The first time I heard about San Vicente Palawan was during an island-hopping tour in Coron with my mother years ago. Two travelers from France mentioned this place they absolutely loved. They described it as laid-back and said it wasn’t crowded with tourists. Curious, I searched for information about San Vicente as soon as we returned to Coron town. They were right! There weren’t many blogs or articles about it online. So, when I was planning my return trip to the Philippines’ last frontier, I knew I had to include San Vicente Palawan in my itinerary.
This post features my detailed itinerary, covering transportation, accommodations, activities, and, most importantly, expenses. Our journey was based on San Vicente’s town proper, not Port Barton—though it’s part of the same municipality, it’s located several hours away.
Before you dive into planning your San Vicente Palawan adventure, don’t miss my Coron Itinerary, El Nido Itinerary and Balabac Itinerary. They’re perfect if you’re exploring these breathtaking islands before heading to San Vicente.
Table of Contents
Planning your trip to San Vicente Palawan
Best Time to visit San Vicente Palawan
The ideal time to visit San Vicente is during the dry season, from March to May. This period offers perfect weather for outdoor activities like island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring Long Beach. Expect calm seas, clear skies, and very little rain, making it the most popular time for tourists.
If you prefer milder weather, November to February is also a great time to visit. While it won’t be as hot as the peak summer months, temperatures are still comfortable, and there’s a lower chance of rain.
It’s best to avoid the rainy season (from June to October), as heavy rains can make boat rides rough, and tours are often canceled due to inclement weather. The seas are choppier during this time, and some island activities may be limited.
How to get to San Vicente Palawan
From Manila or Clark
The easiest way to reach San Vicente is by air. While direct flights from Manila or Clark to San Vicente Airport (SWL) have been discontinued, connecting flights are available via Cebu. Major airlines such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate these routes. Once you arrive at San Vicente Airport, e-tricycles can take you to your accommodation for less than 200 pesos.
From Puerto Princesa International Airport
Via Shared Van from San Jose Terminal
From the airport, charter a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. Tricycle fares typically range from ₱100 to ₱150. To save costs, consider sharing the ride with other travelers. At San Jose Terminal, take a van bound for San Vicente. The travel time is around 2–3 hours, with one-way fares ranging between ₱400 and ₱500.
Via El Nido-Bound Bus or Shared Van
You can also take a bus or van, such as Cherry Bus or Daytripper, heading toward El Nido. Ask the driver to drop you off at Itabiak Junction, which is the access point for San Vicente. The journey takes about 4 hours, with a one-way fare of approximately ₱500. From Itabiak Junction, wait for a connecting van from El Nido or Port Barton heading to San Vicente. Alternatively, coordinate with your accommodation for a pick-up service from the junction. Keep in mind that this route may take longer as it involves multiple transfers.
From El Nido
If you’re traveling from El Nido, direct vans to San Vicente are available. The journey takes about 2–3 hours, with a one-way fare of approximately ₱500. These vans operate only twice daily, departing at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM, so it’s advisable to reserve a seat in advance. You can book directly at the van terminal or ask your hotel receptionist to assist with the reservation.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or van heading to Puerto Princesa and ask the driver to drop you off at Itabiak Junction, the access point to San Vicente. From there, you can arrange for your accommodation to pick you up or wait for a connecting van bound for San Vicente.
Where to stay in San Vicente Palawan
There are plenty of options to fit every budget, but for this trip, my friend and I decided to splurge a little—and it was so worth it! We chose Club Agutaya, a gorgeous eco-resort along the Long Beach. Its beachfront location gave us dreamy sunsets. What I appreciated most, though, was how peaceful and private it felt. Read about our Club Agutaya stay here.
The only downside here is the presence of niknik (sandflies) on the Long Beach, which can leave itchy, unpleasant bites. The resort provided us with oil repellant to keep them at bay, but I still ended up with a few bites despite using it. To avoid this, it’s best not to sit or lie directly on the sand. Thankfully, Club Agutaya has plenty of beach beds and loungers where you can relax comfortably without worrying about the pesky insects. Pro tip: reapply the repellant regularly, especially if you plan to stay on the beach for a while.
For budget-conscious travelers, San Vicente has simpler accommodations like beach cottages and guesthouses in the town proper or in Port Barton. These are great if you’re all about the adventure and don’t mind sacrificing a few luxuries.
