Port Barton was the last destination I visited in the Philippines, and it’s one of my favourites. After the chaos of El Nido, it was so lovely to find somewhere less-visited and commercialised to relax for a few days.
The sleepy town of Port Barton is the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the scenery and experience a much more authentic side of the Philippines. While it’s growing in popularity, it still feels very local and hasn’t become a commercial resort like El Nido.
It’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination in the Philippines (although I’m not sure it will still be that way for long).
In this Port Barton travel guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful town, including how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, some extra travel tips, and the best things to do in Port Barton.
If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the tourist chaos, I can’t think of anywhere better than Port Barton. The locals are welcoming, the beaches are beautiful, and it’s a great place to get a feel for local Filippino life.
Despite being out of the way, it’s still very easy to reach and can be built into a backpacking itinerary for the Philippines.
How to get to Port Barton
Port Barton is in the San Vincente area of Palawan. It’s on the west coast, about three hours north of Puerto Princesa and four hours south of El Nido. Despite being off the beaten track, getting to Port Barton is relatively straightforward.
From El Nido to Port Barton
The best option for getting from El Nido to Port Barton is to book a shuttle bus. You can book this through 12goAsia or directly through your hotel or hostel.
I paid 600 pesos ($11 USD) to get from El Nido to Port Barton. I booked it directly through my hostel. You will need cash to pay the driver on arrival.
If you book through 12goAsia, you will pay when you book.
Booking through your hostel tends to be slightly cheaper, but you can compare the price when you arrive. It’s a really popular journey, and in my experience, hostels and hotels are more than happy to help you book.
The journey takes about three or four hours.
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
If you’re travelling from Puerto Princesa, I would also recommend booking a shuttle van. There is a public bus, but it’s not the most reliable and can take a long time.
I would suggest using 12goAsia or booking directly through your accommodation. This journey takes between four and five hours.
Port Barton Eco Fee
When you arrive in Port Barton, you’ll be required to pay a 50PHP environment fee (1 USD). There is a desk to do this at the bus station, and it’s a mandatory requirement for tourists.
You will need to pay this in cash. They will hand you a receipt to prove you have paid the fee.
Please keep the receipt safe. You are sometimes required to show it to your accommodation at check-in. I was also asked for mine when I went on the island-hopping boat trip.
The fee goes towards conservation in the area and protecting the environment from the negative impacts of tourism.
How to get around Port Barton
Port Barton is a really small town, and it’s mostly possible to walk everywhere.
If you want to visit destinations further afield, you can ask a local to take you, join a tour or even hire a bike.
We saw a few people hiring mopeds around Port Barton. However, the roads aren’t well-maintained, so you need to be very confident.
How long to stay in Port Barton
I suggest spending at least three nights in Port Barton. This will give you enough time to explore the area, join an island-hopping tour and spend a day relaxing.
One day is enough to see the highlights, but you won’t have time to see everything. It’s also quite far out of the way, and three days will make the journey more worthwhile.
I spent four nights in Port Barton, which was the perfect amount of time. I also recommend it for people looking to settle somewhere for a bit longer. There’s not much to do, but that’s the beauty of it.
What’s the best time of year to visit Port Barton?
The best time of year to visit Port Barton is in the dry season, which is December – April. This is the best time to visit the Philippines as a whole.
December to April sees the least rain and has calmer seas. However, with climate change, the seasons seem to be shifting quite a bit. I had a lot of rain in my January/February visit.
This time of year is also the peak season in the Philippines, meaning higher prices and bigger crowds. Luckily, Port Barton seems to be lesser-known than other places, and it’s a great place to escape the tourist traps.
Where to stay in Port Barton
Port Barton is a small town; you can walk from one end to another in around ten minutes. Despite its small size, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit all needs, from backpackers to luxury options.
Hostels in Port Barton
👉 CocoRico | If you’re looking for a hostel in Port Barton, look no further than CocoRico. This lively spot has budget dorm rooms, arranges hostel activities and is also home to a lively restaurant and bar (with free local drinks between 7pm and 7:30pm (even if you’re not a guest).
👉 Russell Place | This new hostel offers unique accommodation in glamping-style pods, including dorm rooms and private rooms.
👉 Garpeza | Another newer hostel, this is an excellent spot if you want a quiet hostel with a social area.
Budget accommodation & homestays
If you’re on a budget, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of options for Port Barton.
👉 Ferranco Tourist Inn | Port Barton is a fantastic place to experience local life, with several homestay options. During my visit, I stayed at the wonderful Ferranco Tourist Inn. The family lived downstairs, but there were several rooms for guests upstairs. It was simple but budget-friendly and a fantastic experience.
👉 Hotel Oasis | If you prefer privacy and home comforts, consider Hotel Oasis; it’s fantastic value.
