A Complete Guide To White Beach in Port Barton
Are you planning a visit to White Beach in Port Barton?
This post will detail everything you need to know about White Beach, including how to get there, the entrance fee, and what to expect when you arrive, 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 hasn’t experienced an influx of tourism like other more popular destinations in Palawan.
This means Port Barton still retains its laidback vibe and slower pace of life. The town is pretty undeveloped and the natural surroundings, from beaches to waterfalls, remain untouched and pristine.
White Beach is a perfect example of this and has not been overwhelmed by tourism.
With powdery white sand, a coconut-fringe shoreline, and vibrant turquoise waters, White Beach is like something from a postcard.
Maybe you’re wondering how to get to White Beach? Or perhaps you want to know whether it’s worth visiting?
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about White Beach Port Barton, for an unforgettable trip to this slice of tropical paradise.
Where is White Beach?
Port Barton is a small village located on the western coast of Palawan, in an area called San Vicente.
White Beach is located a few kilometers from Port Barton Town.
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How to get to White Beach
White Beach is not the easiest beach to reach in the world. However, this means that it is not overwhelmed with tourists and the natural beauty remains pristine and untouched.
There are a few different ways White Beach, depending on your budget and preference.
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.
By boat
This is the most popular way to reach White Beach in Port Barton.
Boats heading for White Beach depart from Itaytay Beach, the main beach located in Port Barton town. The boats depart all day every day, with the last trip just before sunset.
This will be a shared boat with other passengers. Ultimately, the price is negotiable depending on how many of you there are.
You should not pay more than 300 PHP ($5.30) each for the return journey.
Once your boat driver has dropped you off, organise with them the time you would like to return, and they will come back for you.
Although not the cheapest, this is the most hassle-free way to reach White Beach. You will also get to enjoy the stunning scenery on the open waves.
By scooter
You can also reach White Beach with a scooter. However, I would only recommend this option to experienced drivers.
As soon as you get out of Port Barton town, the road quality deteriorates entirely. In fact, the road is pretty non-existent.
As Port Barton hasn’t been overwhelmed with tourism, the infrastructure is lacking in certain areas.
Less a road and more a rocky dirt track, with many potholes and extremely steep and bumpy in certain areas. I would only recommend this option if you are super confident on a bike.
Furthermore, the price for scooter rental in Port Barton was fairly pricey compared to other Philippines destinations.
We hired ours for 400 PHP ($7) per day.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Port Barton can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
By kayak
Renting a kayak would be the most fun way to reach White Beach in Port Barton.
This is not only a great way to reach White Beach, but also to reach the neighboring Coconut Beach too.
Kayaking allows you to explore some hidden gems and is one of the best things to do in Port Barton.
You can rent a kayak for about 500 PHP ($9) per day from Itaytay Beach in town.
Note: I have heard that you can also reach White Beach by walking from Port Barton Town. This takes about an hour following the coast round. We reached Coconut Beach walking, but couldn’t find the path to White Beach.
Full Post: Coconut Beach Port Barton: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
White Beach entrance fee
Like many beaches in the Philippines, White Beach in Port Barton is private. The entrance fee to White Beach is 50 PHP.
We were approached for this when coming by scooter. However, I noticed that the people arriving by boat were not charged this entrance fee.
Related: ULTIMATE PORT BARTON TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget & Itinerary
What to expect
White Beach in Port Barton is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. It was my favourite beach in the Philippines.
White Beach is 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 beach in Port Barton, the difficulty in reaching it means we only shared the beach with a handful of other people.
Tropical postcard views are not uncommon in Asia, however, you will soon become accustomed to sharing Nature’s beauty with flocks of tourists.
The lack of tourists at White Beach allows you to truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery, calm crystal-clear waters, and pristine surroundings.
The untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere mean that White Beach is nothing short of paradise. Visiting White Beach is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Port Barton.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
Things to do at White Beach Port Barton
- Sunbathing & catching a tan
- Relaxing in the shade or a hammock
- Swimming or snorkeling in the calm waters
The powdery sands of White Beach are perfect for relaxing and catching a tan. The coconut trees provide the perfect shade if you need to cool down.
You will also find hammocks tied between the palms that are free to use. This is the perfect place to unwind, read a book, and bask in the tropical vibes.
The water is very calm and there are no rocks or corals, just a sandy surface. The water is a pleasant warm temperature and is plenty deep enough for a swim, which isn’t always possible in the Philippines.
As the waters are crystal-clear, it is always worth bringing your snorkel just in case.
Top Tip: there is a small bar/restaurant located on the beach, selling refreshments and sandwiches. The prices here were very expensive, so I would recommend bringing your own water and snacks.
If you’re feeling adventurous or get easily bored relaxing on the beach, you could head up to the Jungle Bar.
The Jungle Bar is located high up in the mountains about a 15-minute walk from White Beach.
It is one of the best restaurants in Port Barton If you’re hoping for some bites to eat and gorgeous panoramic views of the ocean whilst you dine.
The route to the Jungle Bar from White Beach is well-signposted and you should be able to follow the route with no problem.
Full Post: Where To Eat: Top 9 BEST Port Barton Restaurants
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 to the center, as most of the main Port Barton tourist spots 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 Port Barton worth visiting?
Port Barton is most definitely worth visiting and deserves a spot on your Philippines itinerary.
Located halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, Port Barton has not experienced the influx of tourism like its more popular neighbours.
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.
Port Barton has a back-to-basics feel; the wifi is spotty, dirt tracks dominate and the pace of life is much slower.
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 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.
With many white-sand paradisiacal islands and snorkeling spots dotted around Port Barton, island hopping is something you cannot miss.
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
This post has detailed everything you need to know about White Beach in Port Barton.
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