Tucked away deep into Palawan’s forest is a quiet little fishing town.
It’s super laid-back, and there’s nothing spectacular about it.
And oddly enough?
That’s exactly what draws people to it!
I’m talking, of course, about Port Barton.
If you’re looking for a relaxing destination, Port Barton is easily one of the best ones.
In this Port Barton travel guide, I’m going to go over:
- What makes Port Barton special
- How to get here
- How to get around Port Barton
- A Port Barton travel map
- Where to Stay in Port Barton
- What to do in Port Barton (tourist spots)
- A sample itinerary and budget for Port Barton
And then I’ll go over some FAQs like how long you should stay in Port Barton, or if it’s better than El Nido.
Let’s get right into it!
Port Barton Travel Facts – 3 Things You Need to Know About This Chill Destination!
Want to know what Port Barton is really like?
Well, here are 3 things you need to know!
Port Barton Facts #1 – Port Barton is NOT Extraordinary
If you’re looking for El Nido part 2, look elsewhere.
This place isn’t extraordinary.
There are no towering limestone cliffs or enchanting blue-green lagoons…
Instead, Port Barton is just an ordinary Filipino fishing village
And that’s exactly what draws people to it!
Port Barton is one of the most laid-back destinations in the country.
Of course, there are a few activities to do here (which I’ll get to). But this isn’t a mass tourism type of place.
Instead, it’s probably the best place in Palawan to relax and take things slow.
It also helps that…
Port Barton Facts #2 – Port Barton VERY Close to Nature
The road leading up to Port Barton is a very beautiful one.
On both sides, you’ll be surrounded by raw nature.
You’ll get the sense that you’re deep in a jungle.
In town, it’s not too different either.
The beach is quiet.
The coral reef here feels so much more alive than the ones at El Nido.
The walk up to Pamuayan Waterfalls will immerse you in Palawan’s forests.
Unlike El Nido, which can feel a tad bit commercialized, Port Barton puts you very close to nature.
Port Barton Facts #3 – Port Barton is a Backpacker’s Zone
Port Barton is a backpacker’s favorite!
Even though it’s such a small town in the heart of Palawan, you might be surprised to find people from all over the world here.
That’s because Port Barton is a star in the backpacker community.
Its laid-back atmosphere, paired with its natural beauty makes it a must-visit.
And because it’s known, this also means that you can meet a lot of interesting people here too.
Of course.
Not everyone in Port Barton is a backpacker.
But this place feels especially made for these types of people!
Alright…
Now that you know what Port Barton is like…
How do you get there?
How to Get to Port Barton
The only way to get to Port Barton is by land. There are daily van trips from Puerto Princessa and El Nido here.
There are regular flights to Puerto Princessa from Cebu, Manila, Clark, and Ilo-Ilo thanks to Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
There are also regular flights to El Nido from Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and other popular destinations courtesy of AirSwift.
How to Get to Port Barton From Puerto Princessa
The best way to get to Port Barton from Puerto Princessa is to take a private or shared van. This costs around php350-550.
Several vans run this route every day. There are several ways you can get on one: book online, have an agent or accommodation book for you, or just show up at the terminal.
In the past, booking online was not a great idea. It created confusion since the operators weren’t used to online systems.
However, things have changed already. And today, you can have the vans pick you up at the airport or your hotel when you book here.
If you’re staying the night in Puerto Princessa, you can also easily have your accommodation arrange your transfer.
They may arrange to have a van pick you up at your hotel for a small fee (php100-200 extra).
If not, you can head to the Irawan Terminal.
IMPORTANT: As of 2023, The San Jose Terminal in Palawan is CLOSED. Most blogs are outdated, you need to go to the Irawan Terminal NOT the San Jose Terminal.
To get to the Irawan Terminal, you can hire a tricycle (for roughly php400), or hop on a jeepney like a local!
The jeepney only costs php30/head, but it’s quite an experience (especially if you’ve never ridden a jeepney before)!
Some public vans and buses go straight to Port Barton from Puerto Princessa.
The first van trip is at 6 a.m., and the last trip is at 5 p.m. While the buses leave at 8:45 am and 2:30 pm.
