Complete Travel Guide to Port Barton, Philippines
- Caroline Cunningham
- Jan 22, 2020
- 10 min read
Over the years, Coron and El Nido have been the face of Palawan to tourists. But a place once considered off the beaten path is now coming into the Palawan spot light as well: Port Barton. During my travels to the Philippines, I planned to visit Coron and El Nido, and then head to Puerto Princesa just to fly out. However, I met a group of backpackers with relatively the same plan, but instead were headed to Port Barton after El Nido and then flying out of Palawan. I had stuck with the group for this long, and so I thought, why not follow? I wanted to explore somewhere I had never heard of before, with no expectations and just going with the flow. And I’m so glad I did! Port Barton ended up being a huge highlight of my trip and I recommend it to anyone who visits the Philippines!
What Makes Port Barton Special?
Because Port Barton is less visited than places like El Nido, it functions at a slower pace and is a more authentic experience. Although you can easily find western cuisine and fancy accommodation if you wish, the town is still Filipino and hasn't been completely taken over by tourism. The people are friendly, and genuine, wishing to get to know you rather than just sell you something or get you to ride in their tricycle taxi. The beaches and surrounding islands are pristine, and the water clear and calm barely polluted with tourist boats.
In both Coron and El Nido I had gone on island tours with itineraries full of magnificent places. However, because of their popularity, many locations were overrun with tourists and the tours so jam packed, we were being shunted place to place every 30 minutes. The island tour in Port Barton, on the other hand, was my favorite. Not only was each place we visited paradise, but the tour itself had a much more relaxing vibe. I think that sleepy, sun kissed energy all around is what makes Port Barton so amazing!
Where is Port Barton?
Port Barton is on the largest island of the Palawan region. It is about a 4 hour drive south of El Nido and a 4 hour drive north of Puerto Princesa.
Getting There and Getting Around
In order to reach Port Barton, you'll more than likely be coming from Puerto Princesa or El Nido. My route was El Nido to Port Barton to Puerto Princesa, but I will show both ways, each very easy.
El Nido to Port Barton
In order to get from El Nido to Port Barton, you will take a shuttle van. The easiest way to book this is to ask your hotel or hostel to do it for you. Most will have the available resources to call someone, you simply leave your name and then pay the driver. This is how I did it; the van to Port Barton picked me up from my hostel, I paid 500 pesos ($10 USD), the van ride was about 4 hours, and I was dropped off at the shuttle station in Port Barton.
If for some reason your accommodation in El Nido cannot book a van for you, you can always book on 12go.asia, where tickets are about $13 USD. These vans will operate the same way, however these vans usually leave El Nido from Rizal St.. Always double check your pick up location before booking.
But whichever way you book, vans will drop you off at the Port Barton shuttle station. At the station, you will be asked to pay an environmental fee of 50 pesos ($1 USD). Hold onto the environmental card you are given, you'll need this if you take an island tour. From the station, most accommodation is walking distance, however you can also take a tricycle taxi to where you're staying for about 40-50 pesos ($1 USD).
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
In order to reach Port Barton from Puerto Princesa you have 2 options. The first is by shuttle bus or van. This can either be booked through your accommodation in Puerto Princesa or online at 12go.asia. I recommend booking online, simply because I wouldn't stay the night in Puerto Princesa. There's not much to see or do, and so (in my opinion) it's best to fly in and waste no time getting to you next destination. The buses are around $7-10 USD and take about 4 hours to reach Port Barton. Be sure to check where the departure location is before booking. Most will be from San Jose Bus Terminal or a hotel. When you arrive in Port Barton, the van/bus will drop you off at the shuttle station. At the station you will be asked to pay an environmental fee of 50 pesos ($1 USD). Hold onto the environmental card you are given, you'll need this if you take an island tour. From the station, most accommodation is walking distance, however you can also take a tricycle taxi to where you're staying for about 40-50 pesos ($1 USD). The second option for getting to Port Barton from Puerto Princesa is renting a car. Because the airport is an international airport, there are cars available for hire. However, this tends to be expensive and is only worth it if you have a whole road trip around Palawan planned out.
