Port Barton Palawan Guide [2024]

When people talk about Palawan, they often refer to its most popular destinations: El Nido and Coron. However, in recent years, travelers have started discovering other hidden gems in the province, such as Balabac and Port Barton, with the latter gaining quite a buzz among foreign tourists. I decided it was time to visit the island myself, and I just returned from a 4-day trip with friends. If you plan to visit this charming village in San Vicente, Palawan, let me help you with this Port Barton guide.

📍 Where is Port Barton?

Port Barton is a coastal village in San Vicente, Palawan, about 93 miles northwest of Palawan’s capital city, Puerto Princesa. Just like the other popular destinations in Palawan, Port Barton boasts of pristine white-sand beaches, unexploited islands, rich and diverse marine life, lush forests, and beautiful waterfalls. Although there are now numerous establishments in the area, the village remains to be generally laidback and peaceful.

✈️ How to get to Port Barton

Book a Flight to Puerto Princesa:
- Since there are no direct flights to Port Barton, you need to fly to Puerto Princesa via AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines.
- Estimated Flight Costs:
  - High Season (December to May): PHP 5,000 to PHP 12,000 (approximately USD 90 to USD 220).
  - Low Season (June to November): PHP 3,000 to PHP 7,000 (approximately USD 55 to USD 130).
- Example: I booked a return flight (June 28 – July 1) via AirAsia and paid PHP 3,576.72 (USD 61.09).
Transfer from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton:
- Option 1: Pre-booked Transfer: If you prefer a more convenient option you can book a transfer via Klook or a travel agency. Here’s what I did:
  1. Take a tricycle from the airport and ask the driver to take you to a travel agency instead of the terminal. I was driven to A-Topland Travel and Tours.
  2. Book a trip to Port Barton
    - Fare: PHP 650 (USD 11.10) for a one-way trip. The journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours.
  3. From Port Barton terminal, take a tricycle to reach your hotel.
    - Fare: PHP 50 (USD 0.86).
- Option 2: DIY Transfer
  1. Take a tricycle from Puerto Princesa International Airport to Irawan Terminal.
    - Fare: PHP 380 (USD 6.49).
  2. At Irawan Terminal, find buses or vans heading to Port Barton. The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.
    - Bus Fare: PHP 250 to PHP 300 (USD 4.30 to USD 5.20)
    - Van Fare: PHP 550 to PHP 650 (USD 9.40 to USD 11.11)
  3. From Port Barton terminal, take a tricycle to reach your hotel.
    - Fare: PHP 50 (USD 0.86).

📝 Author’s note: Starting October 2024, Cebu Pacific will be offering flights from Clark, Pampanga to San Vicente, Palawan four times a week; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

🕚 How long is the travel time to Port Barton?

Flight duration from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. The land transfer from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton takes about 3 to 4 hours.

🗒️ Tip: Bring medication for motion sickness, e.g. Bonamine because the zigzag roads can make you sick or dizzy. I also recommend bringing a neck pillow if you want to sleep it off.

☀️When is the best time to visit Port Barton?

It depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for. The high season in Port Barton is from December to May. The island is alive during this period because the weather is fine, most establishments are open, and the tourists are plenty. It’s you’re looking to socialize and if you want to enjoy the sunny weather, then this is the best time to go.

However, if you prefer a laidback atmosphere and you want to enjoy some peace then the low-season would be the ideal time to visit. Take note though that the Philippines’ wet season begins in June and lasts until November. The country is also prone to typhoons so plan accordingly.

During our visit, the weather was generally humid with some light rainfall in the afternoon.

🗒️ Tip: Don’t forget to use sunblock or sunscreen because even when it’s cloudy, you can still get sunburned as my friend, Cai, had experienced.

🏨 Port Barton accommodation

Hotel Oasis Port Barton

My friends and I stayed at Hotel Oasis Port Barton. Although it’s not beachfront, it’s only a 5-minute walk to Port Barton Beach. The rooms are spacious and include a dining area, comfortable beds, AC, hot and cold showers with a toilet, and a closet. The entire property offers free Wi-Fi and features nice amenities such as a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant and bar, and a pool table. Booking your stay here also includes a free breakfast. Book Hotel Oasis here.

📍Address: C57H+8X San Vicente, Palawan
🛌🏽 Room rates: PHP 1,667-11,000 (USD 28.50-188.017)

Coco Rico Hostel

If you’re looking for budget accommodation and intend to socialize then Coco Rico Hostel is a good choice. It even has a bar that becomes lively at night. Book Coco Rico Hostel here.