How to Get to Port Barton from El Nido
Like PPS, the best way to get to Port Barton from El Nido is to take a van. This costs roughly Php650, and because seats are limited, the best way to book these is online or through a travel agent.
If you wish to do a DIY transfer, you can head over to the El Nido terminal and try to book directly there. However, it’s much less hassle to book online or find an agency to do this for you.
The vans from El Nido to Port Barton leave at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.
You can pre-book your tickets online at Bookaway.
How to Get to Port Barton from Manila
From Manila, you can fly directly to Puerto Princessa (Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific), or El Nido (Airswift). From there, you may take a van straight to Port Barton.
See how to do this above!
How to Get to Port Barton from Cebu
From Cebu, you can fly directly to Puerto Princessa using Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. From there, you can take a van bound for Port Barton.
Again, you can see how to do this above.
How to Get Around Port Barton
Once you get to Port Barton, the next question is…
How do you get around?
Well, here are three ways!
Walking
Port Barton is small enough that you can walk anywhere in town!
Whether there’s a restaurant you want to try, a bar you want to hang out in, or if you want to dip your toes at Port Barton Beach – everything is within walking distance.
You could even walk to Coconut Beach or Pamuayan Falls if you really want to (although I recommend riding something instead).
Renting a Motorbike
Motorbike rentals go for around Php500/day in Port Barton.
You’ll see several rental shops in town. But a lot of accommodations in Port Barton rent out their own bikes as well.
I recommend renting a motorbike if you want to visit Pamuayan Falls, Coconut Beach, or just explore the forested roads around Port Barton.
If you’re adventurous, there’s a dirt road that leads to San Vincente.
I haven’t driven there, but that’s where you’ll find the longest beach in the Philippines.
Tricycle Rides
There are plenty of tricycles plying the streets of Port Barton.
You can hail one almost anytime, and they can take you anywhere in town if you don’t feel like walking.
There aren’t any set prices, so make sure you haggle a bit.
I found that tricycles to anywhere in town usually cost around php50.
If you want to go further out like Pamuayan Falls or Coconut Beach, the price can vary wildly. I’ve heard someone pay only php150, while someone else paying php750.
So get ready your haggling skills if you want to ride a tricycle around!
Port Barton Travel Map
A fun travel map coming soon!
Where to Stay in Port Barton
Here are some of the best places to stay in port barton for every budget!
Hostels:
- Dheltor Hilltop Inn – Where I stayed! It’s a rustic cabin in the woods that’s pretty far from the town. But it has a very peaceful vibe. (and a pool too!)
- Camp Backpackers Port Barton – Tents with comfortable beds. You can also choose bunk beds or tents with air-conditioning. There is a restaurant on site which is surprisingly affordable.
- BUNDAL GUESTHOUSE Room-A – Simple room with everything you need. There’s also a kitchen that you can use to cook. Located only 5 minutes to the beach.
Mid-Price
- JBR Tourist Inn – Basic room with aircon and electric fan. Coffee offered in the morning which you can take outside to their open-air dining area.
- LADY GHAGHA ROOM RENTALs – Cozy, cabin-like rooms with aircon and hot shower. Located only a few meters from the beach.
- Lunazul Guesthouse – Clean and comfortable. There’s also an outdoor dining area and gym. Very calm and peaceful environment.
High-end:
- Yumi Villas – Nice decoration that fits into the wild nature around. Comfortable beds and spacious rooms. You also get a private pool.
- Gilligans Port Barton Palawan – Located 5km from Port Barton (20mins boat ride), you’ll enjoy a secluded, relaxing place for your family and friends. You’ll have a private beach with kayaks and paddle boards to use.
- Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary – Secret Paradise is a secluded island where turtles lay and hatched eggs. Location is far from Port Barton but if you want a private island resort, this is the place to be.
What to do in Port Barton (+Tourist Spots)
Okay…
So…
What can you do in Port Barton again?
I know I keep saying there’s not much to do.
But c’mon, of course, there are a few things.
So here’s what you can do and some tourist spots you can visit in Port Barton!
Things to do in Port Barton #1: Relax in Port Barton Beach
In Port Barton, I fully believe that taking things slow is the way to go.