Getting Around While in Port Barton
Getting around while in Port Barton is very easy. For the most part, you will simply walk everywhere! You can rent a bike, but the town is a very small place so going from wherever you're staying to the beach or a restaurant is definitely within walking distance. You can also always hire a tricycle taxi. However, because the area isn't as populated as say El Nido, drivers won't always just be waiting around outside, you may need to ask your accommodation if they can call someone.
In order to reach the surrounding islands or beaches along the coast only accessible by boat, you can either take an island tour, a kayak if close enough, or boat taxis are available. To book an island tour, this can be done at your accommodation or, in my case, seeing a sign on the street for tours and booking right there with the captain! Kayaks are available for rent on Itaytay beach.
To take a boat taxi simply walk onto the main beach area (Port Barton Beach/Itaytay Beach) and there will be captains waiting who you simply negotiate a price with and jump on the boat. Be sure to ask about being picked up! When I did this, my friends and I paid 300 pesos ($5 USD) roundtrip and just told him when we wanted to be picked up, and he came and found us on the beach at that time!
Port Barton to El Nido or Puerto Princesa
When your stay in Port Barton sadly comes to an end, you will more than likely be traveling to Puerto Princesa or El Nido. In order to reach your destination (whichever one), simply speak to your hotel or hostel and they will be able to book a van for you, just the same way you arrived with a similar price. Be sure to check where the drop off point is, and attempt to arrange it close to your next accommodation or airport, etc.
Where to Stay
Because Port Barton is more secluded, you won't find any massive hotels here. Instead you can find locally run resorts, boutique hotels, airbnbs and hostels.
Cheap Accommodation
If you're a solo traveler, the cheapest option in Port Barton is El Dorado Sunset Cottages, staying in the dorm room option. Although the room does not have AC and can be crowded, it's right on the beach and is a laidback experience. You can play pool and have a beer in their outside bar, and eat breakfast peacefully to the sound of waves. Not to mention, the staff is really cool as well as knowledgable about places to go. El Dorado also has cottages and private rooms available.
This is a really minimalist option though. So keep in mind, if low price is your priority, if you're not a solo traveler and can split a room with someone else then there are plenty of comparable price options. There are many Airbnb's and hotel rooms for around $14-25 USD. However, wherever you choose to stay in Port Barton, you won't really be breaking the bank, as most options are under $50.
Hostels
There are not many hostels in Port Barton, and by far the most popular ones are CoCo Rico Hostel and My Green Hostel. CoCo Rico is not a huge party hostel, but it is considered the party spot for backpackers in Port Barton. My Green Hostel on the other hand is more chill, with nice facilities and AC. Depending on time of year, both hostels might not have walk in rooms available so I suggest booking ahead of time if possible. Both can be found on Hostelworld and Booking.com, be sure to compare prices as sometimes one site can be cheaper than the other. Both hostels tend to run at $12 USD a night for a dorm room bed.
AirBnb's and Hotel Rooms
If you're looking for a standard comfortable room in Port Barton, trust me, you will not be breaking the bank! Between AirBnb and Booking.com, most rooms are around $20 - 40 USD, some as low as $12 USD, and high end is $50ish USD.
One practical, comfortable and cute place to stay is Tribal Xperience. You have the option of a simpler room for $14 USD a night, and room with AC for around $20-25 USD a night.
Glamping
If you're an outdoors person but don't want to sacrifice comfort, there are a few glamping options in Port Barton!
For a more simple and budget friendly option there is The Overlook, which provides a stunning view of the coast! It's about $25 USD a night depending when you book.
If view is not as much a big deal to you, and instead you want a step up in comfort, then checkout Balili Eco Glamping, which is about $45 USD a night.