San Vicente Palawan: What to do and Where to go
San Vicente Palawan Top Tourist Spots
Long Beach
Long Beach is an iconic 14.7-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand, celebrated as the longest beach in the Philippines. It is divided into three distinct sections. Pinagmangalokan Beach (Long Beach 1) is located in Barangay New Agutaya. Enarayan Beach (Long Beach 2) is where Club Agutaya is situated. Alimanguan Beach (Long Beach 3) is the farthest of the three and is a popular surfing spot.
Port Barton
Port Barton is a charming village in San Vicente, Palawan. With its creamy-colored sand beach and vibrant coral reefs, it’s easily one of the best spots in the area. Beyond its beaches and laid-back vibe, it offers the unique opportunity to encounter Olive Ridley Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles in their natural habitat. For me, Port Barton ranks among the top three must-visit places in San Vicente.
Inaladelan Island
With its crystal-clear waters, creamy white sand beach, and an excellent snorkeling spot, Inaladelan Island is easily one of my favorite islands in Palawan. It’s a popular lunch stop for island-hopping tours. Here you can relax under nipa hut-style umbrellas while sipping on cocktails or fresh coconut juice, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or unwind with an afternoon nap in the cozy hammocks scattered along the beach.
Maxima Island and Exotic Island
Maxima Island is one of the standout destinations in San Vicente, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Just a short distance across the turquoise shallows lies Exotic Island, often referred to as Maxima’s twin due to their close proximity. These two islands are so near that you can easily swim or wade through the clear, shallow waters connecting them, especially during low tide, when the channel is just knee-deep.
Twin Reef
Twin Reef is one of San Vicente Palawan’s premier snorkeling destinations. The reef is adorned with large, colorful corals and teems with schools of fish. During our visit, we were thrilled to spot two sea turtles gracefully swimming near each other—a testament to the reef’s thriving marine ecosystem. Be sure to bring an action camera to capture its breathtaking underwater scenery!
Sea Turtle Conservation
The west coast of Palawan boasts some of Asia’s largest nesting beaches for Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles, with hundreds of nests laid each season. From mid-November to March, these turtles come ashore under the cover of night to lay their eggs. If you’re planning a trip to San Vicente Palawan, see the sea turtles in their natural habitat or, if you’re lucky, to witness hatchlings racing towards the ocean.
Starfish Sandbar
As its name implies, this sandbar is renowned for the starfish that can often be seen scattered across its surface. It typically emerges only during low tide, which makes it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. In this area, remember to observe marine life responsibly. Starfish are sensitive marine creatures that can become stressed when handled. Removing them from the water can cause shock, as they rely on water for their respiration and bodily functions.
Bato ni Ningning
Bato ni Ningning is a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Long Beach. This iconic rock formation rose to fame after being featured in a popular Filipino TV series, making it a must-visit for tourists. If it’s your first time in San Vicente, visit during sunrise or sunset, when the landscape is bathed in golden light. I promise you will love the view!
Inandeng River Mangrove Forest
Inandeng River is surrounded by lush mangrove forest. Not a lot of tourists know about this attraction so make sure to inquire about it from your host. Here you can embark on a guided river cruise, led by a local, to explore the mangrove-lined waterways. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the importance of mangroves in protecting marine life and supporting biodiversity.
San Vicente Palawan Itinerary
I recommend spending at least four days and three nights in San Vicente to explore both Long Beach and Port Barton. This will give you enough time to relax, enjoy the stunning beaches, and visit key attractions without feeling rushed. Here’s an itinerary which you can use as inspiration for planning your own trip.
Manila to San Vicente Palawan (Day 1)
- Flight from Manila to San Vicente / Puerto Princesa
- Check into preferred accommodation
- Hire a tricycle and go to Bato ni Ningning
- Dinner in Poblacion Public Market
- Back to accommodation
San Vicente Island-hopping (Day 2)
- Breakfast
- Start of San Vicente Island-hopping Tour
- Hire a tricycle and go to 100 steps viewpoint for sunset
- Dinner in Poblacion Public Market
- Back to accommodation
Port Barton Day Trip from San Vicente (Day 3)
- Breakfast
- Port Barton day trip (arrange this tour from your host or through a local tour guide)
- Dinner in Poblacion Public Market
- Back to accommodation
San Vicente to El Nido or back to Manila (Day 4)
- Wake up early and lounge by Long Beach for sunrise
- Breakfast
- Enjoy the pool at Club Agutaya (stay here as their pool is really great!)
- Prepare for departure
- Travel back to Manila or continue your trip to El Nido
San Vicente Palawan: Things to know before you go
Do you need cash in San Vicente?
