Port Barotn is a sleepy beachside village, and I mean sleepy in the best way possible. The fishing town is home to a single strip of sand, a handful of beach bars, fishing bangkas bobbing in the bay, and compared to other Philippine hotspots, hardly anyone around. My first visit to Palawan was in 2017, and Port Barton was not yet on my — nor most peoples’ — radars. Heck, even El Nido was still much of a hidden gem back then.
It wasn’t until 2023 that I found myself in Port Barton, immediately sucked in by its laid-back atmosphere. I snagged a nice room on the beach for about $20, the island-hopping itineraries weren’t set in stone yet, and my nightlife experience was karaoke at the lone gas station. By my second visit in March 2026, the secret was starting to get out. Port Barton is busier now than it was three years ago, and it will be even busier by the time you read this. But hey, it’s starting to make waves for a reason and the friendly, fun-loving artists and fishermen of Port Barton (locally, Itaytay) are still keen on welcoming travelers from far and wide.
Whether you’re looking to do absolutely nothing for four days straight, go chasing waterfalls through jungle trails, or spend your mornings snorkeling with sea turtles and your evenings watching the sun melt into the sea, there is a version of Port Barton for you. This is everything you need to know before you go.
Table of Contents
- Where Is Port Barton?
- Is Port Barton Worth Visiting?
- How To Get To Port Barton
- Best Time To Visit Port Barton
- Where To Stay in Port Barton
- The Best Things To Do in Port Barton
- Nightlife in Port Barton
- Where To Go After Port Barton
- More on The Philippines
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Where Is Port Barton?
Port Barton, also locally known as Itaytay, is a small coastal village on the western side of Palawan island. It sits about halfway between Puerto Princesa, where most people fly in, and El Nido at the island’s northern tip. It’s roughly three hours from either one, and its convenient location has made it an increasingly common stop for travelers going between the two.
The small town lies along a sheltered bay with tranquil waters and a long strip of pristine beach. Further into the sea, one will find numerous small islands, reefs and sandbars. While Port Barton is a nice enough town, the island hopping is the main event. It takes it from “optional layover” to a worthwhile destination in itself. Behind Port Barton is deep and dense jungle, where you’ll find the waterfalls and the trails to the hidden beaches.
Is Port Barton Worth Visiting?
Yes, and I’d give it more than one night. As a stopover, it turns the long Puerto Princesa to El Nido drive into two easy halves and a chance to wind down. Travel days in the Philippines are already tough. An early morning flight from Manila followed by six hours along winding, nausea-inducing roads, only to reach your destination in the dark is no fun. Cutting the travel time in half and having enough daylight left for an afternoon swim and sunset cocktails, on the other hand… A stop in Port Barton just makes sense.
But like I said previously, beyond a stopover city, Port Barton is making a name for itself. As a destination in its own right, 3 to 4 days here is easy to fill. It is well worth sneaking into any Philippines backpacking itinerary.
Port Barton is for you if you like slow days, a more intimate local scene, and fewer crowds. If you found El Nido too busy, Port Barton might be what you need. Fully lean into the island vibe, though. The smaller villages in the Philippines can often feel like a massive step back in time. Dirt roads, power cuts, and patchy internet are part of life here. It’s not a bad thing, but a warning for anyone who prefers a more luxurious getaway complete with all their creature comforts.
Skip it (or just stay a night) if you are short on time. The dramatic limestone lagoons of El Nido are by far the more memorable landscape. El Nido is the otherworldly destination that draws travelers from halfway across the world. Port Barton is the serene seaside escape for before or after the crowds. Use it to wind down.
How To Get To Port Barton
Most people arrive by shared van from Puerto Princesa or El Nido. Port Barton is about a 45-minute detour from the main road connecting the two hubs.
| From | Travel time | Shared van fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Princesa | ~3.5 hrs | ~₱550–600 | Several departures daily, roughly 6am–5pm |
| El Nido | ~3.5 hrs | ~₱700 | Morning departures fill first |
| San Vicente (Long Beach) | ~1 hr | Tricycle or boat | Good combo for a beach-hopping route |
Tips:
- Book a day or two ahead in high season. Klook and 12Go both sell seats, or ask your accommodation.
- Ask whether the van drops you at the terminal or your hotel. The terminal is a short walk or tricycle ride from the beach.
- Private vans cost several thousand pesos but can make sense for larger groups.
- Bring cash from Puerto Princesa or El Nido. Port Barton has a few ATMs now, but they charge high fees and sometimes run dry.
