07 Jun Complete Travel Guide to Port Barton Philippines
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! A slow-paced paradise, that I didn’t even plan to visit initially.
During my travels to the Philippines, I planned to visit Coron and El Nido only, and then head to Puerto Princesa just to fly out. However, I met a group of backpackers with relatively the same plan, except instead were headed to Port Barton after El Nido before 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!
*Disclaimer: this page includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.
Additionally, World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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 still find western cuisine and a fancy resort if you wish, the town is still genuinely 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. Below I will show that route, as well as the opposite, each are 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 and 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 they usually leave El Nido from Rizal St.. Always double check your pick up location before booking.
But whichever way you choose to book, vans will drop you off at the Port Barton shuttle station. At that station, you will be asked to pay an environmental fee of 50 pesos (~$1 USD). Make sure to hold onto the environmental card given, you’ll need this later 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 rather than from a hotel. This is simply because I wouldn’t spend too much time in Puerto Princesa, making accommodation necessary. There’s not much to see or do for a tourist, and so (in my opinion) it’s best to fly in and waste no time getting to your 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). Make sure to hold onto the environmental card given, you’ll need this later 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.
Transportation 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. It may be necessary to ask your accommodation if they can call someone to come pick your up.
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!
If you’re interested in a kayak, they 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 from where you’re dropped off! When I did this, my friends and I paid 300 pesos (~$5 USD) roundtrip and just told the captain when we wanted to be picked up, and he came and found us on the beach at that time!
Leaving Port Barton to go to El Nido or Puerto Princesa
When your stay in Port Barton sadly comes to an end, more than likely your next destination is Puerto Princesa or El Nido. In order to reach either 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.
Cheapest 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 not your priority, or if you’re not a solo traveler and can split a room with someone else, then there are plenty of comparable price options elsewhere. There are many Airbnb’s and hotel rooms in Port Barton for around $14-25 USD. But 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 compared to other backpacker locations in the world, 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 the 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.
Find your stay using this interactive map
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 of 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.
Things to Do in Port Barton
1. Island Hopping
If Port Barton is not your first stop in the Philippines, chances are you’ve all ready been island hopping. But Port Barton will be a much different experience!
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 a beach and have ample time to relax. And that’s exactly what I got!
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 with the company/captain (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.
2. 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. This beach is nice, however, it’s worth it to also visit the surrounding beaches too. 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 on your phone or whatever else you need!
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 assume there’s 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 before booking!
Map of Locations
More Resources for Your Trip to The Philippines
Planning your own trip? Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through The Philippines along with some recommendations:
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search. Below are some of my recommendations, click to search for availability!
- Manila: Manila Z Hostel OR Lub d Makati
- Coron: Hop Hostel
- El Nido: Outpost Hostel OR Mad Monkey
- Cebu City: Mad Monkey
- Moalboal hostels
- Siargao: Hiraya Surf Hostel OR Ikaji Hostel
Hotels
Booking.com is the way to go when search for hotels in The Philippines because they typically offer free cancellation with plenty of affordable to more luxurious stays – also for cheap!
Flights
International flights to The Philippines are typically cheapest to Manila and Cebu City. Both of these cities in my opinion should only be a stop over before flying domestically or taking a bus or ferry to another destination. If traveling between islands, ferries are usually cheapest, but if you’re on a time crunch or get sea sick, I recommend flying. To find the best deal & prices I recommend using Skyscanner.
BUSES/Ferries/& more
The easiest ways to search for ways to get around The Philippines are with 12GoAsia and Klook. Both platforms show various options (ferries, buses, flights, etc.) so you can compare option and prices in English. Check 12GoAsia out here and check out Klook here
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip to ensure you’re covered in unexpected situations. My go to travel insurance is always WorldNomads which is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here.
If you’re a digital nomad looking for travel medical emergency insurance, I also suggest Safety Wing.
Tours & Experiences
A lot of tours in the Philippines can be booked via street vendors. However if you’re a planner and want to book experiences ahead of time, I recommend using Klook and GetYourGuide for the Philippines
Know Before You Go
Check out my Philippines Destination Page here for information on visas, health requirements, currency, outlets, and more.
Related posts
-
5 Must See Waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines
The island of Cebu is home to not one, but many jaw dropping, cascading waterfalls that fill a pool ...
The Philippines -
Complete Travel Guide to Port Barton Philippines
Over the years, Coron and El Nido have been the face of Palawan to tourists. But a place once consid...
Destination Guides The Philippines
Liked this post? Pin it!
Was this guide helpful? Leave a comment if you thought so and don’t forget to share with your travel buddy!
Steven Carter
Posted at 12:10h, 02 FebruaryWow, this guide is so comprehensive! From accommodation options to must-visit attractions, it covers everything one needs to know for an amazing trip to Port Barton. Can’t wait to explore this beautiful destination!
Caroline Rose
Posted at 09:52h, 05 FebruaryThanks so much, I’m glad it was helpful. Enjoy your trip!!
jowel jamili
Posted at 04:03h, 01 Maywow very comprehensive.. we will be using this as our guide in our visit to palawan this month.. thank you for sharing this.
Caroline Rose
Posted at 13:19h, 03 MayI’m so happy to hear that! Enjoy your travels in The Philippines 🙂
Francis Ooi
Posted at 23:59h, 10 AugustThank you for your sharing. 30yrs ago I was there (P Barton). Since I come across your experiences and guideline, I will visit there again this month. Hopefully.. to see an old friend of mine there. Many things must have change, hopefully some remain. May you have a happy time always.