Hey, fellow travelers and island seekers! 🌴✈️
Cebu Pacific has just launched new flights to San Vicente in Palawan, and this could transform how tourists explore the most visited island in the country. As someone who’s spent a significant amount of time exploring Palawan and understanding the leisure and travel scene in the Philippines, I’m especially excited about what this means for international adventurers.
I also have extensive experience traveling as a backpacker around the world for 2 to 6 months at a time, thanks to my work in international real estate sales and my general love of travel. I’ve traveled to over 45 countries and have backpacked across Europe, Asia, Africa, South, and North America. I know what it’s like to stay in cheap hostels, take long intercountry sleeper buses or trains in places like Romania, Morocco, and India, and experience both tourist traps and the beauty of off-the-beaten-path destinations. So, I’m very familiar with what tourists, especially foreigners, want: affordability, efficient travel, and rewarding experiences.
Imagine spending a lot of money to hop on a plane to the Philippines, which could be 12-18 hours away for those on the other side of the world. Many will choose to spend at least 2 weeks island hopping to see the best islands and experiences. These trips usually include stops at: Palawan’s El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton; Cebu’s Moalboal, Oslob, Dumaguete, and Siquijor; Boracay; and of course, Siargao.
The new flight connects the Palawan leg of the trip more seamlessly with the Cebu leg through direct flights.
Check out this itinerary: Europe – DOHA / Taiwan – Cebu – San Vicente – Port Barton – El Nido – Coron – San Vicente – Cebu – Moalboal – Oslob – Dumaguete – Siquijor – Cebu – Boracay – Cebu – Siargao – Cebu – DOHA
Since Cebu has direct access to many airports worldwide and is connected to the main island destinations in the Philippines, you can use Cebu as your main hub for transfers. This limits your road trips to Palawan and Cebu.
Forget about sketchy boat rides and long waits. After exploring Cebu’s attractions, foreigners can now catch a quick, direct route to San Vicente. From there, hopping over to Port Barton, then El Nido or Coron, is much easier. Shorter car rides mean faster time to the beach, which is the whole point of the trip. I recommend skipping Metro Manila altogether. Speaking as a seasoned traveler, there’s really not much to see. Plus, when you find yourself stuck in Manila’s notorious traffic, you will dream about the beaches and wish you had saved your time and gone directly to where the fun is—the stunning beaches, especially in Palawan.
1. Enhanced Connectivity and Accessibility to Palawan
Strategic Location of San Vicente
San Vicente is in the heart of Palawan, closer to the popular travel destinations in the North. Everyone knows El Nido or Coron, but San Vicente is their chill, laid-back cousin. When you want to avoid the crowds and parties in El Nido, you’ll find a more relaxing and quiet experience in San Vicente’s Port Barton. A quick search on TikTok will show you that foreigners love it here. If you’re craving untouched, postcard-perfect beaches away from the tourist crowds, San Vicente is your spot. It’s home to the stunning, almost surreal 14km White Beach—the longest beachfront in the country. It’s perfect for diving, snorkeling, or simply unwinding with a good book or cocktail. And here’s a bonus: San Vicente is also the surf capital of Palawan. I’ve personally surfed in San Vicente, and I can tell you it’s good. Though not widely known, it’s definitely a cherry on top for surf tourists, provided you visit during surf season, of course.
So, why settle for just one destination when you can have it all? Use San Vicente as your launchpad and create an epic island-hopping itinerary. Explore El Nido’s limestone cliffs, dive into Coron’s shipwrecks, and still have time to uncover the hidden wonders of San Vicente. It’s like curating your own greatest hits of Palawan!
2. Economic and Tourism Growth
Boost to the Local Economy
Now let’s talk about the big picture of what these flights can do. More tourists going to San Vicente means more cash flow into the local economy and its investors. Hotels, eateries, and tour operators like Hotel Elizabeth and those that will rise in the area of Paragua in San Vicente are going to see a boost. This isn’t just good news for businesses but also for the local community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a place flourish because more people are discovering its charm.
Regional Development
San Vicente could fully step out from the shadows of its more famous neighbors. With these flights, it’s set to become a prime destination on its own. Expect new attractions, activities, and even more reasons to keep coming back. It’s like discovering a new level in your favorite adventure game!
As more flights land, we’ll see improved infrastructure, better services, and maybe even direct international routes to more islands like Boracay and Siargao in the future. The country has a lot to gain if we make our islands more accessible to each other. It doesn’t make sense why local flights are so expensive and often need to be routed through Cebu or Metro Manila. If you have any insights into this, let me know.
In a Nutshell
Regardless of your island bucket list, these new Cebu Pacific flights to San Vicente should be highly beneficial for travelers planning their route across the Philippine islands. Easier access, a boost to the local economy, and a new gateway to Palawan’s stunning scenery—it’s a total win.
So, I highly recommend traveling to Palawan via San Vicente and starting your journey with Port Barton, then El Nido, and then Coron. Pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready for your next epic adventure in Palawan. See you on the beach! 🏖️🌊
If you have questions or need travel tips, drop me a message—I visit Palawan at least three times a year as a real estate consultant.