👉 Lunazul | This is a beautiful guesthouse in Port Barton. The rooms are modern, and many have balconies.
Mid-range & luxury
👉 La Palapa | If you want a bit of luxury, consider La Palapa. It’s a beautiful property with air-conditioned rooms and access to a terrace.
👉 Green Hill Cottages | If you want to be surrounded by the Palawan Jungle, consider a stay at Green Hill. It’s in a secluded location with magnificent mountain, jungle and ocean views. You’ll need to organise a transfer, but it’s well worth it.
👉 Royal Suites | If you want to spoil yourself, consider Royal Suites. The property has a range of bungalows and apartments and even a swimming pool.
Things to do in Port Barton
Despite it being a small town, there are still plenty of things to do in Port Barton. Here are a few of my favourites.
Swim with turtles
Port Barton is known for its local marine wildlife (as is the Philippines as a whole). Turtles frequent the area, and it’s relatively easy to snorkel with them.
There’s a spot near German Island which is known to be the best place to see turtles. We also saw turtles right off the beach, and tourists were swimming out to them.
But to have the best chance at swimming with turtles in Port Barton, join a boat tour or island-hopping trip.
Important note: There are few regulations regarding animal tourism in the Philippines. While I appreciate swimming with turtles is a bucket list activity, I urge you to do it as responsibly as possible.
When we saw the turtles on our island hopping tour, we were the only boat there, so it felt okay to jump into the water. But several other boats soon arrived, and the poor turtles were surrounded by almost 100 people. This isn’t ethical or sustainable, and quite frankly, it’s irresponsible.
We quickly got out and asked our driver to leave. The more tourists who ask for sustainable practices, the more likely it is that local tour operators will want to follow suit.
Go island-hopping in Port Barton
If you’ve been in the Philippines for a while, then you’ll be no stranger to island-hopping tours. After a few, they can start to feel a little monotonous.
However, the tour I took in Port Barton was my favourite of all the ones I took in the Philippines (aside from my multi-day tour with Big Dream Boat Man).
The Port Barton area is known for its pristine white beaches, clear waters and beautiful reefs making it the perfect destination to explore by boat.
Once you arrive in Port Barton, speak to your accommodation or wander around the town to research the different tour options and find the best price. I saw itineraries advertised as tours A, B, etc., but I couldn’t really see much difference between them.
I ended up booking a tour through my homestay. Whatever you decide, make sure your tour includes a stop at Sand Bar (Starfish) Island. This small piece of sand sticks out of the ocean and is surrounded by starfish. It’s truly beautiful.
Other popular spots for the island hopping in Port Barton include:
Turtle Spot: As mentioned above, turtles frequent this area. Visiting here gives you the best chance to snorkel with these fantastic creatures.
Twin Reef: Most tours include a visit here, as it’s one of the best places to snorkel in the area. There’s an array of fish and colourful reefs.
Paradise Island: The majority of tours take you here for lunch. It’s a great place to swim, too, with shallow, warm waters.
Most island-hopping tours also include snorkelling equipment and lunch. The lunch is normally freshly caught BBQ fish and a range of vegetarian options.
Note: The Port Barton area is known for its jellyfish, including the notorious and lethal box jellyfish. Don’t let this put you off, but it’s worth asking the locals beforehand about the current situation. They tend to appear heading into the rainy season (April/May time).
Relax on Coconut Beach
Port Barton is surrounded by hidden gems, including Coconut Beach and White Beach. You can walk here or hire a scooter or kayak.
Coconut Beach is about a 40-minute walk from the main beach in Port Barton. This stretch of sand is literally the definition of paradise and is lined with palm trees. It’s an absolute must-do on any trip to Port Barton. There are also some resident pigs who wander the beach.
Spend your time at Coconut Beach walking along the white sand or relaxing (away from the coconut trees – you don’t want one to fall on your head).
There’s an entry fee of 30 PHP ($.050) to enter.
If you fancy an adventure, it’s also possible to hire a kayak on Port Barton Beach and kayak to Coconut Beach. There were also locals offering to drive people on boats to both Coconut Beach and White Beach.
Walk to White Beach
The beautiful White Beach in Port Barton is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the Philippines.
This huge white-sand beach is lined with palm trees and crystal-clear water, offering a postcard-worthy photo spot. The beach was more or less empty when I visited; it was a dream!
There are several ways to get from Port Barton to White Beach.
I decided to walk to give me a chance to explore more of the area. It takes about an hour from Port Barton, and you’ll walk through dense jungle and along stunning beaches.
Tip: You can combine a visit to White Beach with a visit to Coconut Beach; it’s about twenty minutes further.
