Port Barton is the perfect destination for travelers looking for peace and authenticity after the lively atmosphere of El Nido. This small fishing village on the north coast of Palawan is hidden between lush jungle and pristine beaches. Here, you won’t find crowds, just friendly locals and a laid-back atmosphere. In Port Barton, you enjoy simple charm: there are no large hotels, the Wi-Fi is quite slow, and don’t be surprised if the power occasionally goes out. It’s exactly this that makes the place so special. Port Barton is the ideal spot to slow down and recharge. In this article, you’ll learn why you shouldn’t miss Port Barton and how to spend a few delightful days here.
How to Get to Port Barton?
Most people travel to Port Barton from El Nido or Cebu. Below, you’ll find how to get there from these destinations.
From El Nido to Port Barton
From Cebu (Moalboal) to Port Barton
What to Do in Port Barton?
There are many beautiful spots to explore in and around Port Barton. Here are the 6 best things to do.
Good to know: The village of Port Barton is so small that you can walk to most places. If you want to explore the area, it’s best to rent a scooter or take a tuktuk. Only the main road along the village is paved; the rest of the roads are unpaved. Google Maps doesn’t know all the roads here, so it’s better to use the Maps.me app for navigation.
Island Hopping Off the Coast of Port Barton
There are many beautiful places to discover off the coast of Port Barton. I joined this fun boat tour, which takes you to six different locations in one day, where there is so much beauty to see both above and below the water. You’ll snorkel at Twin Reef and Maxima Island in crystal-clear waters among colorful coral. Another special stop is Starfish Island, a sandbar that is only visible at low tide. At first glance, it seems to be nothing more than a narrow strip of sand in the sea, but if you look closely, you’ll see the bottom is covered with starfish. As a highlight, there is the chance to swim with sea turtles at Turtle Spot. Between snorkeling and island hopping, there’s plenty of time to relax on the beaches and enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ lunch on the beach. A wonderful day on the water!
Tip: Starfish are living creatures, and when you pick them up, air enters their bodies, and they can die in a short amount of time. Even if you hold them above the water for a short time, so be sure to leave them alone.
Walk Along Port Barton Beach
The central beach, Port Barton Beach, borders the village and is the spot where many brightly colored boats float in the bay, making for a picturesque scene. From the village, several roads end directly at the beach, so you can’t miss this place while walking through Port Barton. Stroll through the sand and relax at one of the cozy beachside restaurants.
Feel the Vibe at Barton Bistro
Let’s stay at Port Barton Beach for a moment because there’s a popular hotspot here you’ll definitely want to visit. Barton Bistro is a fun beach bar with a cozy atmosphere during sunset and in the evening. After a day of wandering around the Port Barton area, there’s nothing better than plopping down on a brightly colored beanbag here. Order a tasty drink during happy hour, let your feet sink into the sand, and enjoy how the sky slowly turns into a painting of pink and orange hues. With nice tunes from a DJ or musician in the background, this is the perfect place to end the day.
