Things To Do In Port Barton
Written by Bianca Versoza
Port Barton is certainly one of the best up-and-coming places in the Philippines.
From its beautiful views, less crowded attractions, and relatively few tourists, I can say it is as beautiful as El Nido. Still, this slow-paced paradise is a lot calmer for anyone looking to have a relaxing vacation.
If you haven’t heard of this place yet, or maybe you have and are already wondering if it is worth visiting, check out this guide I’ve prepared to help you start your journey.
How to get to Port Barton
Here’s how you can get to Port Barton from El Nido and Puerto Princessa:
How to get to Port Barton from El Nido
Traveling from El Nido to Port Barton would require you to ride a shuttle van. You can ask the hotel you’re staying in to help you book this; in some cases, they’d even do it for you.
If you’re not staying at a hotel, you can ask around for a shuttle van to Port Barton, and you will be directed there. You may also book a ride on 12Go Asia, but expect the tickets to be a little pricier since it’s basically a ride booking service.
The ride from El Nido to Port Barton can cost around Php500, and it would take approximately 4 hours before you reach the shuttle destination at Port Barton.
Once you arrive at the Port Barton station, you will need to pay an environmental fee of Php50. Ensure you secure the environmental card that will be given to you, especially if you plan on taking an island tour.
From there, you can find various accommodations within walking distance, or you can ride a tricycle to your hotel for approximately Php40 – Php50.
How to get to Port Barton from Puerto Princessa
You can reach Port Barton from Puerto Princessa either by van or shuttle bus. The ride costs around Php350 – Php500 and takes approximately 4 hours.
Once you arrive at Port Barton, you will be dropped off at the shuttle station. From there, you will be asked to pay the environmental fee of Php50.
Aside from riding a bus or van, you can also rent a car to Port Barton. Since there is an international airport at Puerto Princessa, there are lots of cars available for hire.
Do note that this can be way more expensive than riding a van or a bus, and it could only be worth it if you have planned a road trip around Palawan.
Getting around Port Barton
Port Barton is a small town, and most of the things you can do there are within walking distance. Still, you can hire mopeds, especially if you have lots of things with you or just don’t want to spend a lot of time walking.
Of course, reaching the surrounding islands would require renting a boat or a kayak. The price depends on how your negotiation would end, but you can rent a boat for a roundtrip tour to some islands for approximately Php350 – Php450.
Where to stay at Port Barton
Port Barton is a little more secluded than El Nido and Puerto Princessa, so don’t expect to find massive hotels and accommodations here.
Here are some of the accommodation options you can find here:
Dorm rooms
Solo travelers can find the cheapest accommodation at El Dorado Sunset Cottages’ dorm room option.
As the name suggests, it is basically a dorm room you can share with other guests, and this option does not have air conditioning.
Still, you can play pool in their common area and have a cold beer at their bar. You can also enjoy a nice breakfast by the beach.
If you’re not a dorm-room-type-of-person, worry not—they also have private rooms and cottages available.
Hostels
There aren’t many hostels in Port Barton, but some of the well-known places are My Green Hostel and Coco Rico.
Coco Rico is considered one of the party spots for backpackers in Port Barton. On the other hand, My Green Hostel is a little more on the “chill” side.
Depending on when you plan to visit, these hostels might not have available rooms for walk-in guests, so make sure to book your accommodation in advance to secure your room.
Airbnb and hotels
If comfort is what you’re after, Airbnb and hotels are good options. The best thing is that you won’t have to break the bank. They cost around Php1,000 – Php2,000, but there are options that go as low as Php700!
One comfortable and practical option is Tribal Xperience. Their simpler rooms cost around P750 a night and their rooms with air conditioning cost between Php1,000 and Php1,500.
Glamping
Camping with glam is the best option for those who love the outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice their comfort. If you’re a big glamper, great news—there are some glamping sites at Port Barton!
The Overlook is a simple and budget-friendly option for an excellent coast view. The rates start at Php1,300 per night, depending on where you’re going to book your stay.
Resort and villas
There are many resorts and villas on Port Barton; however, most of them are either on a separate island (which means you’ll have to ride a boat to get there) or in the St. Vincent area (which might look close but is actually around an hour from Port Barton).
I’m not discouraging you from booking a resort if it’s what you prefer; this is just a friendly reminder that you might need to take a couple more extra steps, like going on a boat ride or traveling for over an hour to reach your destination.
Villas, on the other hand, are more accessible since you can find V.Vilas in the main Port Barton area. They have cozy private cottages with modern facilities and air conditioning.
Where to eat in Port Barton
Here are some of the places you can eat at while in Port Barton:
Greenview Hotel Restaurant
If you’re looking for the best value, this place has one of the best food at a reasonable price in the Port Barton area. They have fresh prawns for approximately Php250 at 6 pieces and serve soup and dessert with the main dish.
