How To Get To Port Barton: All Popular Travel Routes

Planning a trip to Palawan’s hidden gem?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get to Port Barton, from Manila, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, or El Nido.

Nestled on Palawan’s western coast, Port Barton is a sleepy beach town still untouched by mass tourism like other destinations in the Philippines.

Port Barton retains its laid-back charm, with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a back-to-basics island feel.

As a more off-the-beaten-path destination, you may be wondering how to get there, and whether it’s worth the detour.

Having made this journey myself, I can confidently say it’s well worth the trip and is much more straightforward than you may think.

Keep reading as I guide you through the exact steps to reach Port Barton from all popular Philippines destinations.

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How to get to Port Barton: Overview

If you haven’t got time to read the whole article, below is a quick summary.

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Where is Port Barton?

Port Barton is a small fishing village located on the western coast of Palawan, in an area called San Vicente.

It is located about halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido – it is well worth the detour on your way further north.

Unlike its more popular neighbors, Port Barton remains untouched by mass tourism.

This sleepy beach town is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a more authentic island escape.

Does Port Barton have an airport?

The village of Port Barton does not have an airport.

The nearest airport is Puerto Princesa Airport – the main airport for the island of Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Airport is located about 4 hours from Port Barton.

Step 1: Getting to Puerto Princesa

As the main airport for the island of Palawan, knowing how to get to Puerto Princesa is the first step.

Wherever you’re traveling from in the Philippines, your flight will most likely change in Manila or Cebu.

There are direct flights from Manila and Cebu all day every day with the following airlines –

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippine Airlines
• Air Asia

The journey time is roughly 1.5 hours. Flights prices start from $25.

👉 Tip: as soon as you know your travel dates, book your flight in advance to save

Step 2: Getting from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

Once you have reached Puerto Princesa, the journey to Port Barton is super straightforward.

You have three options –

• Shared mini-van – recommended option (book here)
• Public bus – cheapest but only two buses per day
• Private transfer – most convenient but pricey (book here)

By shared mini-van

This is the most common way to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton – it is the way that I would recommend.

These shared mini-vans come with air conditioning, and some even offer hotel pick-up – there are a range of companies to choose from.

Most vans start at Puerto Princesa Airport, then pass through the bus terminal in Puerto Princesa town, before making the journey to Port Barton.

👉 Tip: be sure to double-check where your van departs from. There are a couple of different terminals in Puerto Princesa, depending on which company you choose.

I would recommend booking this journey in advance online to guarantee yourself a seat (here). However, we arrived at Puerto Princesa Airport without booking in advance.

There are many mini-vans waiting in the car park outside of the airport. They wait for them to fill up before departing.

By private transfer

A private transfer from Puerto Princesa is the quickest and most comfortable option – it is also the most expensive.

However, it is great for travelers looking for convenience. If you are traveling as a family or a small group, this can also bring the price down per person.

By public bus

There is also a public bus from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton – it departs from San Isidro Bus Garage twice a day.

The Puerto Princesa to Port Barton bus is not much cheaper than the shared mini-van and takes the same amount of time. It is also much less comfortable than a van, with no air conditioning or toilet stops.

👉 Tip: the public bus departs from San Isidro Bus Garage in Puerto Princesa town. If you are arriving at Puerto Princesa Airport, you are best to take a shared mini-van.

El Nido to Port Barton

If you are already in El Nido, then reaching Port Barton is super straightforward.

Port Barton to El Nido

The reverse journey from Port Barton to El Nido departs at the exact same time as above.

There are two mini-vans per day departing at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

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 near the center, as most of the main Port Barton 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 (my top pick)

The best place to stay in Port Barton for couples or groups with a medium budget – this is where I stayed and I could not recommend it more.

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 socialize. 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 organize any island hopping tours.

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

FAQs

Port Barton is most definitely worth visiting.

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.

You should not expect to share the beaches with hoards of tourists and the island hopping experience feels much more authentic than in El Nido.

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

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

How long do you need in Port Barton?

I would say that 3 – 5 days is the ideal amount on your Port Barton itinerary.

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

You also cannot miss island hopping – a much more authentic experience than in El Nido.

➡️ Skip the hassle and book 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.

Full Post: Top 9 BEST Things To Do in Port Barton

Is Port Barton better than El Nido?

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

Comparing them 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 coral reefs totally absent of tourists, makes the overall experience much more special.

If you have time, then both Port Barton and El Nido are a must on any Philippines itinerary.

How much is the bus from El Nido to Port Barton?

There is a set price for the bus from El Nido to Port Barton – it costs 600 PHP ($10).

➡️ Skip the hassle & book your transfer in advance here

Need travel insurance? Small Girl Big Backpack readers get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when booking through this link. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, this is the best insurance for travelers.

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.

Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, Port Barton also boasts some delicious restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene that could rival El Nido.

Full Post: Port Barton Nightlife Guide: Top 5 Best Bars

Can you do a day trip from El Nido to Port Barton?

You could do a day trip from El Nido to Port Barton, but I would not recommend it.

It takes roughly 4 hours in each direction, meaning most of your day would be spent traveling.

If you’re short on time, I’d recommend staying in Port Barton for at least one night. You could stop off on your way back to Puerto Princesa to break up your journey.

How to get to Port Barton: Final Thoughts

Well, that’s it! This post has detailed exactly how to get to Port Barton from all popular destinations.

Whether you prefer to travel in style with a private transfer, or rather take the shared bus, the journey is straightforward and affordable.

If you have made the journey to Port Barton, I would love to hear from you – reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler