ULTIMATE PORT BARTON TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Budget & Itinerary

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

This Port Barton DIY Travel Guide will tell you everything you need to know about Palawan’s hidden gem, including a suggested itinerary and budget, updated for 2024.

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Port Barton is a sleepy beach town 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.

However, Port Barton is growing as an up-and-coming destination in Palawan. The quiet beaches, slower pace of life, and rustic charm provide a glimpse into a stunning destination not yet overrun with tourists.

If you’re debating adding Port Barton to your Philippines itinerary, then it’s a no-brainer.

This post will detail the best things to do, how to get there, where to stay, the best restaurants and bars, as well as a recommended Port Barton itinerary and budget.

Things to do in Port Barton

First up on this Port Barton Travel Guide are the main things to do.

Whether you’re looking for jam-packed days full of activities, or simply prefer to beach bum and soak up the atmosphere, there is something for every type of traveler.

Whether you plan on staying for a few months or simply want to know what to do in Port Barton for a couple of days, these are the top tourist spots to add to your Port Barton itinerary.

Island Hopping

Island hopping is undoubtedly the most popular thing to do in Port Barton.

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.

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.

White Beach

White Beach is the most popular Port Barton beach and one of the most beautiful 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.

The slight difficulty in reaching White Beach means that it does not attract flocks of tourists. This means you can truly appreciate the pristine surroundings.

The main activities here are sunbathing, snorkeling, and, swimming. As one of the most stunning beaches in Palawan, visiting this tropical paradise is a must on any Port Barton itinerary.

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

Street Dog Sanctuary

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

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 abandonment in Palawan.

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. You will also get to witness the spectacular view of the ocean from the sanctuary.

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 to book your visit here.

Pamauyan Falls

Pamauyan Falls is a beautiful waterfall located a few kilometers from Port Barton town.

If you’re interested in hiking, you can reach the waterfall in about 2 hours from the town proper. Alternatively, you can reach the waterfall with a 15-minute scooter or tricycle ride.

Visiting this secluded fall and refreshing swimming hole deep in the jungle is one of the best things to do in Port Barton for those searching for a bit of adventure.

Sunset at Itaytay 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.

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

Bigaho Falls

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

Kayaking

Kayaking is another one of the best things to do in Port Barton.

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 beaches, such as Coconut and White Beach.

Furthermore, a kayak allows you to experience things at your own pace and explore some hidden gems dotted around Port Barton. You can even reach nearby Starfish Island and Pamauyan Beach, typically visited as part of the island tours.

The accommodation I would recommend in Port Barton offers free use of the kayak. You can skip to it here.

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. Coconut Beach has a real rustic tropical feel and is a must on any Port Barton itinerary.

For more information on how to get there, the entrance fee, and what to expect, you can check out my full post here.

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

How to get to Port Barton

Next in this Port Barton Travel Guide, I will cover exactly how to get there.

Port Barton is located on Palawan’s western coast, in an area called San Vicente. It is directly between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

Unless you are coming from Coron or El Nido, you will have to get to Puerto Princesa first to reach Port Barton. Puerto Princesa is the main ferry port and airport for the island of Palawan.

You can reach Puerto Princesa either by flight or ferry, depending on the level of comfort you’re after. Once you’ve reached Puerto Princesa, the journey is very straightforward.

Getting to Puerto Princesa

Flying into Puerto Princesa Airport is the quickest and easiest way to reach Port Barton. If you book far enough in advance, this can be pretty inexpensive too.

Wherever you’re flying from in the Philippines, it is most likely that you will have to change in either Manila or Cebu. Once you have reached Manila or Cebu, there are many direct flights per day.

The following airlines offer direct flights from Manila or Cebu to Puerto Princesa every day –

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippine Airlines
• Air Asia

The average journey time is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Prices for these journeys start from about $26.00.

If you do not wish to fly, you can also reach Puerto Princesa from Manila or Cebu by ferry. This takes a very long time and is not a journey I would recommend.

If you do choose to take a ferry, you can the full details in my How To Get To Port Barton Guide.

Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

Once you have arrived in Puerto Princesa, the journey to Port Barton is very straightforward.

A shared mini-van is the most common, comfortable, and cost-effective way to reach Port Barton from Puerto Princesa.