📍Address: C57H+8X San Vicente, Palawan
🛌🏽 Room rates: PHP 336-446 (USD 5.75-7.63)

Morning Star Hotel

Morning Star Hotel offers spacious and well-maintained rooms, providing a comfortable stay for visitors. It has free Wi-Fi, a garden, and onsite parking. The hotel is also noted for having a friendly and accommodating staff. Book Morning Star Hotel here.

📍Address: Risal Street, Barangay Port Barton, Palawan, San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines, 5309
🛌🏽 Room rates: PHP 1,639-2,459 (USD 28.02-42.22)

Besaga Bed & Breakfast

Besaga Beachfront Bed & Breakfast is one of the best accommodations on Port Barton Beach. They offer rooms with a garden or sea view, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and an in-house cafe where guests and non-guests alike can dine while enjoying the sea view. Book Besaga Beachfront Bed & Breakfast here.

📍Address: Risal Street, Purok Pag-asa, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, 5309 Palawan
🛌🏽 Room rates: PHP 2,628 to 5,889 (USD 44-100)

🏝️ Port Barton attractions

Just like the rest of Palawan, Port Barton is rich with stunning beaches and other scenic spots. You can explore them by joining an island-hopping tour or a land tour.

Island-hopping activity costs PHP 1,500 (USD 25.65) per head plus PHP 200 (USD 3.42) eco-tax.

🗒️ Tip: If you’re coming with a group, I recommend getting a private tour so you can request to your boatmen the sites that you’re visiting. Private tours cost PHP 6,000 (USD 102.59) for 1-3 persons.

Starfish Island (sand bar)

Starfish Island, also known as Sand Bar appears when it’s low tide and is usually the first stop of the tour. It was named so because of the numerous starfish on the site.

Pamuayan Island

Pamuayan Island is a rugged, serene island, with a shoreline lined with tall palm trees. This is where you will find the Pamuayan Waterfall, another popular tourist spot in Port Barton.

Twin Reef

Twin Reef is a popular snorkeling and diving spot in Port Barton, named for its two parallel coral reefs. These twin reefs are known for their vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, offering an unforgettable underwater adventure for both beginners and experienced divers.

Capsalay Island

Capsalay Island sits in a remote location with a campsite that offers a unique lodging experience on the island. Boatmen usually dock here during the island-hopping tour for lunch.

Fantastic Reef

As the name suggests, Fantastic Reef is a popular snorkeling destination and diving site. It’s called “Fantastic” due to its stunning green coral formations and vibrant marine life.

Turtle Spot

Turtle Spot is a must-visit for those wanting to see green sea turtles in their natural habitat. Snorkeling here offers the chance to observe these gentle creatures up close as they swim gracefully through the water.

Exotic Island

Exotic Island also known as Cayoya Island is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s connected to Maxima Island by a narrow sandbar. There are cottages available for rent where guests can stay to enjoy their lunch. Please note that there’s an entry fee of PHP 50 (USD 0.85) to visit the island.

Maxima Island

Maxima Island is connected to Exotic Island by a small white sandbar, so you can walk between the two islands during low tide. It’s also known by its other name, Albaguen Island.

Paradise Island

The last of our island-hopping tour, Paradise Island lives up to its name with its idyllic scenery, white sandy beaches, and clear waters.

Coconut Beach

Coconut Beach is a secluded and serene beach lined with coconut trees. It’s known for its beautiful stretch of white sand lined with coconut trees. Located just a 30 to 40-minute walk from Port Barton Beach, it’s also accessible by tuk-tuk for a quicker journey. There is an entry fee of PHP 50 (USD 0.85) to enjoy this idyllic beach.

Port Barton Beach

Port Barton Beach is the heart of the area, known for its tranquil shoreline lined with numerous resorts, bars, and restaurants. Tourists and locals alike frequent this beach to go swimming, sunbathing, and dining.

🍽️ Where to eat at Port Barton

Here are some of the best spots to eat at Port Barton:

Raquel’s Canteen

Raquel’s Canteen is a local restaurant known for its delicious and affordable Filipino dishes served in a casual, open-air setting. Owned by Raquel Azares, it offers a variety of Filipino dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. You can either choose from the pre-cooked meals or order grilled food.

