A Complete Guide to Nightlife in Port Barton (2024)

Are you looking to party in Port Barton?

This Port Barton Nightlife Guide details the top 5 best bars and party spots on offer, for an unforgettable night.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you purchase through a link on my site. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you.

Port Barton is a small fishing village located on Palawan’s western coast in the Philippines.

Port Barton has not been overwhelmed with tourism like its more popular northern neighbors.

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

Perhaps surprisingly, Port Barton has some of the best nightlife in Palawan. After spending 5 days here, I was left positively surprised by the amount of buzzing bars.

This sleepy beach town comes alive when the sun goes down and bar hopping is a must on any Port Barton itinerary.

There are many fantastic Port Barton bars, with beachfront sunset cocktails to warm up and parties and DJs to see you into the night.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy booze cruises, fire shows, and pool parties.

This post details the best nightlife in Port Barton, including the best bars and party spots for a night you will remember.

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, approximately 4 hours from the airport.

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

Best accommodation in Port Barton

Aquarius

From $28.00 per night

Stay in the heart of Port Barton right next to the beach. Private rooms with good wifi and hot showers.

Shared kitchen and lounge area. Free water and tea/coffee, as well as board games, a dart board, and free use of the kayak.

BOOK NOW

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Top 5 Best Port Barton Bars

Bar hopping is one of the best things to do in Port Barton.

The proximity of the Port Barton bars means that you can move with the party and crowds. As one bar closes, there is another one right around the corner bringing all the vibes.

As a more up-and-coming destination, Port Barton has a distinct ‘small-town vibe’. This means that, generally, locals and tourists all head to the same place, creating a buzzing atmosphere.

I would suggest starting your night in Port Barton on the beach, enjoying happy hour cocktails as the sun is setting.

After, head to CocoRico to make the most of their free drinks from 7:00 – 7:30 PM. Either stay here or check out another one of the nearby bars to continue drinking.

For a cracking end to your night, head up to Moon Bar to party into the early hours after the rest of Port Barton has long gone to sleep.

CocoRico Hostel | Center of Port Barton nightlife

Any post about Port Barton nightlife has to begin with CocoRico.

CocoRico is the ultimate social hostel centrally located in town. There is always a buzzing atmosphere, with DJs bringing the vibes each night.

With a restaurant, bar, and parties every night of the week, this is the place to be to socialise and meet like-minded backpackers.

They have a wide range of yummy cocktails and all drinks are super reasonably priced. Not only this but free drinks during happy (half) hour make this the most affordable Port Barton bar.

Swing by from 7:00 – 7:30 PM every day to enjoy FREE drinks.

The generosity doesn’t stop there. Every hour he staff rings a special bell signaling free shots for everyone.

CocoRico is also one of the best Port Barton restaurants. Their wide range of Western-style food is delicious, with many platters perfect for sharing with new-found friends.

Full Post: Where To Eat in Port Barton: Top 9 BEST Restaurants

As well as heaps of seating, there is a large dancefloor to have a boogie.

For those with a competitive streak, there is always a game of beer pong going, as well as Jenga, and drinking games.

Tip: CocoRico closes at about 12 PM, so this is a great spot to drink before moving on to other bars later.

You also cannot miss the CocoRico Boat Party – this was one of the best days of my whole trip to the Philippines.

As with the standard island hopping tours, you will explore the pristine beaches and secluded islands surrounding Port Barton.

Island Hopping Port Barton — Lunch Spot – CocoRico Boat Party

However, this is certainly not your regular island-hopping tour. The CocoRico boat party comes with music, games, and (actually) unlimited alcoholic drinks.

We also enjoyed a delicious Filipino BBQ on a private beach. The tours are every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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

Happy Bar

Another one of the best Port Barton bars is Happy Bar.

Located on the beachfront, Happy Bar is the best place to kick off your night.

Perfectly positioned to witness the breathtaking Port Barton sunset, the atmosphere here as the sun is going down is truly magical.

Admiring the changing colours of the sky with a drink in hand is one of the best things to do in Port Barton.

Happy Bar offers one of the best happy hours. Not only do they offer 2-for-1 on all cocktails, but you can even get a free rum and coke when ordering a beer!

However, the fun is only just beginning when the sun goes down. Drop by from 6 PM to witness the epic fire show every single night, performed directly on the beach.

After the fire show, stick around to enjoy live music, with native drummers bringing all the tropical vibes. Stay into the evening for pumping DJs on the beach.

