Other Than Boracay

San Vicente was originally part of Puerto Princesa and the municipality of Taytay. It was only declared as a separate municipality of June 21, 1961. The Municipality has one of the longest beach in the country, the 14 kilometers beach shoreline of Barangay New Agutaya and Alimanguhan. It also prides of being a place in the province where about 92% of the Municipal area is forest cover.

Classified as a first class municipality, San Vicente is nestled in the northwest of Palawan’s mainland, bounded by the West Philippine Sea, the municipality of Taytay in the north, Roxas in the East and City of Puerto Princesa in the Southwest. With a forest area of 82,080.09 hectares and 22 identified islands and islets within its municipal boundaries.

Few of the attractions of San Vicente is the Long Beach- Located between New Agutaya and Alimanguan, and Yes! it has staggering 14 kilometer stretch of white sand beach, including the Daplac Cove- a hidden cove in Boayan Island, and the Port Barton attractions. It has pristine waters, verdant virgin forest, huge land area, interesting islands, in shores with plenty of corals and exotic fish, vast opportunity for eco-tourism, unlimited lands for business development, huge open sea for deep sea diving, sport fishing, and sailing, long foreshores to explore, plenty of waterfalls and caves, vast mangroves, challenging highlands, clean sea breeze, and most of all, has the longest white sandy beach in the Philippines- 50 kilometer of non-contiguous beach including the 14-kilometer Long Beach, the longest white sandy beach in the Philippines by far.

San Vicente, Palawan, the home of the next Boracay. Having been dubbed as the next best tourist destination in the Philippines after its completion of the 3 Kilometer runway airport, San Vicente will cater to beachgoers, tourist, vacationers, and visitors from both local and international. The airport will have a direct flight from Bali, Kota Kinabalo, Bangkok, and other Asian tourist locations. San Vicente is a municipality located in the Northwestern side of Palawan. It is the home of the world known 14-kilometer white sandy beach called Long Beach. It attracts tourists from all over the world. Its pristine environment, verdant forest few feet from the beach, its islands untouched by civilization, its waters full of corals and exotic sea lives, its sugary white and pinkest sandy beach, its friendly people; this is the San Vicente that will compete Phuket and Pattaya of Thailand, Bali of Indonesia, and will make Boracay a small congested dot in the local tourism arena. Price of properties, particularly beach front properties, has steeply risen in the past two years due to the construction of the new airport that can handle an Airbus 300-320 and Boeing 737-400.

Resource: http://www.sanvicentepalawan.com.ph

How to Get there:

From Manila, the Philippine Airlines, AirPhilExpress, ZestAir and Cebu Pacific fly two to three times daily to Puerto Princesa.

San Vicente is accessible by bus & shuttle vans, from several points; directly from Puerto Princesa City, or via Roxas. Within San Vicente, tricycles, motorcycles, and outrigger boats are the usual mode of transportation. Or by sea transportation from El Nido or Coron towns.

The ongoing construction of the new airport that can handle an Airbus 300-320 and Boeing 737-400. The airport will have a direct flight from Bali, Kota Kinabalo, Bangkok, and other Asian tourist locations, tourism stakeholders foresee.

Features & Attractions:

The beach property offers first grade white sand beaches, excellently ideal for a "5-Star Resort", it also faces the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) in the west, which offers romantic sunset view and the sparkling sounds of waves at night. Endowed with white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, enchanting islands and islets, magnificent waterfalls, vast forest cover, mangroves, and varied endemic flora, San Vicente serves as habitat for 23 of the 25 wildlife species found in the island of Palawan. Still largely untapped. San Vicente's diversity awaits discovery.

Swimming, snorkeling, boating, island hopping, eco tourism exploration, or just build your private resort, relax, listen to the sound of the waves and the noise of the insects from your backdoor forest. Reinvigorate, enjoy a peace of mind, get back to nature.

Places of Interest / Tourist Attractions

1. Port Barton with its White Beach and Marine Park
2. New Agutaya Beach - a 14-kilometer stretch of white sand
3. Pamoayan Falls
4. Long Beach
5. Boayan Island
6. Cagnipa Island
7. Tugdunan and Darapiton Rivers
8. Cagbolo Island
9. Decala Heron Sanctuary
10. Daplac Cove
11. Parish Church of St. Vincent Ferrer

Malagnang is a festive celebration of the San Vicentenians as way of thanksgiving for all the blessings God has showered to mankind. Malagnang is a Cuyuno word which means "Mud" Malagnang the original name of the first settlers has given to the place because its muddy. Malagnang Festival's rationale is not just about fun and frolic. It is also about desire and dedication to the heighten environmental protection awareness, which makes it all the more epitome of the Municipal Government of San Vicente.

