Top 9 Port Barton Activities & Things To Do

Are you planning a visit to Port Barton? Or perhaps you’re considering adding it to your Palawan itinerary?

This post will detail the very best things to do in Port Barton for an unforgettable time, updated for 2024.

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Port Barton is a sleepy beach town located on Palawan’s western coast in the Philippines.

Although Port Barton has been growing in popularity in recent years, it has not been overwhelmed with tourism.

The town is pretty undeveloped and the natural surroundings, from beaches to waterfalls, remain untouched and pristine.

Port Barton is like a breath of fresh air compared to its more touristy northern neighbors.

Whilst this is the perfect destination in the Philippines for beach bumming, there are also many unmissable activities and natural attractions.

This post will detail the best things to do in Port Barton for an amazing trip to Palawan’s hidden gem.

Where is Port Barton?

Port Barton is located on the island of Palawan, along the western coast in an area called San Vincente.

It is located about halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, roughly 4 hours from the airport.

The town itself is small and most of the main tourist spots and restaurants can be reached on foot. Alternatively, you can hire a scooter for 400 PHP ($7) per day.

The below map shows the location of all the best things to do in Port Barton.

What to do in Port Barton?

As a more up-and-coming destination in the Philippines, the tourist infrastructure is slightly lacking in Port Barton.

Compared to its northern neighbours, it does not feel geared toward tourism and instead retains a rustic authenticity.

As opposed to heaps of activities, the main highlights in Port Barton are natural attractions. Think picturesque beaches, hidden waterfalls, and thriving coral reefs.

The most popular activities are certainly island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring the surrounding coral reefs and secluded islands.

In stark contrast to El Nido, you can enjoy these Port Barton activities without hoards of tourists. This makes the experience all the more special.

In general, beach bumming and having a few days of relaxation are the best things to do in Port Barton. You will be grateful for this slower pace when you venture further up north.

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White Beach

White Beach in Port Barton is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.

A protected cove with powdery white sand that curves right around, lined with coconut trees on one side and calm crystal-clear waters on the other.

Although this is the most popular Port Barton beach, the slight difficulty in reaching it means White Beach does not attract flocks of tourists.

This means you can truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery, turquoise waters, and pristine surroundings.

The main activities here are sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling

As one of the most stunning beaches in Palawan, you cannot miss a trip to this slice of tropical paradise as one of the best things to do in Port Barton.

For full details on how to get there, the entrance fee, and what to expect, you can read my full post here.

Full Post: White Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Island Hopping

Island hopping is the most popular of the Port Barton activities.

Just like other destinations in Palawan, the area around Port Barton is littered with vibrant coral reefs, secluded white-sand beaches, and spectacular snorkeling spots.

An island-hopping tour is the best way to explore these paradisiacal islands and abundant marine life beneath the surface.

The island hopping experience differs from that in El Nido in that you will not be sharing the islands or water with hoards of tourists.

This means the reefs and islands remain pristine and untouched and the experience is much more authentic.

All island hopping tours have a set price of 1200 PHP ($21) and can be easily booked anywhere in Port Barton. All tours include entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, and a delicious Filipino BBQ.

You can opt for Tour A, B, C, or D depending on what you’re interested in seeing. Tour A is the most popular and includes –

• Twin Reef
• Turtle Spot
• Paradise Island
• Inaladelan Beach (German Island)
• Fantastic Reef
• Starfish Sandbar

If you’re a fan of partying, then you cannot miss the Cocorico Boat Party. As well as exploring all the breathtaking spots above, the boat party includes unlimited drinks, music, and games.

It was great fun and the highlight of our Port Barton itinerary. Tours are every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Drop by Cocorico Hostel the day before to book your spot.

As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Port Barton is patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.

Street Dog Sanctuary

Visiting the only Street Dog Sanctuary in Palawan is another one of the best Port Barton things to do.

The Street Dog Sanctuary provides food, shelter, and medical care to over 170 dogs and 13 cats.

This non-profit organisation hopes to alleviate cruelty and provide a life of love and kindness for the animals.

Located about 15 minutes from Port Barton town, you can swing by to visit the dogs, learn about their stories, and volunteer some of your time.

Not only this, but the sanctuary is perched just above Port Barton and offers sweeping views of the town, mountains, and ocean.

The Street Dog Sanctuary relies on donations and they are hoping to build a cat sanctuary, as well as expand to other areas of Palawan.

The people who run the sanctuary also own Mojitos restaurant in town, one of the best Port Barton restaurants.

If you cannot visit the sanctuary, be sure to drop by the restaurant for a drink or two and contribute to a good cause this way.

