Port Barton Guide
Surely, if we still lived in Manila, our getaway town or place to go to relax and feel at home would be Port Barton. Located between Puerto Princesa, the main access point to Palawan, and El Nido, the island’s main attraction, lies this little paradise surrounded by palm trees, tranquility, waterfalls, and island hopping tours that will take you to wonderful beaches. In this Port Barton Guide, you will find detailed articles with information to prepare your trip on your own. Discover with us what to do in Port Barton, where to sleep, how to get there, and the tips we wish we had before visiting this great Filipino corner.
If El Nido and Coron are already somewhat (or quite) crowded corners of Palawan, Port Barton still retains that local essence that makes it special. Although electricity is now available 24 hours a day and more and more hotels and businesses are popping up, its unpaved streets, its relaxed atmosphere, and the possibility of enjoying beaches without having to go island hopping make Port Barton the favorite town of many travelers. In this Port Barton Guide, you will find the secrets of its success.
THINGS TO DO IN PORT BARTON
Possibly, what you will like most about Port Barton is the simple fact of being there. We don’t know what it is, but there is a special atmosphere. Even so, you won’t lack things to do in Port Barton:
- White Beach and Coconut Beach: hands down, White Beach is one of the best beaches in the Philippines and is about 10 minutes by small boat from the town. If you feel like it, you can also take a pleasant walk through the “jungle” passing by the no less spectacular Coconut Beach. Can you guess the reason for its name?
- Island hopping: small boats also leave from Port Barton to explore neighboring paradisiacal islands like Exotic Island or German Island. In addition, the snorkeling stops are fabulous and include a spot where our friends the green turtles are usually present.
- Pamuayan Falls: it’s not all about the beach! The walk to this small but charming waterfall is very pleasant. If you are more in the mood for adventure, you can hike to Bigaho Falls.
- Kayak: rent one and paddle to Starfish Island, full of starfish!
- Sunsets: we don’t know what happens, but the sunsets in Port Barton are epic. Grab a San Miguel and enjoy the daily show.
- Bioluminescence: when the sun goes down, go to a spot with little lighting and stir the water a bit, you might be blown away!
Our advice is that you spend, at the very least, 2 full days (excluding transfers) in Port Barton, but it is very likely that it will feel too short. Don’t skimp and dedicate at least 3 days to it. We tell you some secrets that are missing in this Port Barton Guide in:
ISLAND HOPPING IN PORT BARTON
Although not as popular as those in El Nido or Coron, the Port Barton island hopping tours will have you spending a day exploring beautiful islands and reefs with lots of marine life without feeling any kind of overcrowding. The tours in bangka start on the beach of the town itself around 9:00 and end around 16:30. In addition, they include a hearty lunch to regain strength.
Here is all the information you need:
PORT BARTON BEACHES
Port Barton is its island hoppings, its sunsets, its waterfalls, its walks through the town streets, its atmosphere, and its people. But Port Barton, if you know where to look, is also spectacular beaches where you can relax stretched out on its fine sand facing incredible turquoise waters.
In this section of the Port Barton Guide, we tell you all the details so you can discover the best beaches near Port Barton and enjoy them, if you want, with hardly anyone else around.
PORT BARTON RESTAURANTS
Although Port Barton has developed in terms of tourism and is no longer that lost town we met around 2010, it still maintains that magic that makes it so special. With the arrival of more travelers, different places where to eat, have dinner, and have a drink that you will love have been appearing. And, if you are looking for something budget-friendly, don’t worry because you will also find some carenderia (the local pot eateries), where you can eat for less than 60 pesos.
In addition, Port Barton has been an ideal destination for backpackers for years, which has caused a festive atmosphere that is missing in other destinations. You will find several beach bars that are open until late at night and offer live music.
In this section of the Port Barton Guide, we show you the best ones.
Bon appétit!
HOW TO GET TO PORT BARTON
Port Barton is located halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. To get to Port Barton from both places you will have vans and buses covering the route every day in about 4 hours.
If you want to visit this town from other places in the Philippines, you will have to catch a flight to Puerto Princesa or El Nido and then continue by public transport. Since July 2019, flights from Manila to the neighboring San Vicente airport have been operating. Although in this Port Barton Guide we have given you a preview, you will find everything much more detailed here:
WHERE TO STAY IN PORT BARTON
Although there are more and more hotels and hostels where to sleep in Port Barton, the offer is still quite limited and geared towards a backpacker crowd. Even so, interesting options of small resorts with pools or cabins with all the comforts are emerging. Be that as it may, you are sure to find accommodation in Port Barton that suits you.
Due to the increase in Port Barton’s popularity, it is worth booking where to sleep in advance. This is especially important during times of high demand such as Easter, Christmas, or Chinese New Year, keep that in mind!
TIPS FOR VISITING PORT BARTON
- ATMS IN PORT BARTON: since mid-2019 there is a Euronet ATM (which charges a hefty fee), even so, don’t risk it and bring cash.
- BEST TIME FOR PORT BARTON: the dry season throughout Palawan runs from November to May.
- FEES IN PORT BARTON: upon arrival, you will be made to pay an environmental fee of 50 pesos, which will be valid for every day of your stay. Carry it with you, especially if you are going to go island hopping.
- HEALTH: in Port Barton, there are no hospitals or clinics. In case something happens to you, you will have to be transferred to Puerto Princesa. Traveling with insurance that covers the transfer is essential. You have a 5% discount on the insurance we use.
- SAFETY IN PORT BARTON: we wouldn’t like to have to write this, but the truth is that there have been some thefts in hotels in Port Barton. Read the reviews well when booking accommodation to avoid problems.