ABOUT SAN VICENTE

Located in the northwestern side of the main island of Palawan, known for this Long golden white sand beach which is about 14.7 kilometers – the longest beach in the Philippines, almost three times the length of Boracay’s most famous coastline. Basically there isn’t much in the shore but this is what makes it truly UNIQUE. This charming and uncommercialized Long Beach, travelers can enjoy and appreciate the unrefined quietude scenery. During low tide it’s also possible to drive the motorbike and explore the long stretch sandy shore. It has two rocky cliffs interrupting the coastline and dividing the area into three distinct coves. 

If you are into visiting the Long Beach these are four barangays spans the coastline – Poblacion, New Agutaya, San Isidro and Alimanguan. There are few accommodations and restaurants but mostly found in Poblacion. Around 10 -15 mins drive to the coastline. Renting a trike from Poblacion to the beach cost 150 pesos (one way). But because it’s difficult to find trike back to the town you could ask the driver to pick you up on your prefer time or can wait for you. 

The best choice would be renting a motorbike to get around in San Vicente price starts at 6oo php per day. 

This is from Picardal Lodge located in Poblacion, a friendly budget accommodation. A few meters away you can find a restaurants called Nipa Hut and Mango Bar a decent restaurants in Poblacion.

I only stayed one night in Poblacion, then packed my things and moved the next morning headed to Taytay Palawan.

 

ACCESSIBILITY 

HOW TO GET TO SAN VICENTE

BY AIR

The most practical way  to get into San Vicente is by air. The newly opened airport in San Vicente is served by Philippine Airlines providing a convenient direct flight from Manila and Clark. Another option is fly to Puerto Princesa then travel by land.

BY LAND

San Vicente is accessible by land from Puerto Princesa City. Buses and shuttle vans traverse the 186 kilometer highway that links these two destinations. Travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. San Vicente can also be reached via Roxas about 48km and an hour trip, Taytay about 75 km. about 2 hours trip, and El Nido about 137 km. around 3 hours drive.

Traveling by motorbike gives you the freedom to enjoy the long ride. From amazing concrete road to the never ending sight of lush greenery mountains, cool breeze embracing your skin, the calming tweets of the birds and this loud sounds of insects from the forest. This is to perceived how lucky we are to experience this natural beauty of nature. So impressive!

TAYTAY PALAWAN

When we talk about Palawan we are all familiar with these three FAMOUS places – Coron, Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Where you can find these spectacular beaches limestones, caves, lagoons and other gems of the country. Apart from that,Taytay is another hidden treasure of the province located in the northeastern coast of Palawan – the best escape from crowded. 

Taytay known as “Estrella Del Norte” which means “The Star of the North”. – one of Palawan’s oldest municipalities and was also the first capital city of the province.

Philippines has the lowest internet speed among the countries in South East Asia, so when you travel to remote places like Taytay, don’t expect too much to get a high speed connection.  The hotels in Taytay provide free wireless internet, but sometimes the connection is really slow.

WHERE TO STAY

There are also various accommodations located in the town center or Poblacion of Taytay. I stayed in Tay Lelong’s Pension House quite a nice place and affordable price. It has a pool and good ambiance. 

Another nice place to stay is in Casa Rosa, a budget friendly accommodation located on top of the hill and an overlooking view from the restaurant the Spanish Port/ Fort Santa Isabel and the bay . 

 

ACTIVITIES IN TAYTAY

VISIT FORT SANTA ISABEL

Fort Santa Isabel or Kutang Santa Isabel in Filipino, Fuerza de Santa Isabel in Spanish. Also known as Taytay Fort – a coastal fortification in the town of Taytay Palawan. It was built originally in 1667. It was named in honor of Queen Isabella II of Spain. 

The structure was replaced in 1738 by a coral limestone fort and was primarily used by the Spanish as a defensive structure where they fire cannons against Muslims raiders riding on war boats. 

This historical landmark is worth visiting  and has extensive views of the bay and the town of Taytay. The captivating touch of the past. 

I really enjoyed the views especially the trees and few flowers were in bloom and took some lovely photos, a quiet relaxing place and well maintained garden. It has an entrance fee of 20 to 30 pesos. There is a small museum where you can find some artifacts and interesting piece of history. 

 

The morning after couple of hours at Fort Santa Isabel I left Taytay and headed to El nido……

 

Visit my El Nido Travel Guide 🙂