📍Address: Bonifacio St, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Joan’s Cou Seen

Don’t be deceived by the unassuming appearance of Joan’s Cou Seen. This humble restaurant is one of the highest-rated in Port Barton, known for its delectable yet affordable dishes. I highly recommend trying the paella.

📍Address: Purok Masigla, Brgy Port Barton San Vicente, Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Oasis Hotel Restaurant

Hotel Oasis has an in-house restaurant where you can enjoy Filipino and international dishes. They offer pasta dishes, and Filipino classics such as adobo and silogs, and they also have vegetarian options. The food and drinks are on the pricey side ranging from PHP 300 to PHP 1,000 (USD 5-17).

📍Address: Roxas street, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Kusinero del Barrio

Kusinero Del Barrio offers an authentic Filipino dining experience from its extensive menu to Filipino-themed interiors. The food is delicious and affordable with most dishes costing around PHP 150 to PHP 300 (USD 2-5). Some of their most recommended dishes are Fish Curry, Lomi, Sinigang, and Adobo.

📍Address: C57H+GC8, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Sun to Fri, 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Sat, 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Star Apple Canteen

Star Apple Canteen is a modest dining spot in Port Barton, that is quite popular with locals. They have pre-cooked Filipino dishes that typically cost PHP 100 to PHP 300 (USD 1-5).

📍 Address: Pharmacy, Bonifacio Street, Purok pag kakaisa, In front of, San Vicente, 5309 Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM

☕ Port Barton cafes

Looking for coffee? Here are two of the best spots to get your fix.

Besaga Cafe

Besaga Beachfront B&B in Port Barton, Palawan has an on-site restaurant called Besaga Cafe. It has a casual, island-style vibe where guests can enjoy their food with the view of the sea. I recommend ordering their four-cheese thin-crust pizza and iced mocha latte.

📍Address: Rizal Street, Purok Pag-asa, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, 5309 Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Amara Cafe

Amara Cafe is a small coffee shop on the side of the road in one of the residential areas of Port Barton. It offers freshly brewed coffee, iced coffee, and espresso drinks.

📍Address: Ballesteros Street, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, 5309 Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

🍻 Port Barton nightlife

Moon Bar

Moon Bar Hostel features a popular bar that attracts many tourists, especially during the high season. Perched atop a hill, the bar boasts a spacious deck with stunning views of the lush forest and the sea. It’s typically the final stop for bar hoppers, as the crowd starts to gather around 10 PM to 12 AM.

📍Address: C54F+54Q Purok Pagkakaisa, San Vicente, 5309 Palawan

Coco Rico Hostel bar

Coco Rico Hostel Bar is a hot spot for backpackers and young travelers. It has a lively atmosphere and is a great place for meeting fellow travelers. Most people flock to Coco Rico in the evenings, particularly between 9 PM and midnight when the party atmosphere peaks. Guests can enjoy drinks, socialize, and participate in games or events. The bar is famous for its free shots, often served by staff standing at the bar, adding to the energetic and fun ambiance.

📍Address: Rizal Street, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, Palawan

🚕 How to get around in Port Barton

There are three modes of transportation in Port Barton: single motorbikes, tricycles, and tuk-tuks. You can rent a motorbike to drive around the village on your own, with rental costs typically ranging from PHP 400 to 600 per day (USD 7 to 11). Finding a motorbike to rent is easy, and even hotels offer them.

Fare prices for tricycles and tuk-tuks range between PHP 50 to 150 (USD 0.85 to 2.56), depending on the distance.

💰Payment options in Port Barton

In Port Barton, cash is the preferred mode of payment at most establishments, with only a few accepting debit or credit cards. Another widely accepted payment option on the island is GCash, a digital wallet.

If you need to withdraw cash, Euronet ATMs are available. I spotted a few of them while walking around the village.

💊 Is there a pharmacy in Port Barton?

Yes, there is. You can purchase your medications and other medical supplies at Portbay Pharmacy.

📍Address: C56G+2M5, Port Barton Town, San Vicente, Palawan
🕙 Business Hours: Mon to Sun, 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM

❓What to expect in Port Barton?

The streets in Port Barton are generally rugged and bumpy, and there are no street lights, so it can get quite dark at night.
Stray dogs are everywhere; they wander through establishments, prowl the streets, and can even be found on the beaches. They are generally friendly, but expect some to follow you, especially if you have food.
Be cautious when driving a motorbike at night because some of these dogs like to lie down in the middle of the road.
Snacks, such as a bag of chips, can be quite pricey in Port Barton.