I recommend spending a little more to stay at a nicer place if possible.
The town is very laid-back.
You can chill, walk to the beach if you want to, visit a bar, or try a restaurant – those are the kinds of things that Port Barton is great for.
The main place to do this is around Port Barton Beach.
This is where most of the action is.
You can stay in this area if you wish.
Or, if you want a more peaceful retreat, you can stay a little further off like I did (I stayed at Dheltor Hilltop Inn, which was very cozy and had a nice pool too).
Things to do in Port Barton #2: Visit Pamuayan Falls
Port Barton is surrounded by a very thick forest.
And deep in that forest, there’s a “secret” waterfall flowing.
If you’ve been to El Nido, Pamuayan Falls is a MUCH better version than the Nagkalit-Kalit Falls they have there.
There’s no overpriced mandatory guide fee (it’s all on donation).
And the swimming area is much bigger too.
The walk to the falls is also super cool.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to get here. And it’s going to be just you and nature.
Several people hang around the entrance to the trail, so you can get a guide if you want. But you don’t need one at all since the trail is clear.
As for the donation, you can give as much as you want, but a simple php50 should be good enough!
How to Get to Pamuayan Falls:
To get here, you can either rent a motorbike (roughly php500/day) and use Google Maps, or you can hire a tricycle.
You’ll have to haggle a bit since there are no set prices. You can pay anywhere from php300 to php750 depending on how many people are in your group!
I also know someone who walked here from Port Barton town.
But I don’t recommend doing this as it took him over an hour to get to the falls.
Things to do in Port Barton #3: Check Out the Secret Coconut Beach
Port Barton Beach is cozy, yes.
But you’re always going to find people there.
You’ll also find several people trying to sell you island-hopping tours.
It’s not as crowded as other popular tourist spots, but it’s still not the peaceful haven you might be looking for.
For that, you can head over to the secret Coconut Beach.
As the name implies, this beach is perfectly lined with coconut trees all along the shore.
And the best part?
ZERO people.
Or… at least… almost zero.
They also have several hammocks where you can relax the day away.
No bad for a php50 entrance!
How to Get to Coconut Beach:
Google Maps doesn’t show this, but there is a dirt road leading up to Coconut Beach.
So if you’ve rented a motorcycle, it’s quite easy to get here (unless it rains, then you’ll need some skill).
You can also walk.
Walking here from town will take you roughly 15-20 minutes.
Finally, there are also tricycles which shouldn’t cost you too much.
Things to do in Port Barton #4: Go Island Hopping
There are several islands speckled across Port Barton’s Bay, and visiting them is another fun thing you can do!
No, island hopping here is not as epic as it is in El Nido or Coron.
Don’t expect towering limestone cliffs or enchanting blue-green waters.
Instead, what you’ll get is a sense that you’re visiting “untouched” islands.
The coral reef here is bursting with color – a lot more than the reefs I’ve seen in El Nido.
Plus, since these island hopping tours aren’t as crowded as the ones in El Nido, they’re much more relaxing.
Island hopping in Port Barton costs php1,200 – php1,500.
And you can easily book it from your accommodation, or just walk along Port Barton Beach and somebody is sure to approach you.
If you want to book ahead, you can use booking sites like Klook.
Things to do in Port Barton #5: Party in Coco Rico Hostel
I’m not a party person.
But it’s funny how in such a small, quiet town, there’s one place that’s blasting out the music every night.
That would be Coco Rico Hostel.
It’s where most travelers gather at night for drinks and partying.
If this is your thing, then Coco Rico is the place to be.
And if you’re an old soul like me, it’s funny to observe how such a bright and lively place exists in such a remote town.
Sample Port Barton Itinerary
Note: These are SLOW itineraries.
Don’t rush Port Barton!
Don’t treat it like El Nido or Coron where you’re trying to see everything in one go.
That said, here’s how you can spend 3-days in Port Barton!
Sample 3D2N Port Barton Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Chill
14:00 – Arrive in Port Barton / Check In
16:00 – Relax along Port Barton Beach / Book tour for tomorrow
18:00 – Dinner
01:00 – Zzzzzz
Day 2: Island Hopping
08:00 – Island Hopping Start!
