San Vicente, Palawan is a lesser-known town tucked about halfway between Puerto Princesa City and El Nido, in the northern part of the island. In San Vicente, nature-loving travelers have a chance to enjoy the sun, sea, sand, marine life, and lush rainforest while relishing rustic tranquility as it is largely devoid of luxury trappings. Sleepy San Vicente boasts unspoiled beaches, rich coral reefs, beautiful waterfalls, rich marine biodiversity, verdant forests, mangroves, and an array of endemic wildlife species. As such, it is being dubbed the next big thing in Palawan. San Vicente's 14.7km beachfront, popularly called Long Beach, is currently being converted into an emerging tourist destination. It has two rocky cliffs interrupting the coastline and dividing the area into three distinct coves.

Airports in San Vicente

1. San Vicente Airport (SWL)

This airport is in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines. The airport was built to boost tourism in the town and as an alternative to the much smaller El Nido Airport. Travel to this part of northwest Palawan usually takes three hours by land from the provincial capital, Puerto Princesa, located 186 kilometers away. With the airport in operation, travel between Puerto Princesa and San Vicente has been reduced to less than 30 minutes. The airport is served by Philippine Airlines providing a convenient direct flight from Manila Clark.

How to Get Cheap Flights to San Vicente?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to San Vicente. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to San Vicente.

When is the Best Time to Fly to San Vicente?

The Philippines is most popular during the dry season, between November and April. At this time the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas. Temperatures are high during March and April, so it’s best to travel during the cooler months of December to February. The wet season falls between May and October, but the rain isn’t constant and rarely impacts on travel plans. You’ll still enjoy hot, sunny days at this time, fewer crowds and lush, green scenery. December to April are the driest and sunniest months. Thanks to its location and isolation, mainland Palawan isn’t hit by typhoons as often as the other parts of the Philippines, but the rest of the year still catches a lot of rain especially in August and September. San Vicente receives a lot of visitors from other countries, mostly Europe. Hence, the peak season is considered from December to February, when foreign tourists go on tropical vacation to escape the winter cold.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in San Vicente?

1. Port Barton Marine Park -Port Barton is one of the villages in San Vicente town. However, the main attraction in this part of town is underwater, as Port Barton is an established marine park that covers 750 square kilometers that are protected by law. There is a no fishing policy around the park and the reefs are also protected against reef poaching. The best way to explore Port Barton is to hire a boat and a guide for the day so that you can go snorkeling in several pristine sites namely Aquarium 1, Aquarium 2, Wide Reef, Twin Reef and Sanctuary. Since many people do not yet frequent these sites, snorkelling can be a relaxing experience. In between your underwater explorations, you can stop at any of the small islands around the park - German Island, Paradise Island and Exotic Island are the more popular ones. There'll be a PSP50 environmental fee charged by the Tourist Assistance Center charged upon entrance.

2. Long Beach -Long Beach, in San Vicente, is so named because it’s 14-kilometer-long beachfront is one of the longest white sand beaches in the Philippines. Some say that it is three times longer than the beach in Boracay. It straddles three villages in San Vicente guaranteeing serene moments of privacy and tranquility for visitors. You can choose to hire a motorcycle and drive from one end of the beach to the other. A motorcycle tour can be arranged from San Vicente town proper or Port Barton. A day tour for two people costs around PHP950. If you prefer to take it slow, walk along the beach. If you get tired, sit on the fine white sand and if you get hot, take a quick dip. There are limited facilities nearby, so it is best you stay here for a few hours and head on to your next destination.

3. Bigaho Falls -Bigaho Falls is found in Sitio Bigaho, in Port Barton. It can be reached by taking a 20-minute boat ride from Port Barton to the white sand beach of Bigaho. From the beachfront, a 10 to 15-minute hike up the mountains will bring you to the waterfalls. The waterfalls have a total of 14 levels, where water cascades down rock formations. However, only two levels are accessible to the public and these are the ones that are most photographed. After the trek, you will be tempted to take a dip in the lagoon at the foot of the falls and let the fresh mountain spring water cool you down. Be mindful of your garbage, though, and it is recommended you bring your own food and drink as there are no stores nearby.