The Malagnang Festival is unique because it glorifies an otherwise dull, inconspicuous, earthly thing-mud. Calling to the original name of the place where the first settlers arrived at, San Vicentenos identified an integral part of our history as the symbol of the festivities. Most of the activities lined-up for the affair fittingly include mud in all its splendor Sarautan sa Malagnang (Street Dancing) mud, boxing, wrestling, volleyball and other parlor games. The Malagnang Mud Festival being celebrated every June 19-21 of the year, the Founding Anniversary of Local Government of San Vicente. Check out this video of the Malagnang Festival 2009, http://www.sanvicentepalawan.com.ph/malagnang_2009_movie/malagnang09.html and more photos here http://www.sanvicentepalawan.com.ph/malagnang_2010/Frame/

Photo Gallery:

Photo Courtesy: http://www.paradiseinpalawan.com

Where to Stay:

Hotels near San Vicente Airport

OG's Beach Pension & Resto Bar

Location: El Nido

Summer Homes Beach Resort San Vicente - Mabini Street, Port Barton

RESORTS:

Blue Cove Tropical Island Resort, Albaguen Island, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
A six private cottages situated amongst the tropical fruit bearing trees, coconut trees and tropical gardens, all lined by a private, white sand beach only accessible by boat

Summer Homes Beach Bungalows, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
Port Barton's one of the premier resort, offer a high quality beachside accommodation awaits, with friendly staff to help you, stunning views, fabulous beaches and a relaxing atmosphere.

Ausan Cottages, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Cabungan Cottages, Rizal Street, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Coconut Garden Island Resort, Cacnipa Island, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
A small paradise located only two (2) hours away from the world famous “Underground River” on the way to Port Barton and El Nido. A probably the most serene place for nature-lovers, adventure seekers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

El Busero Inn, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

El Dorado Sunset Gardens, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Elsa's Beach Cottages, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
Known for their hospitality and great cottages.

Greenviews Resort, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
It has 11 sea view balcony cottages set in grounds planted with tropical trees and shrubs, which have been chosen to attract wildlife into the garden and to be admired by the guests. Greenviews Resort Cottages are equipped with tiled showers and flush toilets and are carefully maintained by the friendly staff.

Ysobelle's Beach Resort (formerly Swissippini Resort), Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Food and Where to Eat:

Judy's Resto & Bar
Have you ever tried a banana blossom burger? While in Port Barton, make sure to try one at Judy's restaurant. Her secret recipe is completely vegetarian and made from fresh banana blossoms and "lots of garlic and onions..

Ayette's Bamboo House Restaurant: Local Resto!, On the menu, from stuffed crabs, calamares, banana and mango pancakes, fish curry, chicken adobo, breakfasts and different drinks that we must have enjoyed it because we kept going back for more!

Villa Evergreen: Good Chicken Adobo

El Busero: Great fruit shakes

Greenviews: Cook your own food!

About Panglao Island:
Panglao is an island in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas. Politically, it is divided into two municipalities: Dauis and Panglao, both of Bohol Province. Panglao is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu. Asians were the first foreigners to see the charm of the island. As early as 1803 visitors from China, Malaysia, and Indonesia frequented Panglao Island as a sightseeing spot and also for trade reasons. Spaniards also later joined the scene and misconstrued fishing gears called “panggaw” for “Panglao” which they thought was the name of the place.

The island is famous for its world class diving locations and is home to numerous tourist resorts. At the pristine Alona Beach, tours can be organised to world famous diving sites, if you love to dive visiting Panglao is the place to be. This place is a tiny island found hidden in it’s bigger nearby island of Bohol.

Panglao has a terrain that range from plain, hilly to mountainous. Panglao is made of Maribojoc Limestone, the youngest of the limestone units found in the western area of Bohol. The limestone composition halted the development of an airport as coralline limestone is soluble which causes formation of caves and sinkholes. One interesting geological feature found in the island is the Hinagdanan Cave which has an underground water source. The cave is an important water source as the island has no rivers or lakes.

An estimated 1,500-2,500 mollusks are believed to be found in the waters of Panglao and Balicasag. Inventoried were about 1,200 decapods and 6,000 species of mollusks were identified in a study area of only about 15, 000 hectares. In comparison the Mediterranean Sea has yielded only 2,024 species in a 300 million hectare area.

How to Get there:
Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa is located at Bingag, Dauis in the island of Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.

» Fifteen minutes drive from downtown Tagbilaran
» Twenty minutes drive from the airport
» Two hours by fast craft from Cebu City
» An hour by plane from Manila.

A taxi from the airport or ferry terminal will cost around 10-15USD, whilst the amazing local guides will set you back around 5-7USD, the latter is the most enjoyable of rides and takes about 25-30mins.