If you’re interested in visiting the sanctuary, be sure to message them on Facebook here. They will provide you with exact directions or you can also simply donate if you prefer.

Pamauyan Falls

If you’ve overdosed on vitamin sea and you’re wondering what to do in Port Barton, then Pamauyan Falls is a must-visit spot.

Pamauyan Falls is located a few kilometers from Port Barton. This means they can be reached by foot in about 2 hours if you’re interested in hiking. Otherwise, you can reach them with a 15-minute scooter or tricycle.

Whilst these falls do not compare to the turquoise waters of some of the waterfalls in Siquijor, they are located deep in the jungle and are great for those searching for a bit of adventure.

After a hike through the jungle trail, you will come across the secluded beauty and tranquil swimming hole of Pamauyan Falls.

These falls in Port Barton do not attract many tourists, allowing you to truly appreciate the serene natural surroundings.

Sunset at Itaytay Beach / Port Barton Beach

Any Port Barton itinerary would be incomplete without witnessing the breathing sunset from Itaytay Beach.

Itaytay Beach is the main beach in town, also known as Port Barton Beach.

Although not comparable to the white sands and turquoise waters of other Port Barton beaches, Itaytay Beach has charm.

Port Barton is perfectly located on the western coast to witness the sunset each night.

Lined with restaurants and bars, enjoying a cocktail and bite to eat whilst the sun goes down is one of the best things to do in Port Barton.

The convenient location of Itaytay Beach in Port Barton town means it is also a great spot to sunbathe and laze around during the day. From here, you can see all of the boats leaving for the island hopping tours.

Note: Itaytay Beach, and Port Barton in general, is known for box jellyfish in the water. This is worse in the months of March and April. If you are hoping for a paddle, be sure to check with the locals if the water is safe.

Enjoy Port Barton nightlife

Perhaps surprisingly, Port Barton has some of the best nightlife in Palawan.

This sleepy beach town comes alive when the sun goes down and bar hopping is what to do in Port Barton if you’re a fan of socialising and partying.

There are many fantastic bars in Port Barton but the small-town vibe means that locals and tourists all head to the same place.

This creates a unique atmosphere that is great for meeting other travelers.

Some of the best bars and Port Barton nightlife spots are –

• Cocorico Hostel – great food, parties every night, boat party, free drinks 7 – 7:30 PM every day
• FLOW Pool Bar & Resto – great food, live music, and pool parties
• Native’bo Reggae Bar – live reggae music and cheap drinks
• Moon Bar – worth the walk up the hill, live music, fire shows, amazing view, open until early hours
• Happy Bar – happy hour cocktails, beach-front sunset view
• Mojitos – delicious food and cocktails, amazing decor and atmosphere

Must Read: Where To Eat: Top 9 BEST Port Barton Restaurants

Bigaho Falls

Another one of the best Port Barton things to do is visit Bigaho Falls.

Bigaho Falls can be reached by scooter or by boat. Some island hopping tours include a visit to this waterfall of their itinerary (Tour C).

If you are coming by boat, there is a short 15-minute trek from the beach through a quaint little village before reaching Bigaho Falls.

It is great for a refreshing dip but only really worth it if you are kayaking or exploring that area, as it is a little out of the way.

Note: these are seasonal falls and can sometimes be dried up during the dry season from December – May. Be sure to ask the locals before visiting.

Coconut Beach

As the name suggests, Coconut Beach has one of the most stunning coconut-lined shorelines in the Philippines.

With the dense coconut forest behind you and the calm clear waters in front of you, this is one of the most picturesque beaches in Palawan.

It is located just around the corner from White Beach and does not attract nearly as many tourists. You can reach Coconut Beach either by walking or with a kayak.

The water is shallow and rocky, so not great for a paddle. However, this is an ideal spot to sunbathe and appreciate the back-to-basics tropical island feel.

For all the details, including how to get there and what. to expect, you can read my full post here.

Full Post: Coconut Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Kayaking

Kayaking is what to do in Port Barton for adventure lovers.

Just like other popular destinations in Palawan, the area around Port Barton is dotted with stunning islands and beaches.

With a kayak and a bit of luck, you might even get to experience some of these spots without any other tourists.

You can rent a kayak from Itaytay Beach for 500 PHP ($9) a day. This is a great way to reach some of the nearby Port Barton beaches, such as Coconut and White Beach.

Kayaking is one of the top Port Barton activities and allows you to experience things at your own pace and explore some hidden gems.

You can even reach nearby Starfish Island and Pamauyan Beach, typically visited as part of the island tours.

Aquarius, the accommodation I would recommend, offers free use of the kayak.

Where to stay in Port Barton

Port Barton is certainly not the destination for beachfront resorts and the luxury traveler. The island has a back-to-basics feel; hot water and fast wifi can be hard to come by.