They serve their specialty Curry at around Php300, and you can enjoy a nice breakfast from Php150 – Php200, which already includes a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Mabuti Restaurant
Vegetarians will certainly love Mabuti Restaurant. This one is quite popular because the food is very affordable (around Php250).
You can enjoy lumpiang sariwa (fresh spring rolls filled with tofu, carrots, lettuce, and other fresh vegetables, then drizzled with peanut sauce).
Did I mention they also have wifi, so you can upload your beach photos while having breakfast?
Mojito’s
As the name suggests, this place specializes in mojitos. When you arrive in the Port Barton area, you’ll see many signages advertising this place.
It’s approximately 15 minutes away from the beach, but be careful, as the way here can get really dark at night, and the road could get a little too muddy.
Once you get there, you’ll be offered a complimentary shot of Mojito. I suggest trying out the cherry-flavored one, but if you’re not a fan of cherries, they have other fruity flavors for you to try out.
Their House Mojito could be a little sweet and cost around Php295. If you’re here to have a nice dinner before partying, they have entrees that cost around Php350.
For a very affordable amount, you can enjoy their rice bowls, sliders (pork, chicken, fish), or tacos.
Milano’s
On your way to the bus station, you’ll come across this Italian-owned cafe. They have gelato, coffee, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts.
The best thing about this cafe is that the owners make their ice cream, so you can be sure that what you’re having differs from what you can buy in the stores.
Things to do in Port Barton
Swim with the turtles
One of the things you’ll see a lot in Port Barton is the Hawksbill and Green Turtles, which you can spot easily when you’re snorkeling or swimming.
If you truly want to immerse yourself in this experience, I recommend going on a boat tour where you’ll have the chance to swim with the turtles.
Don’t be afraid—you’ll swim down to their location while they are feeding on the sand beds. They are extremely friendly, although I do not recommend touching them just to be safe.
You can book a tour with Lagum Adventure Philippines for Php2,200 per person.
Before you say no, you might want to know that this amount already covers your day tour, a buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a life vest. They’d even take high-quality photos and videos of you underwater for free!
Enjoy island hopping
You might have already experienced some island-hopping tours, but doing so in Port Barton is a much different experience.
The Port Barton island tours will genuinely allow you to enjoy the white beaches and crystal blue waters. You won’t be taken to caves just because something “historical” occurred there.
Their island tours are all about enjoying the beach, swimming, having a food feast, and even drinking rum!
Relax at Pamuayan Beach
Pamuayan Beach is certainly one of the most beautiful Philippine beaches I’ve seen.
It’s like a paradise scene taken out of a movie, with its fine white sand, crystal blue waters, and a landscape that’s just too perfect to believe it exists until you’ve actually seen it.
This beach is so long and peaceful that you can actually enjoy it and take great photos without having too many people in the background.
There is a hotel called EVIO at this beach and a restaurant where you can order a cold beer and sip as you admire the beauty of this island.
The best thing about this island, aside from enjoying nature without many people around, is that there are tons of starfish!
Stop by the Old Sandbar
This stop is in the middle of the ocean. There are even more starfish here, and you can take better photos of the ocean from this area.
It’s peaceful and relaxing, as it is less crowded than the beaches. Seeing so many starfish in one area makes it seem like I’m in a 3D ocean movie—it’s just so fun!
Starfish Island is about 400m from the mainland (about 2km from Port Barton), and the only way to get there is by boat or kayak.
Visit the surrounding beaches
Itaytay Beach is considered one of the main beach hubs on the island. It is just a couple of meters from the accommodations and restaurants on the island.
While this beach is nice, I suggest visiting the surrounding beaches too. Some are accessible just by walking, while you must ride a bike or kayak to reach other beaches.
The most popular way to travel from one beach to another is by boat, and you can ask the captains what time their boat leaves, although they’re pretty much available all day.
White Beach is one of the most popular beaches here, but you should also check out Naonao Beach, Coconut Beach, and Penanindigan Beach.
Hike to Pamuayan Waterfalls
If you’re after an inland adventure, then you have to visit Pamuayan Waterfalls.
It’s about 20 minutes away from Itaytay Beach, and while it isn’t a massive waterfall, it’s still a great place to swim and explore nature.
It has a pool at the base, which is just as fun to dip in and cool off on a hot summer day.
You can walk, hire a tricycle, or rent a motorbike to get here. I suggest bringing your food with you to have a mini picnic by the falls.
It would also be better to visit this place during weekdays, as it gets crowded during the weekend since the locals have more time to visit and have their picnics and parties.
Go snorkeling
There are many places to snorkel in at Port Barton, and the best thing about them is that the reefs are less crowded and untouched compared to other tourist attractions that offer the same snorkeling activity.
