit to San Vicente now and experience the beauty of this unique destination.
What to See in San Vicente:
San Vicente’s Long beach
San Vicente’s star attraction is the 14.7-kilometer beachfront, fondly referred to as Long Beach. This impressive stretch of white sand is the longest of its kind in the Philippines, boasting a length more than three times that of Boracay’s famous white beach.
What sets Long Beach apart from the busy beaches of El Nido is its laid-back, uncrowded, and uncommercialized vibe. It’s the perfect spot for travelers seeking a peaceful respite by the sea and a chance to escape the crowds. Long Beach offers a serene experience, allowing visitors to indulge in the simple pleasures of life by the beach.
San Vicente’s Mud Festival
San Vicente’s most significant event is the Malagnang Festival, celebrating the town’s heritage and the fertile soil that sustained its early inhabitants.
This annual festival is organized by the barangay government and fosters a sense of community spirit. It features a variety of cultural programs and competitions, where both locals and tourists can participate.
The event culminates in the highly anticipated Mud Street Dancing competition and the crowning of Mutya ng Malagnang (Miss San Vicente) on the final day of the three-day festival.
Located in the Long Beach area, the Malagnang Festival takes place from June 19 to 21, offering visitors an unforgettable cultural experience. Don’t miss out on the colorful street dancing and other exciting activities.
Exotic Island
Exotic Island is a must-visit destination for those exploring Port Barton Bay. This location is made up of two islands with shallow waters between them, creating a unique landscape perfect for swimming and sunbathing on the beach.
While snorkelers may find it difficult to find good spots for their interest, there’s still plenty to see! Schools of beautiful, colorful tropical fish and coral reefs can still be spotted in the area.
We recommend spending at least an hour on Exotic Island, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. The Port Barton Island Hopping Tour A is an ideal way to explore this beautiful location.
Paradise Island
Paradise Island is a privately owned island that used to have a small resort. Today, there are only caretakers on the island, a small family whose task is to maintain the environment by keeping poachers away from the reef.
In the past, the island’s reefs suffered immense damage due to destructive fishing practices. However, over time, the reef has grown back into what it is now, a beautiful underwater wonderland.
The highlight of Paradise Island is the stunning large fan corals, which are a must-see for anyone who loves marine life. The Port Barton Island Hopping Tour B is an ideal way to explore Paradise Island
German Island
German Island is a privately owned island that is worth a visit while you are in Port Barton. This serene island boasts of a stunning coral reef just a few meters from the shore, making it a popular destination for snorkeling.
While the coral gardens near the beach are beautiful, the real treasure lies a little further out. Take a swim and be rewarded with sightings of colorful schools of fish, vibrant corals, and if you’re lucky, even sea turtles!
Classic San Vicente Tour Options:
Experience the beauty of some of the best islands and snorkeling sites in Port Barton.
Discover the largest island in San Vicente with its secluded white sand beaches, lush forests, and spectacular marine life.
Discovering San Vicente in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival in San Vicente
Upon arrival in San Vicente, take some time to relax and explore the town. You can visit the Long Beach, which is known for its clear waters and picturesque views.
Day 2: Port Barton Island Hopping
Port Barton is a beautiful coastal town located about an hour from San Vicente. On this day, you can experience the best of Port Barton by taking an island hopping tour. You can explore nearby islands such as Exotic Island, Twin Reef, and Maxima Island. You can also snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters to see the vibrant marine life.
Day 3: Boayan Island
Boayan Island is a hidden gem that is located a few hours away from San Vicente. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Day 4: Departure from San Vicente
On your last day, you can take some time to relax and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. If you have time, you can visit the San Vicente Mangrove Forest, which is a unique ecosystem that is home to various species of wildlife. After that, you can depart from San Vicente and head to your next destination.
Where to stay:
If you’re planning to visit San Vicente and want to stay overnight, you’ll find that the main options are to travel by land to either Port Barton or the Long Beach area. Both destinations offer a remote, laid-back, and peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Accommodations in both areas are mostly rustic and cater to international travelers and backpackers, with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to upscale resorts. However, it’s worth noting that electricity and internet connectivity in many spots are still not that reliable, so be prepared for occasional outages.
If you’re looking for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, you may want to consider staying in a homestay or guesthouse run by locals. This will give you a chance to interact with the friendly locals and learn more about their culture and way of life.
Holiday Suites Port Barton is a beachfront accommodation situated in the charming coastal town of Port Barton in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Port Barton is a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful island getaway.
Holiday Suites Port Barton is considered by many to be the best hotel in the area, offering comfortable and modern amenities for a truly relaxing stay. The friendly staff is always ready to assist guests in any way possible, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience.
The rooms are equipped with a range of modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some units feature a balcony or terrace that offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
Club Agutaya is currently the best accommodations in San Vicente, situated right on Long Beach, and offering comfortable mid-range rooms. Other options for accommodation include simple guesthouses and pensions.