Resorts and Villas
There are many beautiful resorts and villas in the Port Barton area, however, note that most are either on a separate island, on a beach only accessible by boat, or in the St. Vincent area which looks close on a map, but it is actually either a boat ride or a hour and half drive away from Port Barton itself.
This shouldn't stop you from booking resorts if that's what you want, it just means it's more secluded and you need to take extra steps to taking a boat taxi or arranging transportation with the resort. However, if you're looking for a villa in the main Port Barton area, V.VILLAS has beautiful private cottages that are equipped with all modern facilities and AC.
Unique Stay
Ever wanted to stay in a tree house on the beach? Well Ausun Beachfront Cottage and Restaurant, has you covered. Although normal private rooms and villas are also available, they are known for their elevated cottage overlooking the sea. The cottage is only about $30 USD, however, if you have your eye on this unique room, be prepared to book WAY in advance.
Things to Do in Port Barton
Island Hopping
If Port Barton is not your first stop in the Philippines, chances are you've all ready been island hopping. When I arrived here, I had all ready been to Coron and El Nido where I did island tours, seeing exotic places but ultimately being shunted around with not nearly enough time to enjoy each spot. So when I got to Port Barton, I was OVER IT, I just wanted to go to one beach at a time and relax. But however reluctant I was to join my group, this tour is exactly what I needed!
The Port Barton tours are all about enjoying the white beaches and crystal clear water. You won't be taken to caves or places that are a tourist destination because of some random fact. This tour is all about swimming and catching some sun rays while drinking rum and enjoying a tropical food feast.
I've heard the most popular of the island tours is Tour A, however, I'm not sure there was a consistency of what that means across companies (maybe that was because of the difference in naming the locations). Because I was with a group of friends big enough to take up almost a whole boat, the captain allowed us to do a mix of the tours. We visited Twin Reef, Turtle Spot/Sanctuary, German/Inoladoan Island, Exotic/Maxima Island, Fantastic Reef, and Starfish Island/Sandbar. Tours can be booked through your hotel, or there are many places in town where you can book directly (you'll see the signs). Tours in Port Barton are 1200 pesos ($24 USD) per person plus the environmental card 50 pesos (1 USD). Snorkel masks should be included in the tour.
Visit Surrounding Beaches
The main beach hub is Itaytay beach, this will be in walking distance from most accommodation and has restaurants along the sand. However, the surrounding beaches are worth the visit and are usually where you'll find the resorts. Some are accessible by walking, biking or kayaking (depending on how far), but the most popular way to reach them is by boat. Boats leave at all times from the day from Itaytay beach, just ask a captain!
White Beach is by far the most popular of the beaches, however there is also Coconut Beach, Naonao Beach, and Penanindigan Beach.
Hike and Swim at Pamuayan Falls
If you're looking for some inland adventure, Port Barton has that too! Only a 20 minute drive/ 4km from Itaytay Beach is Pamuayan/Papawyan Falls. It's not a massive waterfall, but it's a perfect place to swim and explore the inland nature.
Places to Eat
Yoske Restaurant | Mediteranean food, my favorite!
Reef Cafe | American Food, delicious veggie burger!
Bikina Cafe | Healthy food and great breakfast!
There are many convenience shops around Port Barton if you're just looking for a snack, and there are restaurants and bars all along Itaytay beach!
Things to Know Before Visiting
The wifi is terrible!
The wifi is terrible in Port Barton, so be sure to book any flights or other future plans before coming and to download some movies :)
Bring cash
When I visited Port Barton there were two ATM's (there used to be none). One was broken and the other thankfully worked, but would not give the said maximum amount. Bring plenty of cash with you, most places and activities require you always pay in cash.
Do not expect AC
Really you should double check this wherever you book in the Philippines, but especially in Port Barton. If that's something you absolutely need, double check your hotel!
And that's it for Palawan's up and coming pardise! Leave any comments and/or questions below!
What less traveled places have you fallen in love with? 🌴
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