The locals here should be commended for prioritizing the preservation of their marine life. Compared to other famous tourist spots where the reefs have been destroyed by local boats, the ones here in Port Barton are well taken care of.
Drink cocktails at German Island
After a scrumptious lunch, swimming with the turtles, and snorkeling on untouched reefs, what better way to end the day than with a couple of cocktails at German Island (a.k.a. Inoladoan Island)?
Yep, it’s still owned by the Philippines, but it’s called “German Island” because apparently, a German went here way back and loved the island so much that he bought it!
It wasn’t until a few years later that he gave the island back to the locals since there have been some disputes as to who actually owns the island.
Apparently, there have been some issues as to whether it was legal to sell the island in the first place.
German Island is approximately 8 km from the shore of Port Barton and can only be reached by boat.
Have a barbecue by the beach
Filipinos love to eat, and from all the island-hopping tours I’ve had, one of the things I look forward to the most is having lunch!
Their BBQ is something to look forward to, and it is perfectly paired with a cold glass of soda on a hot summer day.
They have chicken, fish, and shrimp, and they are usually consumed with rice or noodles and fruits for dessert.
It’s not only delicious but also paves the way for tourists to connect with the locals and indulge in their rich culture. Who knows? You might even find a new Filipino delicacy you’ll love.
Chill at the White Beach
The White Beach at Port Barton is a long beach about 30 to 40 minutes from the main port area. You can walk to the beach or rent a boat from the harbor to get there faster.
The roundtrip boat ride costs about Php300 – Php350. There is also an entrance fee of Php50 that you will pay once you’re there.
This fee would be for your use of the area’s hammocks, showers, and toilets. However, even if you opt not to use them, you would still need to pay the entrance fee.
Swim in Bigaho Falls
Aside from Pamuayan Falls, you can also enjoy Bigaho Falls during your visit.
Although you have to time your visit perfectly, as these falls tend to dry up between March and May, so if you would visit Port Barton during these months, I suggest leaving this out of your itinerary.
Get a caffeine boost at Milano Café
If you’re a hardcore coffee lover, you won’t quickly settle for instant or 3-in-1 coffee. You’d want a caffeine boost that would keep you energized all day.
I suggest visiting Cafe Milano to get that genuine coffee goodness! Since this is an Italian restaurant, you can expect to find other Italian dishes here, like pasta and gelato.
This restaurant is located just two blocks away from the beach and is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, Sunday through Friday. On Saturdays, it is only open from 7 AM to 1 PM.
Enjoy the sunset at Taytay Beach
Since it is surrounded by beaches, this island is perfectly situated for anyone looking to witness incredible sunsets.
Taytay Beach is considered one of the main beaches in Port Barton. Plenty of areas here have nothing but palm trees—perfect for watching the sunset as you sip your beer.
Make sure to prepare your cameras, as this is a great place to take some Instagram-worthy photos as the sky changes its colors.
Try the local delicacies
Port Barton might not be as famous as El Nido and Coron yet, but this fast-rising attraction offers visitors beautiful views and scrumptious dishes.
One place you can check out is Kusinero del Barrio. It is a highly-rated restaurant that offers a complete breakfast with coffee or tea for as low as Php160.
Aside from Filipino dishes, they also offer comfort foods like pasta and various sandwiches. Whether you want to be bold and try something new or just order your favorite pasta dish, this place has a wide menu for varying taste buds.
Stop for a massage at the beachside salons
The best way to end a long day of hiking, swimming, snorkeling, chilling at the beach, and watching the sunset is by stopping off for a massage at one of Port Barton’s beachside salons.
There are numerous massage places here, almost at the same prices, offering various services. For less than Php500, you can enjoy an hour-long full-body massage right at the beach.
If you want to avail of other services besides a full-body massage (e.g., a foot spa after a long day of walking), you can check out the hotels at Port Barton and ask about the packages they offer.
Party at Coco Rico
Daytime isn’t the only enjoyable time of the day at Port Barton, as there are some places that come to life at night, like Coco Rico.
If you want to have a great time with the locals and other tourists but have a limited budget, visit this place from 7 PM to 7:30 PM to get free drinks!
You can book your stay at Coco Rico in advance, but here’s a word of caution: if you plan on heading to bed early, then this party place might not be suitable for you.
In fact, you wouldn’t even have trouble finding Coco Rico—from the main beach, just walk one road up and follow where the music’s coming from.
Go camping on the beach
If you’re feeling adventurous, dump the hotel and airconditioners and spend your night in a tent and under the stars.
Camping at the beach is truly a wonderful experience. You can disconnect from the outside world and be refreshed by nature’s care.
This is usually included in the island hopping tours offered by some travel agencies, and they can even provide tents so you can spend a quiet night on some of the beaches on the island.