There are a range of companies to choose from, with vans leaving for Port Barton roughly every hour until 5:00 PM.

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

These shared mini-vans come with air conditioning, and some even offer hotel pick-up. Many vans wait in the airport car park until they are full before departing.

The journey time is about 4 hours, with a 20-minute toilet break halfway. There is a set price of 600 PHP ($10).

El Nido to Port Barton

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

The shared mini-van departs every day from the El Nido Bus Terminal at the following times –

• 8:00 AM
• 1:00 PM

The journey time from El Nido to Port Barton is about 4 – 5 hours depending on the company you book with. There is also a 20-minute toilet break halfway through.

As there are fewer journeys per day, I would recommend booking online. You can expect to pay about 600 PHP ($10).

How to get around Port Barton

Unlike most places in the Philippines, Port Barton is very small and most of the nearby natural attractions can be reached on foot.

If you choose to rent a scooter, there is a standard price of 500 PHP ($9) per day. With a bit of haggling, we hired our scooter for 400 PHP ($7) from Hashtag Tourist Inn.

However, once you leave Port Barton town, the roads are pretty non-existent. As Port Barton hasn’t been overwhelmed with tourism, the infrastructure is lacking in certain areas.

Instead of roads, you will find rocky dirt tracks, which can be extremely steep and bumpy, with many potholes.

I would therefore only recommend hiring a scooter if you are experienced and really confident on a bike.

If you’re hoping to reach nearby beaches and islands, then I would recommend hiring a kayak for 500 PHP ($9) a day. There is also a kind of boat shuttle service every day from Port Barton Beach to White Beach.

There are also tricycles, however, these we found very expensive compared to other destinations. The poor quality of the road means that the drivers have to take detours, making the journey longer and more costly.

Best restaurants in Port Barton

Next on this Port Barton Travel Guide are the best Port Barton restaurants.

As Port Barton has been increasing in popularity, its food scene has been evolving too, with many new restaurants popping up each year.

This has led to a delightful mix of cuisines and some of the most delicious restaurants in Palawan. In Port Barton, you will find a harmonious blend of local Filipino food and Western cuisine.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a bit more money to spend, there is something for everyone, with heaps of plant-based options too.

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

Below are the five Port Barton restaurants I would recommend –

• Mojitos Bar & Resto – delicious food, fine dining but relaxed ambiance, hand-crafted cocktails, beautiful presentation, and plant-based options. Owners also run the Street Dog Sanctuary.
• Kusinero del Barrio – authentic Filipino cuisine, homely family-run vibe, local dishes, reasonable prices, lighter western-inspired dishes for breakfast or lunch.
• Barton Bistro – beachfront sunset restaurant, happy hour cocktails and beers, fresh seafood, beach parties, and live music at night.
• Olive’s Crib Bar & Resto – local Filipino cuisine and Western dishes, fresh seafood, homemade bread/pasta/pizza, and plant-based options.
• Flow Bar & Resto – delicious Western food, best burgers, free use of the swimming pool, a great spot to socialise with friends, live music, DJs, and pool parties.

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

Best bars & nightlife in Port Barton

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 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.

The small-town vibe means that locals and tourists all head to the same place. This creates a unique atmosphere that is great for socialising and meeting other travelers.

Furthermore, many bars offer happy hour deals and even free drinks at certain times, so nightlife in Port Barton is pretty affordable.

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

• Cocorico Hostel – great food, parties every night, boat party, free drinks 7 – 7:30 PM every day, DJs, and, games.
• FLOW Pool Bar & Resto – great food, live music, and pool/foam 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

Port Barton accommodation

Finding somewhere perfect to stay is the cherry on top of any Port Barton itinerary.

Port Barton is certainly not the destination for the luxury traveler and world-class resorts. Each Port Barton accommodation has a back-to-basics feel; come prepared for spotty wifi and cold showers.

I would also recommend paying a little more to stay in the center. Port Barton is very small and the road quality is very poor. If you stay in the main town, you will be able to reach most places by foot.

Whether you’re looking for resorts or shared dorms, these are the best Port Barton accommodations for every type of budget –

Budget-friendly Port Barton accommodation

Hashtag Tourist Inn – one of the best Port Barton hotels for those on a budget. Stay just minutes from the beachfront in the heart of Port Barton.

