Beach Vacations
Port Barton: The 'Under the Radar' Palawan Paradise You Need to Visit Before It Changes Forever 🛶🏝️

Port Barton: The 'Under the Radar' Palawan Paradise You Need to Visit Before It Changes Forever 🛶🏝️

Malia SantosBy Malia Santos
Food & Culture

Okay, real talk: El Nido and Coron are stunning, but if I see one more drone shot of Big Lagoon with fifty other boats in the frame, I’m going to lose it. Don't get me wrong, the limestone cliffs are 10/10, but the crowds? 0/10.

If you want the real Philippines—the one my mom tells me stories about from when she was a kid—you need to head to Port Barton. It’s about 3 hours south of El Nido, but it feels like it’s a decade behind in the best possible way.

The Vibe: No Frills, All Feels

Port Barton isn't for the "I need a 5-star resort and a marble lobby" crowd. It’s for the "I want a $30 bamboo hut on the sand and a cold San Miguel at sunset" crowd. The electricity used to cut off at midnight (it’s more stable now, but don't count on high-speed Wi-Fi), and the roads are still a work in progress. But that’s why it’s magic.

How to Get There (The Logistics)

Most people fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS). From there, you snag a shared van.

  • Cost: Around 600-800 PHP ($11-$14 USD).
  • Time: 3 to 4 hours of winding roads. Tip: If you get motion sick, take a Dramamine. Trust me.

Island Hopping: Better and Cheaper

In El Nido, tours are standardized (Tour A, B, C, D). Port Barton does the same, but the vibe is way more chill. You aren't racing other boats to the same spot.

  • Price Check: Tours usually run about 1,200 - 1,500 PHP ($21-$27 USD) including a massive grilled lunch on the beach.
  • Must See: German Island (snorkeling is insane) and Exotic Island.

Where to Eat & Sleep

Honestly, just walk along the beach.

  • Eat: Gorgonzola for surprisingly good pizza, or just hit any of the local carinderias (eateries) for chicken adobo.
  • Stay: Ausan Beach Front Cottages is a classic, or check out V.Villas if you want a bit more "luxury" (aka AC that actually works).

Malia’s Pro Tip: The Boat Hack

If you're heading to El Nido after Port Barton, don't go back to Puerto Princesa. Take the boat. There are fast ferries now, but if the weather is good, the long-tail boat trip is one of the most beautiful rides you'll ever take. Just check the weather—if it’s choppy, it’s a hard pass.

Port Barton is changing fast. They just paved the main road recently, and more "boutique" spots are popping up. Go now before the Starbucks arrives. 🌊🥥🇵🇭