Check out the diving spots
One thing you should not miss out on in Port Barton is the diving experience. You can spot much marine life in these crystal clear waters—from angelfish to pufferfish, turtles, and many starfish.
The rate varies, but it can be around Php3,000 (that includes your lunch and diving equipment already).
Relax by the beach
Stop rushing and going out and about, and just take it easy. You’re in Port Barton to chill and unwind, not to stress about where you should go next.
As I previously mentioned, this island is as beautiful as Coron and El Nido, but it is definitely less crowded, so you can truly take your time to relax and recharge at the beaches of Port Barton.
Also, don’t spend too much time in your hotel room, as you might miss out on the beauty of the sunset or the chance to interact with the locals over a barbecue or a pint of beer.
Port Barton travel tips
Here are some of the things you should remember when traveling to Port Barton:
Bring cash with you
It isn’t true that there are no ATMs in Port Barton. There are about 3 ATMs there—one near the Petrol Station, one near the White House Inn, and one near the Dutch Kitchen restaurant.
Still, going to the ATM to withdraw money every few hours because you’re short on cash is not ideal and could prove to be a hassle, especially if you are on a tight schedule.
I suggest bringing cash with you but still take your ATM with you (in case of emergencies).
Spotty electricity and wifi
Although it’s a tourist attraction, it’s still an island, so don’t expect to have a very strong reception here.
The wifi and electricity could be spotty at times, but your photos for uploading can wait until you get back to the city.
This could be a chance for you to disconnect from technology for a while and reconnect with nature while interacting with the friendly locals.
Watch out for jellyfish
Before jumping on the waters, ask the locals or observe if it is safe to do so.
There are days when huge shoals of jellyfish swim by, so make sure you ask around and do your research first before planning your trip.
Paying the environmental tax
While it doesn’t cost much, if you are traveling in huge groups, it is best to have your payment ready so as not to spend too much time settling your payment or not having broken bills, especially because the environmental tax costs only Php50.
Moped rentals are very limited
Mopeds can make your travel easier. Still, they are limited, and everything might already be rented out before you can even get one.
While most attractions can be reached by foot, mopeds are very useful for long trips, especially those around the San Vicente area.
Minibus operations are on a first-come-first-served basis
Regardless of whether you booked your bus ride online or are a chance passenger, it pays to arrive early at the bus stations.
Even if you booked your ticket online, your 11 AM bus will not wait for you. If you’re not there by 11 AM, you’ll have to wait for the next bus to arrive, which can take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Booking your seats online guarantees a seat will be reserved for you if you arrive on time. If you don’t, your seat will be given to whoever is there during the specified time, and you will have to board the next bus.
When is the best time to visit Port Barton?
The best time to visit Port Barton would depend on a number of factors. First, consider the weather.
You can avoid heavy rains from October to May, but March to May is considered “bikini season” in the Philippines, so you can expect the weather to be pretty hot.
June to September tend to get a little rainy, and since the Philippines is a tropical country, they usually have months where there are typhoons, and it wouldn’t be safe to visit the beach during those times.
Make sure to check the weather forecast on your expected visit so you can be assured that you will be able to enjoy your stay there rather than spend all day in your hotel room due to the heavy rainfall.
You should also consider the peak seasons, especially if you want to avoid the influx of people. Summer vacations are usually around April – May, which means kids are out of school and parents are taking their children on beach trips.
You should also avoid going there during the Philippines’ holy week celebration (which is sometime around March or April) because this is an extended holiday, and people tend to gather at tourist spots during this time.
Holidays like Christmas and New Year also mean people have money and the time to visit this spot, so if you don’t want a lot of photobombers on your shots, ensure that you schedule your trip well.
How many days do you need to stay in Port Barton?
It depends on the activities you have planned, but everything we mentioned above can be accomplished in at least 3 nights.
If you really want to go all out, 5 nights (or even more) would be suitable. Ultimately, it all depends on the activities you have planned and the budget you have set for your trip.
How much do you need for your stay in Port Barton?
Aside from the mandatory Php50 local tourism fee (which is valid for 10 days) and the bus ride, pretty much everything else depends on how long you plan to stay and the activities you plan on doing.
Aside from your accommodation fees, you can spend around Php1,500 a day on Port Barton if you’re on a strict budget, but if you plan on partying at night, then around Php2,000 – Php 2,500 would be safe.
Unwind and relax at Port Barton!
Enjoy the beauty of El Nido and Coron without the crowd at Port Barton’s beaches, diving and snorkeling spots, and waterfalls.
This place is one of the Philippines’ rising stars, so I suggest visiting it before many tourists discover this hidden gem of a resort in Palawan.
May this guide prove useful as you enjoy the beauty of Port Barton’s beaches, make friends with the locals, and spend a peaceful night under the stars.