Yes, cash is essential in San Vicente, as there are limited ATMs and card payment facilities. While there are ATMs in San Vicente town and Port Barton, they are not always reliable, and you may find that they run out of cash.
For added convenience, you can ask your tour operator if they accept payments via GCash, a popular mobile wallet app in the Philippines. Additionally, you can book island-hopping tours online through platforms like Klook or directly with your host, most of whom are likely to accept GCash for payment.
Is there Mobile Signal or WiFi in San Vicente Palawan?
Most of the islands in San Vicente have very limited or no mobile signal. In San Vicente town proper and Port Barton, Smart provides decent coverage, making it the better option for staying connected. Unfortunately, Globe users are likely to experience poor or no signal at all. Speaking from personal experience as a Globe user, I made sure to buy a Smart SIM before my trip. I also relied on Club Agutaya’s WiFi for internet access.
For foreign travelers, I highly recommend using Smart for better coverage. You can purchase a local Smart SIM upon arriving in Manila for convenience. Another excellent option is the Saily eSIM for the Philippines, which connects directly to Smart’s network. Having used Saily eSIM on previous trips, I can say they’re one of the most reliable solutions for staying connected. Use my code PROJECTGORA5 to get 5% off.
How much does it cost to travel to San Vicente?
A 4-day trip to San Vicente Palawan is generally affordable, with costs varying depending on your choice of accommodation and travel preferences. For reference, my 4-day trip cost ₱27,000 (USD 460), as I was able to book discounted airfare from Manila to Puerto Princesa. The expenses were slightly higher as my friend and I splurged on a stay at Club Agutaya and chartered a private boat for a full day in Port Barton.
If you’re planning your trip, budget around ₱20,000 to ₱30,000 (USD 340–510) to cover flights, transfers, tours, meals, and other essentials. Check the detailed expense breakdown below to help you plan your trip effectively.
| Expense | Cost (PHP) | Notes |
| Airfare (Manila to Puerto Princesa, roundtrip) | 1,982 | Promo fare. Book early for the best deals. |
| 3 nights stay at Club Agutaya | 17,500 | 3 nights stay split with my friend. With free breakfast. |
| Island-hopping Tour | 1,500 | Maxima Island, Exotic Island, Twin Reef, Inaladelan Island and Starfish Sandbar |
| Private Boat Charter for Port Barton | 2500 | day trip to Port Barton |
| Van Transfer (El Nido to San Vicente) | 500 | |
| E-Tricycle Rides in San Vicente | 250 | For short trips within town (e.g., town to Club Agutaya) and to Bato ni Ningning |
| Food | 2,000 | |
| Tips for Guide and Boatmen | 500 | Recommended to show appreciation for their hard work ^_^ |
| Travel Insurance | 275 | AXA Travel Insurance for domestic trips (4 days). This is just optional but if you’re paranoid like me, go get one lol! |
Are there vegan options in San Vicente? Is San Vicente vegan-friendly?
San Vicente Palawan isn’t particularly vegan-friendly, as many local meals, especially on tours and in accommodations, focus on fresh seafood, chicken, and pork. If you’re vegan, make sure to inform your tour operator or accommodation ahead of time so they can prepare options that cater to your dietary preferences. These meals might include staples like rice, tropical fruits, and simple vegetable dishes such as sautéed greens or grilled vegetables.
What language is spoken in San Vicente Palawan?
The main languages spoken in San Vicente Palawan are Filipino (standardized form of Tagalog) and Cuyonon, a regional language widely spoken across Palawan. Many locals also understand and speak English, especially in tourist areas, as it is one of the official languages of the Philippines.
If you’re a foreign visitor, learning a few basic phrases in Filipino or Cuyonon can enhance your interactions with the locals. Don’t forget to use polite phrases like “Salamat po” (Thank you) whenever a local helps you. They’ll appreciate your effort and kindness!
Enjoying the trip so far? Continue your adventure in El Nido and Coron!
After your trip in San Vicente, continue your Palawan adventure in El Nido, where you’ll marvel at its stunning lagoons, pristine beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs. From El Nido, take your journey up a notch with an El Nido to Coron Expedition. This multi-day trip lets you discover Coron’s famous highlights, including the enchanting Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and numerous vibrant reefs for snorkeling and diving. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems and remote islands.
Pin this for future reference!
And that wraps up my adventure in Balabac, Palawan! I hope this Balabac itinerary helps you plan your own trip to this beautiful island. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to share them below. I love hearing from you!
