10 Under-the-Radar Spots in Dumaran and San Vicente, Palawan

(SPOT.ph) Visiting Palawan is part of almost every traveler's bucket list. Dubbed the Philippines' last ecological frontier, the archipelagic region is rich in stunning coral reefs, beautiful white-sand beaches, and other natural wonders. You might think you've seen it all after visiting Coron, Puerto Princessa, and El Nido, but those destinations are just the tip of the iceberg.

A recent trip to the province got us exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and untouched islands. We rounded up our favorite under-the-radar Palawan destinations, particularly in the municipalities of San Vicente and Dumaran.

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Check out these must-see places in San Vicente, Palawan:

San Vicente, a municipality in the northwestern part of Palawan, is an up-and-coming destination. It boasts the Philippines' longest shoreline, brightly colored and biodiverse reefs, waterfalls,  and other sights.

San Vicente is accessible via the San Vicente Airport, roughly 15 minutes to an hour from most hotels or resorts. Alternatively, you can also reach this municipality via Puerto Princessa or El Nido, with a land transfer of about three hours. 

Long Beach

Long Beach is San Vicente's piece de resistance. This 14-kilometer white-sand beach is the Philippines' longest shoreline and is relatively untouched by commercialization. There are only a handful of resorts and establishments along the stretch, which make it a nice and peaceful haven away from the busy world.

Locals would often compare Long Beach to Boracay's White Beach back when it wasn't as crowded as it is now. Aside from lounging around the shore, the water in the area is also perfect for kids and casual beach-goers as there aren't any sudden drops in depth or strong crashing waves.

San Vicente View Point

This overlooking area is the place to take in the stunning views of San Vicente. At the top of a hill over the rural residential side of the municipality, San Vicente View Point offers 360-degree stunning views of the San Vicente hillside and shorelines. Enjoy the lush green rolling hills, fresh countryside air, and beautiful topography of the region. 

Bato ni Ningning

Just a few meters away from San Vicente View Point is another overlooking area to take in the beauty of San Vicente. Bato ni Ningning sits lower than the San Vicente viewpoint. But despite roughly having similar views at a lower vantage point, Bato ni Ningning is still a favorite among tourists because of its majestic sunset ocean views and climbable rocky outposts that make for IG-worthy shots. 

Exotic Island

What's a trip to Palawan without island hopping? One of your first destinations, when you go on an island tour of San Vicente, is Exotic Island. Crystal clear waters, powdery white sand, and a couple of friendly local dogs will welcome you once you dock. Exotic Island is a small stretch of white sand surrounded by a lush green forest. The area is uninhabited, but there are makeshift swings and huts you can use to while away the time. Walk along the shore, get a tan while relaxing on the sand, and enjoy the virgin beauty of this exotic isle.

Peña Plata

While it has the same feel as Exotic Island, with its crystal clear waters and white sand, Pena Plata has more creature comforts while still maintaining the simple tropical island vibe. Hammocks, rustic swings, huts, and comfy lounge chairs are strewn around so guests can relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Staying true to its oasis vibe,  the private island houses a small restaurant serving island eats like grilled fish, boiled seafood, and barbecued meat. A small cafe also serves various drinks like iced coffee, fresh fruit shakes, and soda.

Palawan Camping

Located on its own island, Palawan Camping is an interesting location to spend the night. Here you can book a glamping stay in their tents by the beach, complete with meals starting at P2,500. While it's not the most pamper-filled type of vacation stay, a night at Palawan Camping is one for the books, especially for those looking for an adventure. Wake up to the beautiful sunrise, swim at untouched coral reefs surrounding the islands, and get a chance to spot turtles, dugongs, and sea otters happily thriving in the area.  

Port Barton

If you're looking for a bustling nightlife with a charming beach backdrop, Port Barton is the destination to be. This barangay in San Vicente is where all the backpacker hostels, restaurants, and bars are at. 

Here are places to visit in Dumaran, Palawan:

Dumaran is an island municipality in the Cuyo archipelago of Palawan. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, virgin islands, and lush forests. If an adventure close to nature you are looking for; then this is the place for you. There are not a lot of premium resorts in this area as it mostly caters to backpackers.

Dumaran is accessible by land from Puerto Princessa or El Nido and is two hours away from San Vicente.

Enkantasya Island

Roughly 45 minutes away from the main island, Enkantasya Island is a small islet filled with mangroves and driftwood. If you're a small group, you could bring a small table or some blankets and have a picnic or lunch here. The real treasure in Enkantasya Island lies beneath the water. A large coral reef garden surrounds this isle, and it is teeming with interesting aquatic life. Bring your own snorkeling gear. This spot won't disappoint. 

Rinambacan Island

Rinambacan Island is a private island owned by a local engineer. The owners don't allow boats to dock on their shores, but a stone's throw away from their private beach are tons of corals and diverse marine life. As a compromise,  boats often dock near the island and just advise tourists not to go to the shore and disrupt the residents. Swim around Rinambacan Island, dive down its many drops, and enjoy seeing a wide variety of aquatic life, from fish to turtles and even giant clams. 

Matintinen Sandbar

Matintinen Sandbar is a long, naked patch of sand on the waters of Dumaran. Surrounding the sandbar are many species of starfish, crustaceans, and tide-pool-based creatures. The waters surrounding Matintinen Sandbar are relatively calm and shallow. You can wade around here with no problems. Aside from being a great stop for some photos, a picnic, or wading around the water, Matintinen Sandbar also has a great view of the sunset sinking behind the mountains of Dumaran.  

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