A Travel Guide To Port Barton

A Travel Guide To Port Barton – On the island of Palawan, Port Barton is the ideal getaway from the addictions of modern life. Located between Puerto Princessa and El Nido, Port Barton is isolated with limited, to no internet access, leaving you stripped from the urges to check Instagram and Facebook. This is why Port Barton is one of our favourite places in the Philippines and probably the whole of Asia for George. One important thing to note, is that there are no ATMS, so bring enough cash to last you.

How To Get There

There are only two ways to get to Port Barton, with the only accessibly by bus. The first, is from Puerto Princessa to Port Barton which will take around 3 hours and cost 300 – 500 P. The second, is from El Nido to Port Barton again 3-4 hours, costing 500 – 700 P. Unlike most places in Asia where you can haggle the price to something a little more desirable, the prices are fixed, so don’t spend to much time trying to get the best price, as this energy could be spent tanning!

Port Barton

The town itself is made up of two main roads, both running parallel to the beach (so its not hard to get lost), of which resides in the most beautiful little cove surrounded by palm trees. The locals that live in Port Barton are fantastic. If you have ever been to the Philippines, you’ll know the Filipinos are an amazing people, and there is no exception here in Port Barton. “Good mornings”, “Goodnights” and “hello’s” are plentiful, accompanied by smiles, so you’ll never feel unwelcome in this isolated town.

A Travel Guide To Port Barton

Where To Stay

When booking accommodation in Port Barton, you have to remember that location is not a key priority. Yes there are place to stay near the beach, but when the town is a 10 minute walk across, where you stay should be great no matter what. For us, as backpackers trying to make every dollar count, a cosy two room apartment with a kitchenette is perfect. Cooking your own breakfast, lunch and dinner is a great way to save money. For instance a few eggs, tomatoes and an onion will cost you 75 cents or 50 pence if you’re British. Also to note we were 2 minutes from the beach, Perfect !!

A Travel Guide To Port Barton

What To Do

Tours

Apart from relaxing and suntanning, there are several things to do. Notably is the island tours that are offered all over the town. Costing 1200 P, you are given the choice of 4 tours, to see and experience different things, from white sandy beaches, blue lagoons to swimming with sea turtles (if you can keep up). A great way to see what beauty the Philippines has to offer.

Night Life

The night life in the Port Barton also great, a cute night market which is both aimed at locals and tourists is fun to browse for a more quiet evening. The other side of the coin has a roster of beach bars with live music, along with accompanying happy hours of 40 P a beer!

Over all, Port Barton is an amazing little town, secluded and isolated. However it has changed a bit since I was there two years ago. This change isn’t for the worst as most change can be. Tourism is on the up, but Port Barton definitely needs the money that comes from it. Infrastructure is weak and in need of updating, but maybe this is why Port Barton is so great! The fact that it is so secluded and isolated keeps the creature comforts of AC and internet out of sight. If you are ever traveling up to El Nido, we strongly suggest you make a pit stop for a few nights in this incredible little town.