I would suggest staying in Port Barton town. This way, most of the main tourist spots and restaurants can be reached on foot.

Cocorico Hostel

The best Port Barton hostel for backpackers & solo travelers.

This is the ultimate social hostel with amazing parties nearly every night. They have a delicious restaurant, as well as their very own boat party.

Prices for dorms start from $17.00 per night.

Aquarius

The best place to stay in Port Barton for couples or groups with a medium budget.

All rooms are spacious and modern, with hot showers from solar power and good wifi. This hotel is located minutes from the beach and restaurants.

There is also a shared kitchen equipped with free water and coffee, as well as a terrace area to socialise. There are board games, a dart board, and free use of the kayak.

Prices start from $28.00 per night.

Holiday Suites Port Barton

The best Port Barton accommodation for more luxury travelers.

A choice of family, deluxe, or superior rooms, some offering sweeping views of Itaytay Beach.

This accommodation features a swimming pool, a beach bar, and a delicious restaurant. Staff will be happy to help you organise any island hopping tours.

Good wifi and free breakfast included. Rooms start from $125.00 per night.

How to get to Port Barton

To reach Port Barton, first, you will have to fly to Puerto Princesa.

This is the main airport for the island of Palawan and can be reached from all popular destinations.

After reaching Puerto Princesa, Port Barton is very straightforward to reach.

The most common way is to book a shared mini-van. These depart from Puerto Princesa Airport and pass through Puerto Princesa town, before heading to Port Barton.

BOOK YOUR PORT BARTON TRANSFER HERE

For detailed instructions from all popular destinations, check out my full How To Get To Port Barton Guide

Is it worth going to Port Barton?

Port Barton is most definitely worth adding to your Philippines itinerary.

Located halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, Port Barton has not experienced the influx of tourism like its more popular neighbors.

This sleepy beach town therefore remains pretty undiscovered and untouched. Two main dirt tracks run parallel through the center of town, with more and more restaurants and homestays popping up each year.

However, Port Barton remains super laidback and undeveloped. It provides an authentic glimpse into a beautiful destination not yet overrun by tourism.

If you are a traveler looking to get off the beaten path and out of the tourist playground, then you cannot miss this Palawan hidden gem.

How many days do you need in Port Barton?

I would say that 2 – 5 days is the ideal amount of time in Port Barton.

There are many amazing things to do in Port Barton, such as pristine beaches, snorkeling, and waterfalls.

With many white-sand paradisiacal islands and snorkeling spots dotted around Port Barton, island hopping is something you cannot miss. Save money by booking your Island Hopping Tour in advance.

In the modern world, it can be hard to find untouched natural beauty and an atmosphere of tranquility absent of tourists.

Therefore, whilst you can visit the main tourist spots in a couple of days, be sure to leave some extra time to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life.

Must Read: ULTIMATE PORT BARTON TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Budget & Itinerary

Is Port Barton better than El Nido?

Both Port Barton and El Nido are unmissable destinations in the Philippines.

Comparing the two is difficult, as they offer something completely different to the traveler.

The limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and white sands of El Nido are some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world.

As a popular destination, El Nido is well-geared towards tourists.

You will find many world-class resorts, delicious restaurants, buzzing nightlife, as well as many tours and day trips exploring the nearby islands.

Must Read: Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in El Nido

Port Barton on the other hand has only recently become a popular tourist destination, and the infrastructure is lacking in certain areas.

Whilst more restaurants and hotels pop up each year, Port Barton has not been designed for the tourist. It is a better place to visit if you are looking to understand Filipino daily life better.

The natural surroundings are certainly not as striking as those in El Nido.

However, getting to appreciate such stunning beaches, islands, and thriving coral reefs totally absent of tourists, makes the overall experience much more special.

What is Port Barton known for?

Port Barton could be seen as El Nido’s more relaxed little brother.

It is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, vibrant and thriving coral reefs, and pristine islands surrounding it.

As Port Barton is west-facing, it is also known for its stunning sunsets each night. More generally, Port Barton is known for its slower pace of life and more authentic representation of Filipino culture.

This post has detailed the very best things to do in Port Barton.

If you’ll be spending some time in Port Barton, feel free to check out my other helpful guides –

• White Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
• Where To Eat: Top 9 BEST Port Barton Restaurants
• ULTIMATE PORT BARTON TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Budget & Itinerary
• How To Get To Port Barton 2024: A Step-By-Step Guide
• Coconut Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

For inspiration or help planning your Philippines adventure, check out the following –

• 1-Month Philippines Itinerary: Ultimate Backpacking Route
• Top 10 BEST Places To Visit in The Philippines