09:00 – Sandbar
10:00 – Turtle area
11:30 – Lunch Island
13:00 – Coral Reef
14:30 – White Sand Island
16:30 – Back in Port Barton
18:00 – Dinner
20:00 – Party or Zzzzzzz
Day 3: Pamuayan Falls, Coconut Beach, and Departure
10:00 – Pamuayan Falls
12:00 – Lunch in Port Barton town
14:00 – Coconut Beach
17:00 – Departure to El Nido or Puerto Princessa
Sample Port Barton Budget (3D2N)
If you follow the itinerary above, you’ll end up paying roughly php4,950.
Here’s the breakdown:
Day 1:
- Van to PB – php600
- Environmental fee – php50
- Check-in Hotel 2nights – php1,000
- Dinner – php200
Day 2:
- Breakfast – php200
- Island Hopping – php1,200
- Dinner – php200
Day 3:
- Breakfast – php200
- Motorbike – php500
- Gas – php150
- Falls – Donation php50
- Lunch – php200
- White Beach – php50
- Van to PPS – php350
Note: I set the meal prices to the lowest possible you can get. In Port Barton, you can easily spend more than php300 per meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Barton
With all that out of the way, let’s answer some of the most asked questions about Port Barton!
Is Port Barton Better Than El Nido? (Port Barton vs. El Nido)
No. Port Barton and El Nido are two completely different destinations. El Nido has more to do, is more breathtaking, and has a LOT more visitors. Port Barton has less to do, is more simple, and is a lot more relaxing with fewer visitors.
The best thing you can do is to try to visit BOTH of these.
If you had to choose one, I’d say El Nido.
However, it’s really up to you.
If you’ve already been to Coron, you might want something a little different (El Nido and Coron are similar to each other).
Or maybe you’re just the type of person who likes relaxing by the beach more?
What is Port Barton Known For?
Port Barton is known for its extremely laid-back atmosphere. Of all the destinations in Palawan, Port Barton is by far the most relaxing.
Again, you don’t get towering limestone cliffs or magical waters.
Instead, you get white sand beaches without a huge crowd.
And a slow, small-town vibe that isn’t common in other tourist areas in the Philippines.
Is Port Barton Worth Visiting?
YES! If you’re exploring Palawan, visiting Port Barton to spend a few days “recharging” is super worth it.
The other Palawan spots like Coron, El Nido, and Balabac are wonderful, but they are all action-packed areas.
Port Barton will give you a contrasting atmosphere for your trip!
How Long Should You Spend in Port Barton?
At least 3 days and 2 nights. Port Barton is best taken slowly, and 3 days is plenty of time to chill and enjoy the place.
I’d say that spending only 2 days in Port Barton is not really worth it. Especially because it’s likely to be 2 half-days only (due to travel times from El Nido and Puerto Princessa).
Is There an ATM in Port Barton?
Yes. There are two Euronet ATMs in Port Barton.
I was able to withdraw when I was here, but I’d advise you to come with enough cash.
These ATMs look pretty sad.
They work, but I can easily imagine that some days they’re out of cash.
Do I Need to Book Transpo to Port Barton in Advance?
Not really. You can easily book a van transfer from El Nido or Puerto Princessa when you’re there.
It’s best to book a day in advance at least.
You can book online far in advance.
However, I found that it can create some confusion since these people are used to getting bookings from agents, not the internet.
That’s why I recommend booking transport to Port Barton from your accommodation in El Nido or Puerto Princessa instead.
Is the San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princessa Closed?
Yes. The San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princessa is CLOSED. All public vans and buses to Port Barton now leave from the Irawan Terminal!
Be careful because a lot of the information on the internet today is outdated.
I myself almost missed my bus because of this!
Ready to Visit Port Barton?
Port Barton was one of my favorite stops in my Palawan trip.
It’s VERY different from the other spots, and it helped me to recharge before going on my final leg to Puerto Princessa.
So is it worth a visit?
Heck YES!
I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip!
You may also check out my travel guides for Balabac, El Nido, and Coron.
Cheers!
Manoling