Each room comes with its own private terrace area, with a table and hammock. The wifi works well and there are hot showers in each room. There is also an equipped shared kitchen with coffee, as well as a reasonable in-house scooter rental.

Rooms start from $15.00 per night.

Cocorico Hostel – possibly the most iconic Port Barton hostel. Cocorico attracts backpackers and like-minded travelers with its lively sociable vibe.

There is also a delicious restaurant and amazing parties nearly every night, with free drinks, games, and beer pong. This is the best Port Barton hostel for those who like to party and socialise.

Prices for a shared dorm start from $17.00 per night.

Medium-budget Port Barton hotels

Aquarius – spacious, modern, and impeccably clean rooms in the heart of Port Barton. This Port Barton hotel is just minutes from the beach and restaurants.

This accommodation has a homely family-run vibe and boasts a fully-equipped shared kitchen and an outdoor lounge/terrace area.

Good wifi and hot showers. There is free drinking water and coffee available at all times, as well as board games, dart board, and kayak.

Prices start from $28.00 per night.

Besaga Beachfront Cottages – the best Port Barton beachfront accommodation. Enjoy ocean views and stay on the iconic Itaytay Beach.

Each beachfront cottage has its own balcony area with outdoor furniture to appreciate the view. Furthermore, a delicious free breakfast is included with the price.

The cottages are rustic and give an authentic feel of tropical island life. The rooms are spacious and very clean.

Room prices start from $60.00 per night.

Luxury Port Barton resorts

Holiday Suites Port Barton – one of the best Port Barton resorts offering sweeping views of Itaytay Beach and the ocean.

A choice of family, deluxe, or superior rooms, some with sea views. 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.

Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary – Palawan’s first eco-friendly resort with two private coves, four private beaches, and over 4km of coastline.

Located on one of the islands dotted around Port Barton, Secret Paradise Resort can only be accessed by boat. The real stars of the show are the turtles, who hatch on the beach from November – May.

This is the perfect Port Barton resort to immerse yourself in nature. They will be happy to help you with snorkeling trips in Turtle Bay, as well as island hopping, fishing trips, and waterfalls.

All villas are beachfront and fully equipped with air-con, hot showers, wifi, and a private balcony area with sun loungers. There are also free boat transfers, a buffet breakfast, and use of the snorkeling equipment.

Prices start from $200.00 per night.

Recommended Port Barton itinerary

Next up is a recommended Port Barton itinerary.

From beach bumming to hiking to jungle waterfalls, Port Barton has many exciting activities on offer.

Whilst you could visit all the main natural attractions in a couple of days, this would not give you an authentic experience of Port Barton.

The special thing about Port Barton is its laidback back-to-basics vibe. In the modern world, it is rare to find such pristine untouched natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere absent of tourists.

In this sense, Port Barton is like a breath of fresh air compared to the tourist playgrounds in the north.

Therefore, as well as enjoying the activities on offer, be sure to leave some extra time to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life. If you’re heading to El Nido after, you will be grateful for these tranquil moments.

If you benefit from time, then staying for about a week would be ideal. However, for the sake of this post, below is a perfect 3-day Port Barton itinerary.

DAY 1 – island hopping

• Morning – before your day of island hopping, I would recommend enjoying a hearty breakfast on the beach. There are many beachfront restaurants but I would suggest Barton Bistro for great coffee, food, and views.
• Afternoon – spend the day island hopping and exploring white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life dotted around Port Barton. Choose between Tour A, B, C, and D, or the boat party offered by Cocorico. Enjoy a Filipino buffet BBQ on a secluded island.
• Evening – arrive back in Port Barton before sunset and enjoy a couple of happy hour drinks on the beachfront. Head to Kusinero del Barrio for dinner and authentic Filipino cuisine.

DAY 2 – exploring beaches

• Morning – start your day with a delicious brunch from Fat Cat Bistro. Head to Itaytay Beach to hire a kayak for the day.
• Afternoon – kayak to White Beach first, spend a few hours beach bumming and enjoying the pristine views. Could hike 15 minutes up to the Jungle Bar for lunch. Start to return to Port Barton by kayak, stopping off at Coconut Beach for a couple of hours.
• Evening – enjoy a delicious dinner and cocktails from Mojitos. If you’re interested in visiting the Street Dog Sanctuary the next day, book your visit with the owners. After dinner, head to Cocorico for more drinks. If you’re not too tired, continue the party at Moon Bar.