Best Time To Visit Port Barton
The best time to visit is the dry season, November to May. Seas are calm, so boat tours run reliably.
- December to February: Cooler and breezy, and the most comfortable time for hiking. Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year are the busiest weeks, so book ahead.
- March to May: Hot and sunny, with the calmest, clearest water for snorkeling. The waterfalls can get low or dry up by April and May. I visited in March 2026 and May 2023. Both were great.
- June to October: Rainy season. Prices drop and the town is very quiet, but storms can cancel island tours for days, and some businesses close.
Even in high season, Port Barton never feels as packed as El Nido.
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Where To Stay in Port Barton
Stay on or near the main beach. Everything in town is walkable from there. Here are a few of my picks for Port Barton, from social backpacker hostels to more boutique getaways to really soak in the tranquility of the area.
| Place | Type | Approx. price per night | Why stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| CocoRico Hostel | Social hostel | $20 dorm | The social hub of town, free drinks hour every night, lively boat parties |
| Moon Bar Hostel | Party Hostel | $10 dorm | 15-minute walk up a hill, but beautiful views. Usual afterparty spot. |
| My Green Hostel | More relaxed hostel | $20 dorm, $50 privates | Capsule-style beds, more chill than CocoRico |
| Shenamae Pension | Basic, budget rooms | $15-25 privates | Very rustic, but a short walk from the beach |
| Malaika Resort | Boutique beach hotel | $60 cabin | Private cabanas right on the beach |
Keep in mind that Port Barton is only at the beginning of its tourism journey. There will undoubtedly be new hostels and boutique hotels popping up. As a backpacker, that trio of hostels should have you covered for now. They are tried-and-true institutions for any type of backpacker, whether you want to keep the party going or wind down after some island-hopping. During the high season, it is crucial to book in advance. My most recent trip to Port Barton left us with very few options due to how booked up everything was.
The Best Things To Do in Port Barton
Although I’ve been pushing Port Barton thus far as a hub for lazy beach bumming days, it can be a great home base for adventure. Explore the jungle roads on scooter to find hidden waterfalls. Jump on a bangka and spend the day hopping from sandbar to sandbar. Dive into cerulean waters shared with starfish and sea turtles. There is much more to Port Barton than a stopover city. Here are some of my favorite activities in Port Barton and the surrounding area.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is the main excursion in Port Barton. While the scenery won’t be as dramatic as an island-hopping tour in El Nido or Coron, Port Barton shines in other areas. You’ll snorkel with turtles, wade across a starfish sandbar and likely be treated to a freshly grilled lunch on the beach.
You’ll do it all without the boat traffic you get in El Nido. Tours are usually labeled A to D, and group tours cost around ₱1,200 to 1,500 per person depending on what’s included.
| Tour | Typical Tour Itinerary |
|---|---|
| A | Exotic Island, Inaladelan (German Island), Turtle Sanctuary, Twin Reef, Starfish Sandbar |
| B | Inaladelan Island, Fantastic Reef, White Beach |
| C | Starfish Sandbar and several quieter beaches up the coast |
| D | Tandan Beach and reef, Bigaho Falls |
Tour A is the classic pick if you only do one. I was with a private group my first time in Port Barton, so we got to pick which destinations appealed to us the most. On my second visit, I decided to try out Tour A. Our itineraries were the same. So yeah, I’d say the top spots are on Tour A. It offers the best variety, with a combination of snorkeling, sandbars, and chilled out remote island vibes. The freshly-grilled seafood lunch in between snorkeling through reefs and swimming alongside turtles was the icing on the cake.
And even though it’s the most popular option, it’s still pretty low-key and uncrowded compared to Palawan’s more popular destinations. Book through your hostel or one of the stalls on the beach the evening before. I don’t know if there’s a big difference between similarly-priced operators. They all seemed to be the same to me, aside from their names. Joey! Angelo! Super Mario! We went with Joey’s tours and Joey wasn’t even one of the peeps onboard. Don’t fuss too much over it.
Waterfalls
Pamuayan Falls is a jungle hike of about an hour each way from town, with a few river crossings. The trail is easy to follow, or you can hire a local guide. At the end there’s a small pool you can swim in. Bigaho Falls is further out but is included on most Port Barton land tours. Both get low or dry up late in the dry season (April–May), so ask locally before you go.
Coconut Beach (The One With The Pigs)
Unlike the other beaches that require an island-hopping tour to get to, Coconut Beach can be reached by land. A 30-minute hike through the jungle from Port Barton’s main beach will take you to Coconut Beach. The main attraction? A few friendly pigs that wander the sand and sometimes wade into the water with swimmers. They aren’t always there, so don’t go strictly for the pigs. Come for some seclusion, and if the pigs decide to show up, then big wins on your part.
