Palawan, once called Paragua, has long been regarded as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier—and for good reason. The entire province stands as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, a living testament to nature’s enduring beauty.

It accounts for more than 35 percent of the MIMAROPA region’s economy and has been consistently hailed as the World’s Best Island by Travel and Leisure magazine and Condé Nast Traveller. 

Nestled within the Coral Triangle, which is highly regarded as the global center of marine biodiversity, Palawan is home to species found nowhere else on earth, from the elusive Palawan Bearcat to the iridescent Palawan Peacock-Pheasant.

Beyond the familiar names of El Nido , Coron, and Puerto Princesa, a new destination is quietly emerging to redefine tropical living and sustainable tourism in the country. Welcome to San Vicente, Palawan’s best-kept secret and the next big name in paradise living.

Dubbed by the Philippine government as “Boracay 2.0,” San Vicente boasts the longest white-sand beach in the country with a 14-kilometer stretch of untouched coastline, ranking as second longest in Southeast Asia.

This pristine destination is also TIEZA’s flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ), making it as a key focus for sustainable, large-scale tourism development. San Vicente also carries the distinction of being the only master-planned municipality in the country, ensuring thoughtful growth that balances nature, community, and commerce.

Accessibility is a major plus: San Vicente has its own airport, with Megaworld’s development located near it, making it the only large-scale township immediately adjacent to the Long Beach Airport. Travel can also reach San Vicente via El Nido (two hours by land) or Puerto Princesa (two and a half hours by land).

The best time to visit is from November to May, when skies are clear and waters calm, perfect for beach activities, leisure delights, or simply watching the sunset across the horizon. And believe me, it’s a breathtaking view.

San Vicente is more than just a beach destination, it’s a journey into discovery. At its heart lies Port Barton, a serene coastal village that rivals more popular island spots with its laid-back, intimate charm.

The town’s crown jewel, Long Beach, stretches an incredible 14 kilometers, highlighting a true sanctuary for those seeking unspoiled beauty.

From Bato ni Ningning Viewpoint, which gained popularity through the television show “Ningning,” visitors are treated to sweeping views of Long Beach framed by lush forests and rolling hills.

Beyond its natural wonders, San Vicente’s Inandeng River offers peaceful encounters with mangroves and birdlife, while Poblacion Town Center serves as the lively heart of the community.

Leading the charge in San Vicente’s transformation is Megaworld, with its visionary project Paragua Coastown. It is a 462-hectare eco-tourism township that sets the benchmark for sustainable coastal living. This is Megaworld’s first-ever eco-tourism township and its flagship development in San Vicente, Palawan, with a P40-billion investment planned over the next decade.

Located in Barangay Kamden, near Long Beach, Paragua Coastown is designed to harmonize with Palawan’s ecological framework. Its residential development, Oceanfront Premier Residences, offers 189 smart home units ranging from 32 to 105.5 sqm, perfect for those who dream of waking up to sea views.

The township’s Mercato Shophouse District features 129 lots (235 to 595 sqm), while the Porto Hotel District offers 111 lots (450 to 1,041 sqm), both designed for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to blend business with beachfront beauty.

Hospitality also takes center stage with the Savoy Hotel Palawan, the first Megaworld Hotels and Resorts property in the whole province, slated to open in 2028 with 306 rooms. Following closely is Paragua Sands Hotel, a 10-story, 313-room development scheduled to operate in 2029.

Megaworld extends its Palawan footprint with Baytown Palawan, a six-hectare lifestyle estate in Puerto Princesa. Inspired by Forbes Town in Bonifacio Global City in Manila, this P7-billion township—developed in partnership with Suntrust Properties—overlooks Puerto Princesa Bay and captures the vibrance of city life with a tropical setting.

Within Baytown Palawan, The Bellagio Palawan is a 12-story upscale condominium offering 188 smart home units. It stands alongside Sonrisa Gardens, a three-tower residential project by Suntrust Properties with over 3,400 units designed for modern tropical living.

With its seamless blend of nature, culture, and sustainable design, San Vicente is poised to become Palawan’s next great sanctuary—a place where crystal waters meet world-class development.