Features & Attractions:

Diving: The dive shop at Bohol Divers Resort offers several outstanding courses, including rescue, emergency first response, and open water dive. Enrollees can visit several famous diving locations in the province, such as Snake Island, Pamilacan Island, and Cabilao Light House Point. Furthermore, they can visit special diving points like Rudy’s Rock, Black Forest, and Sanctuary. The dive shop is also responsible for organizing special safari trips and other diving expeditions.

Snorkellers can experience the refreshingly cold waters of Hinagdanan Cave at Bingag, on the island’s northern coast, with its mixture of fresh and salt water. Sadly, the entrance is entirely obscured by a small village of souvenir stalls.

Whale and dolphin watching in Pamilacan Island.

The famous tourist spots in Bohol like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Baclayon Church.

Caves: Hinagdanan Cave and Camagat Cave. An island mostly of Maribojoc coralline limestone, Panglao Island as a sightseeing spot is rich in cave formations. Limestone erosion creates sinkholes and crevices rampant in the island. We see them on land and under water. These wonders and many more make alluring Panglao Island as a sightseeing spot.

Photo Gallery:

photo credit: http://www.belleviewrock.com/panglao-photo-gallery.html










photo credits: http://www.panglaoisland.com/


Where to Stay:

Panglao Regents Park Resort

A the natural choice when you desire high quality rooms and facilities, an exotic atmosphere, and easy access to everything Alona Beach and Panglao Island have to offer! We are striving to provide our guests with an unforgettable stay while they are enjoying the highlights and natural beauty of Panglao Island

Villa Del Pueblo

Villa Del Pueblo Inn. Welcomes business and leisure travelers with its budget-friendly accommodation rates. The hotel, located along Danao, Daurang Baragay Road, makes an ideal retreat after a long day of exploring Panglao and Bohol.

	Hayahay Resort The latest resort on famous Alona Beach, offers you 11 rooms, all fully equipped with aircon, twin or king size bed, private toilet & bath, hot & cold shower, cable TV, Mini-Bar, personal safety deposit box, restaurant, night time security guard, Wi-Fi.
	Olivia Homes: Apartments and Bungalows Long and short term rates available. Luxury bathroom with hot water shower. TV, DVD PLAYER. Wireless internet. Maid service twice a week. Laundry service available. Quiet area, only 10 minutes from Alona beach.
	Lost Horizon Resort offers an ideal escape from civilization, but if one needs to remain in contact with the outside world, DSL free internet, satellite TV in every room international phone, fax and e-mail services are available.
	CASA SANTA BARBARA: Casa Santa Barbara is 12 minutes from Tagbilaran City and 15 minutes from Alona Beach yet enjoys almost perfect seclusion and privacy. Your nearest neighbors is over 200 meters away. Small private beach with excellent diving
	Alumbung is a small tropical garden approximately 25 minutes away from Tagbilaran and 15 minutes minutes ride from the renowned Alona Beach. T

Photo and Info credit: http://www.panglaoisland.net/wheretostay.htm

Food and Where to Eat:

	Jugalis Alona's newest Bistro, under German ownership and management. Jugalis is located on the entrance road to Alona Beach next door to BPI Bank. Great food in a relaxed atmosphere serving authentic German and international Cuisine.
	Helmut's Place. A popular meeting place for foreigners and local expats. Helmut's Bar and Restaurant serves mostly German food. Good Music and friendly staff. Located at Rona's Corner Directly opposite to Paragayo Resort.
	Hayahay Resort and restaurant Alona Beach. Owned and operated by Giso Stuhldreher and His wife Ginna who also operate Genesis' Divers. Better known for there great Pizza they now offer much more.
	Linaw Beach Resort & Restaurant. Danao Beach. Enjoy your own private beach Fine dining, restaurant and infinity pool or enjoy a cocktail while at the pool bar.
	Coco Vida Bar Alona Beach is well known for its large variety of exotic cocktails. Beach Barbecue a specialty they also an extensive Ala Carte Menu featuring local and international cuisine.
	Oops Bar: No trip to Alona Beach would be complete without visiting Oops. An extensive menu featuring international cuisine, fresh fish and traditional Filipino dishes. Happy hours 6-7pm and 9-10pm.
	The Powder Keg The Restaurant is operated by Paul Bruno and his wife Mercy. Specializing in authentic Italian Pizza. The native open air decor is popular with both Expats and tourist alike.
	Trudis Place: Location Alona Beach. Probably the busiest restaurant on the beach and without doubt the best value;
	Kamalig-Christiano's: Patron owned. Italian Cuisine, A la Carte Menu. Lasagna, steak and Seafood's. The restaurant is located on the right hand side, half way down the access road leading to Alona beach. Great pasta.
	Peter's House Genesis divers: One of the busiest dive shops on the beach also offer's great food.
	Alona Tropical : Great location right on the beach below crystal Coast. Good food and light entertainment. A beautiful setting makes this a ideal place for a romantic evening meal.

Photo and Information Credit: http://www.panglaoisland.net/placestoeat.htm