The day after my Port Barton island hopping adventure, I prepared for another trip, the San Vicente Palawan inland tour. A tricycle driver I met earlier asked if I had already tried it. I admitted I hadn’t, though curiosity stirred in me. I saved his number, unsure if I would go. That evening, I messaged him on WhatsApp. He replied late, but I had already fallen asleep. At dawn, I saw his response and quickly confirmed. Few minutes later, he said he couldn’t join, but arranged for his friend, Kuya Pipoy, to guide me.
After breakfast at Fat Cat, I met Kuya Pipoy waiting outside with his tricycle. I asked to stop at Cheers Brew before we started. With coffee in hand and the morning sun rising, our inland journey began. I told Kuya Pipoy I hadn’t researched destinations, so I asked him to lead the way.
Bato ni Ningning
We rode from Port Barton toward San Vicente’s main town. The road was partly paved but mostly rough, lined with coconut trees, rice fields, and small homes. After more than an hour of bumpy travel, we reached Bato ni Ningning. This viewpoint sits on a hill, with a massive rock as its highlight.
Standing there, I saw the coastal plain below, stretching to the shoreline. The hillside grasses swayed in the breeze, framing the sea view. The entrance fee was only twenty-five pesos. Kuya Pipoy asked if I wanted to climb further, but I felt satisfied.
Long Beach: The Pride of San Vicente
Long Beach, the centerpiece of the San Vicente, Palawan inland tour, is said to be the Philippines’ longest uninterrupted beach. It stretches for nearly 15 kilometers. We entered through a small resort and paid a minimal fee. A short walk later, I stood on a vast stretch of sand that seemed endless.
Unlike tourist-packed beaches, Long Beach felt serene and untouched. Coconut trees leaned toward the sea, framing the scenery. I walked along the shoreline, letting the water brush my feet. A hammock tied between two trees invited me to rest, so I enjoyed a few carefree moments.
By midday, we stopped at a small eatery. I ate rice with grilled fish and vegetables, simple but satisfying. It was enough to fuel us for the waterfalls waiting ahead.
Gilligans Beach
We made a quick stop at Gilligans Beach. The palm trees swayed gently while the sea shimmered under the sun. It was a short but refreshing break before the highlight of the inland journey.
Bigaho Falls
Next, we stopped at Bigaho Falls. The entrance fee was Php40. From the parking area, a short trail under thick trees led us there. Soon, the sound of rushing water grew louder until the falls came into view.
Water cascaded into a pool below, shaded by trees. The air felt cooler, and the water was icy. I splashed my face and hands, refreshing myself even without swimming. It was calm and peaceful, a place where time seemed to slow.
Pamuayan Falls
After another rough ten kilometers, we reached Pamuayan Falls. There was no fixed fee, only a donation to maintain the area. From the registration point, a lush jungle trail awaited. As a plant enthusiast, I marveled at the ferns and palms surrounding the path. It felt like walking through a living garden.
The fifteen-minute hike wasn’t hard, but it made the sight of the falls more rewarding. Water poured over rocks into a crystal-clear pool. Visitors swam, their laughter echoing in the forest. I stayed dry, sitting by the rocks and letting the mist cool my skin. It was nature’s embrace—water, trees, and stillness.
As the sun began to set, we headed back to Port Barton. The San Vicente Palawan inland tour took almost the whole day, but every stop was worth it. From hilltop views and untouched beaches to hidden waterfalls, the trip showed a calmer side of San Vicente.
If island hopping offered wonder, the inland journey gave peace. Without plans, guided only by Kuya Pipoy, the day became one of my most memorable in Palawan.