DAY 3 – waterfalls/dog sanctuary & relaxing

• Morning – grab some breakfast somewhere, perhaps Cocorico. What you do next depends on your preference. You could hike to Pamauyan Falls in about 2 hours for a refreshing dip. Or, head to Palawan’s only Street Dog Sanctuary to meet the animals.
• Afternoon – take time to relax and soak up the atmosphere on your last day. Sunbathe on Port Barton Beach or head to Flow Bar & Resto to use their swimming pool. Can grab lunch here too.
• Evening – sunset happy hour cocktails again for your final evening in Port Barton. Check out Olive’s Crib Bar & Resto for dinner.

Suggested Port Barton budget

Important for any Port Barton Travel Guide is an estimated budget.

The food and accommodation are super affordable, however with regards to tours, scooter rental, and tricycles, Port Barton was slightly pricier than expected.

For tours, scooters, and tricycles, there seems to be a standardized pricing system, with most places charging the exact same price.

This is great on the one hand, as you know you are not being overcharged by a different company. However, this isn’t so great on the other hand, as it means there is little room for haggling and negotiation.

There are many Western-inspired restaurants which may seem a little expensive. However, if you are on a budget, there are plenty of local Filipino restaurants for a fraction of the price.

Due to the small size of Port Barton, most places can be reached on foot, which saves you money on transportation.

With happy hour deals and free drinks at certain times, it is also a cheap destination for partying and drinking.

Overall, for the average traveler, I would recommend a Port Barton budget between $30 – $50 per day.

Example daily expenses

• Accommodation – 700 PHP – 1500 PHP ($14-$27)
• Beer – 100 PHP ($1.70)
• Scooter Rental – 500 PHP ($9)
• Lunch – 400 PHP ($7)
• Island Hopping – 1200 PHP ($22)
• Coffee – 120 PHP ($2)
• Entrance to White Beach – 50 PHP ($0.90)
• Kayak Rental – 500 PHP ($9)

Port Barton tips

• Port Barton is certainly not the destination for the luxury traveler and world-class resorts. You may need to lower your standards a little. Come with an open mind and embrace the back-to-basics feel.
• The roads are mainly dirt tracks and very poorly maintained. Once you get out of Port Barton town, the road is pretty non-existent. I would only recommend hiring a scooter if you are an experienced driver.
• The service in the restaurants is slow and everything is very laidback. Everything seems to take double the time compared to other Philippine destinations.
• The wifi is passable but not great. I would recommend getting a SIM card with a data plan, as the wifi cannot be relied upon.
• Port Barton beaches are known for their box jellyfish, especially in March and April. Be sure to check with the locals if it is safe to swim.
• Cash is the standard in Port Barton, and only a few places accept cards. Fortunately, there are now a few ATMs dotted around.

FAQs

What month is best to visit Port Barton?

The best time to visit Port Barton coincides with the best time to visit the Philippines in general. This would be in the dry season from November – May.

During the dry season, you are (nearly always) guaranteed great weather and a lively atmosphere. This is the best time for island hopping, beach bumming, and meeting other travelers.

How long do I need in Port Barton?

I would say that 3 – 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.

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.

Is Port Barton worth visiting?

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.

This is certainly not a destination for the luxury traveler. However, if you are looking to get off the beaten path and out of the tourist playground, then you cannot miss this Palawan hidden gem.

Why is Port Barton famous?

Port Barton has been increasing in popularity in recent years as El Nido’s more tranquil younger brother.

It has gained fame for its natural beauty, breathtaking sunsets, and vibrant coral reefs. It provides an authentic glimpse into a beautiful destination not yet overrun by tourism.

The pace of life is much slower and Port Barton’s laidback rustic charm is what attracts backpackers to this destination.

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 Palawan itinerary.

Well, that’s it! This Port Barton Travel Guide has detailed everything you need to know to visit Palawan’s hidden gem, including a Port Barton itinerary and budget.

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

• How To Get To Port Barton 2024: A Step-By-Step Guide
• Top 9 BEST Things To Do In Port Barton
• White Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
• Where To Eat: Top 9 BEST Port Barton Restaurants
• Coconut Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know