To walk to Coconut Beach and White Beach, you’ll need to follow the trail from Itaytay Beach (Taytay). From the town, turn left on the beach and walk until the end, where you’ll see a trail leading you through the jungle.
Follow this and keep walking until you get to Coconut Beach. White Beach is on the same path beyond this. It’s an easy walk, but wear the proper footwear as you walk through the jungle and on a rocky road.
Another popular way to reach White Beach is to take a boat or kayak. You can hire kayaks on the main beach, and locals offer boat rides in the town.
You can also take your scooter to the beaches. Just be prepared for a very bumpy drive!
There’s a 50 PHP ($0.90) fee to enter White Beach. However, I wasn’t asked for this when I entered, so it depends on who is there.
Hire a kayak
Kayaking is an excellent activity in Port Barton. The waters are filled with vibrant marine life, and the views of the coast are incredible.
You can hire kayaks on Itaytay Beach, the main beach in the town. My friend and I hired a kayak for half a day, and it cost us 400 PHP ($7), although I’m sure it would be possible to haggle down.
You can kayak to White Beach or Coconut Beach, or explore hidden beaches along the shore.
If you’re not the most confident of kayakers, I would advise sticking close to the shore. The waters can be quite strong in the area, and you don’t want to run into any difficulties.
Watch a sunset
The Philippines is known for epic sunsets, and Port Barton is no exception. I was blown away by the sunsets here; they were so beautiful.
You won’t need to travel far to watch the sunset. Itaytay Beach has several beach bars, so you can watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Explore waterfalls
The Port Barton area is home to several epic waterfalls, including Pamuayan Falls and Bigaho Falls.
Most people hire bikes to reach them, but they can also be accessed by foot from the town (it’s at least an hour’s walk each way).
Local operators also offer tours that take you to these popular spots (as well as Coconut Beach and White Beach), which is also something to consider.
Discover Naonao Beach
If you do hire a scooter in Port Barton, don’t miss visiting Naonao Beach. The epic beach is the definition of a tropical paradise.
To reach here, you must stay on the road to Pamuayan Falls and drive for around 30 minutes. The road is known to be very bumpy.
Another option is to find a boat tour. My island hopping tour included a stop at Naonao (although we had to swim to the shore). But it was well worth it.
Best restaurants in Port Barton
Most people will tell you that food in the Philippines is nothing to scream about, but this wasn’t my experience. While the food might not be as flavoursome as the nearby Thailand, it’s fresh and delicious.
The streets in Port Barton are full of local restaurants selling local and Western dishes. Here are some of my favourites:
CocoRico | This is the local hostel but also a fantastic restaurant selling both local and western dishes. It’s particularly a good spot for breakfast/brunch. They also have vegetarian options.
Raquel’s Canteen | This delicious spot sells local dishes, including fresh fish and vegetarian dishes. It’s tasty & cheap.
Kusinero Del Barrio | This was one of my favourite meals in Port Barton It has plenty of local and western options. It can get busy here, so be prepared to wait or share tables.
Milano Café | For coffee or a light lunch, try the Milano café. The coffee was delicious.
Malaika | Another epic choice, serving plenty of local dishes right on the beach.
The Reef Café | I suggest this spot if you want a burger. I loved the vegetarian burger. (Update 2025: It looks like this spot may be closed, but I’ll check back again soon).
Heading to the Philippines? I have a guide to backpacking in the Philippines.
Port Barton FAQ
Is Port Barton expensive?
Port Barton is comparable to other tourist areas like Siquijor and Moalboal. It’s probably slightly cheaper than El Nido, but not significantly.
Before visiting the Philippines, I had heard it was an expensive country to travel to compared to Thailand. This was not my experience. I found Thailand to be significantly more expensive than the Philippines, especially when it came to food and alcohol.
Are there ATMs in Port Barton?
Yes, there are several ATMs in Port Barton that allow you to withdraw cash. However, these are notorious for breaking, so it’s important to also take cash with you.
Very few places in Port Barton accept card payments, so make sure you have ample cash.
Is Port Barton safe?
I had no issues in Port Barton. There were plenty of other tourists and solo travellers, and I never once felt unsafe. I also found the locals to be very welcoming in and friendly.
Of course, crimes can happen. Stay vigilant, keep your belongings safe and trust your gut.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, there’s WiFi. But, as with many places in the Philippines, don’t expect it to work. If you’re a nomad or remote worker, it’s not somewhere I would recommend.
Summary: Is Port Barton worth visiting?
Yes, yes, yes! I really enjoyed my few days in Port Barton. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in the Philippines.
Not only is Port Barton a tropical paradise, but it still has a local, authentic feel. This felt lost in many other places I visited, so it was nice to spend some time and get an insight into local life.
If you’re after secluded beaches, incredible marine life and somewhere to relax, look no further than Port Barton.