Tip: some nights there are unlimited drinks for 300 PHP, as well as special deals for the ladies.

Due to its unbeatable location on the beachfront, this Port Barton nightlife spot totally epitomises island life.

FLOW Pool Bar & Resto

Another one of the best Port Barton nightlife spots is Flow Bar & Resto.

Flow is a fantastic restaurant and bar that offers a chilled vibe throughout the day, but comes alive as the sun goes down.

The star of the show here is the swimming pool, access to which is free when ordering food or drinks.

Flow is widely known for its iconic foam pool parties every Saturday. With great music and lively vibes, this is a fantastic way to meet other travelers.

Enjoy a game of pool volleyball or simply float about on a giant inflatable with a cocktail in hand. Keep an eye out for staff coming round with alcohol-filled water guns.

There is a raised stage area behind the swimming pool, with local bands setting the vibe with live music each evening. Stick around for pumping DJs to see you into the night.

Tip: Flow Bar stays open pretty late and due to its proximity, it is a great Port Barton bar to visit after CocoRico.

The interior design is trendy, with a choice of sun loungers, bean bags, comfy sofas, or regular seating.

As if pool parties and DJs weren’t enough, there are also heaps of activities like darts, a foosball table, and board games to keep you entertained.

Flow Bar offers an amazing range of delicious cocktails, as well as tasty Filipino favourites and Western-inspired dishes.

As one of the best restaurants in Port Barton, burger lovers and pizza enthusiasts will be in their element.

Native’bo Reggae Bar

Undoubtedly one of the best Port Barton bars for drinks and laidback vibes, you cannot miss Native’bo Reggae Bar.

As the name suggests, Native’bo offers live reggae music and fantastic local musicians bring the chilled vibes each night from 6 PM.

Enjoy live music and some drinks until 11 PM, and stick around after to enjoy DJs into the night. If you are a fan of reggae music, you cannot miss this spot.

Native'bo Reggae Bar Port Barton Nightlife

Located near the bus terminal, the rustic tiki-style decor gives an authentic feel of island life. Furthermore, the amazing graffiti and wall art give the place a super trendy vibe.

Native’bo attracts a mixture of locals and travellers, creating a unique vibe great for socialising. As well as seating, there is a large dancefloor area too.

This bar in Port Barton also offers a mixture of Filipino and Western food at super-affordable prices. You have to give their seafood-based dishes a try.

This is also one of the most affordable nightlife spots to enjoy some drinks, especially with 2-for-1 rum and cokes from 1 -7 PM every day.

Tip: enjoy a feel complimentary drink if you wear a reggae shirt.

For good vibes all around and unbeatable music, you cannot miss Native’bo Reggae Bar as one of the best Port Barton nightlife spots.

Moon Bar

Any list of the best Port Barton bars would be incomplete without Moon Bar.

Open later than all the other bars until the early hours of the morning, this is the place to be for a memorable end to your night.

Located slightly out of Port Barton town up a hill, this bar has a rustic open terrace with extraordinary views. The space is huge and airy, perfect for dancing the night away.

Whilst this is a great spot to enjoy happy hour and live music in the early evening, Moon Bar truly comes alive from 10 PM onwards.

On the dancefloor, you will find a lively blend of both international tourists and locals. After live music and bands, you can expect amazing DJs and high energy all night.

If you decide to swing by earlier, the raised position of Moon Bar makes this a great spot to witness the sun setting over the ocean. Some nights there are also fire shows.

Despite the walk to reach it, Moon Bar is a secluded haven where the party continues even though the rest of Port Barton has gone to sleep.

Where to stay in Port Barton

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

I would suggest staying near to 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.

check prices >

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.

check prices >

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.

check prices >

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 Port Barton better than El Nido?

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

Comparing both 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 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 for a slower pace and a glimpse into Filipino culture.

Furthermore, 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.

Is it worth going to Port Barton?

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. It provides an authentic glimpse into a beautiful destination not yet overrun by tourism.

This is certainly not a destination for the luxury traveler and you can expect dirt tracks, spotty wifi, and cold showers.

However, 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 on your Philippines itinerary.

Philippines Essentials Packing List

How long 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

What is Port Barton known for?

Port Barton could be seen as El Nido’s more chilled-out little brother.

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

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

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.

Well, that’s it! This post has detailed the very best Port Barton nightlife and bars for an unforgettable evening.

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