San Vicente
Home of Long Beach - the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines · Palawan
Photo: Jimaggro / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
If you have dreamed of a beach so long you could walk for hours without bumping into another tourist, San Vicente is that place. On Palawan's northwestern coast between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, it is home to Long Beach, a continuous ribbon of fine white sand running roughly 14.7 km - the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines. No megaresorts, no party strips: just powder-soft sand, turquoise shallows, and the feeling of finding something the crowds have not.
Things to do in San Vicente
Walk (or run) Long Beach
Roughly 14.7 km of uninterrupted white sand. Sunrise and sunset walks are magical and completely free - bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as shade is scarce.
Island hopping
Boat tours from San Vicente or nearby Port Barton visit islands, sandbars and snorkeling reefs (incl. a famous starfish sandbar). ~PHP 1,200-1,800 per person shared, or ~PHP 3,000-5,000 private.
Mangroves and waterfalls
Paddle a community-run mangrove tour (~PHP 300-600) or take a short boat-plus-jungle-walk to Bigaho or Pamuayan Falls (~PHP 500-1,000 guided).
Do absolutely nothing
Rent a beachfront bungalow, order fresh grilled fish (~PHP 250-450), and watch the sun drop over the Sulu Sea. Here, that counts as an activity.
Photos of San Vicente
A visual taste of San Vicente before you go.
Photos: Iloilo Wanderer (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons · Tuderna (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons · Pancit Canton Media (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons · Wolfgang Hägele (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
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🗓️ Best time to visit San Vicente
Dry season late November to May, with December to April the calmest and clearest for island hopping. June-October is wetter with rougher seas but greener and even quieter.
✈️ How to get to San Vicente
San Vicente Airport (SWL) exists but scheduled flights are very limited - do not count on flying in. The reliable route: fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS), then a shared van ~4 hrs (~PHP 500-800). From El Nido it is ~2.5-3.5 hrs by van. San Vicente and Port Barton are close enough to base in one and day-trip the other.
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Frequently asked questions — San Vicente
Is Long Beach really the longest beach in the Philippines?
Yes - roughly 14.7 km of continuous white sand, far longer than Boracay's or El Nido's famous strips.
Is San Vicente better than El Nido?
It depends. El Nido has dramatic cliffs, more tours and nightlife; San Vicente offers space, quiet and an uncrowded vibe. Many travelers visit both, a few hours apart.
Can I fly directly into San Vicente (SWL)?
Sometimes, but not reliably - schedules are sparse and routes change. Most travelers fly into Puerto Princesa and take a van. Always check current flights and keep a backup plan.
Do I need a lot of cash?
Yes. ATMs are few and often unreliable, and most places accept cash only. Withdraw enough in Puerto Princesa or El Nido before arriving.
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First time in San Vicente?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Visa-free 30 days for most passports. The nearest extension office is in Puerto Princesa.
Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD = ~57 PHP, 1 SGD = ~42 PHP. San Vicente and Port Barton are largely cash economies - bring pesos from Puerto Princesa.
No special vaccines required for most travelers. Pack strong sun protection (Long Beach has little shade) and insect repellent. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Very few, often unreliable ATMs. Withdraw plenty of cash in Puerto Princesa or El Nido before you arrive; many places accept cash only.
Sleepy and friendly. Main hazards are strong sun, occasional rip currents on open stretches, and limited medical facilities. Travel insurance covering boats and remote evacuation is recommended.
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