Lazing Away on the Beach
The town beach is a long, easy strip of sand with hammocks, beach bars and some of the best sunsets in Palawan. For something quieter, walk 30–40 minutes over the headland to White Beach, or take a boat for about ₱300 return. White Beach has a small entrance fee.
Roam Around Port Barton Town (Shopping, Markets, Street Food)
For a fishing village of its size, Port Barton packs a surprising amount of charm into its humble dirt roads and makeshift outdoor markets. Boutique handicraft shops and stalls line its main street, and numerous locally-owned cafes and restaurants provide endless options for a drink or snack. Each one has its own unique vibe.
A few of my favorite spots to grab a bite in Port Barton:
- Kinilaw Canteen/Kinilaw Beach by Besaga: A great spot for fresh kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) and tacos. Their sharing platter is perfect for two people and is an impressively affordable way to get a taste of everything
- SALO: Elevated Filipino food with a date-night vibe. They also offer cooking classes if you’re interested in a non-beach related activity in Port Barton
- The Goofy Cheffe: This little restaurant/cafe feels like a treehouse artist’s hideout. Creative menu and enthusiastic owner, so check it out if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Mamalina bakery stand: Just a small stand on the road, but everything we tried was amazing. They have both sweet and savory options which are perfect snacks to take for a day of island hopping or waterfall chasing
- The Banana Bread Place: 10 peso banana bread slices. What more can you really ask for?
The artists-per-capita in Port Barton must be incredibly high because each bar or establishment is beautiful decorated, usually with locally-made art and sculptures. Painters, jewelers, carpenters, weavers, you name it, Port Barton’s got them. There are tons of gems, so just have a wander and see what you find.
Nightlife Guide to Port Barton
This is where Port Barton’s small-town feel shows. My first time in Port Barton, the highlight of our night was a makeshift karaoke bar set up on the lot of a gas station. A few locals were belting out OPM classics, invited us over for some pulutan and Red Horses, and we sang the night away. If that’s not your scene, don’t worry. Port Barton is developing a more tangible and reliable nightlife scene. The bars are a few minutes apart, so everyone drifts between the same spots, and by night two you know half the crowd.
The island-hoppers are usually a little boozed up by the time they come back from their party boats. Don’t worry, there should be time for a short nap before sunset. Then, a town that feels devoid of people during the day suddenly sparks to life. Tourists and locals alike congregate along the beach for sunset drinks, perhaps seeping into dinner with a few San Migs on the side.
Next, CocoRico. The party hostel attracts everyone in town for their lively atmosphere and bangin’ happy hour drinks deals. Between 7 and 7:30 PM, everyone gets free drinks, quickly getting the ball rolling on a fun Filipino night out.
The party can easily stay at CocoRico all night, but there are a few alternative spots that I’d recommend. Netivo is a reggae bar on the beach that offers an unbeatable vibe. Sitting right on the sand, sipping on a San Mig, and jamming to their funky band is a great way to kill a few hours. Within town, there is also Flow Pool Bar and Resto. This place was quiet when we walked by, which is unfortunate because it seems like an awesome environment. We weren’t in town for any of their big events, so perhaps you’ll get lucky and coincide with one of their fun parties during your visit.
At the end of the day, Port Barton isn’t renowned as a huge party destination. Expect most places to wind down by midnight. The party will be concentrated in one or two late-night establishments, but the streets will be empty. Most non-bar establishments shut down and wandering the sandy streets past 10 PM will have you thinking you’re in a ghost town. Don’t worry, Port Barton’s got a trick up their sleeve.
Once the parties in town shut down, it’s time to head to Moon Bar. Catch a tricycle from town or make the 15-minute walk up the hill. Since Moon Bar is also a hostel, it’s a guaranteed spot to meet other travelers. Locals also come here without fail every single night, so it’s a good mix of a crowd. There is an indoor dance floor, a couple of different bars to buy drinks, and a spacious, airy outdoors area to catch a breather and chat with friends new and old. The party goes on every night here, and since it’s the only place that stays open past midnight, the whole village shows up.
Afterwards, catch a tricycle or walk back to your accommodation to get some rest and do it all again the next day.
That’s the way of life in Port Barton.
Port Barton is one of those places that sneaks up on you. You arrive thinking it’s a convenient halfway point, a practical overnight to break up the drive. And then you find yourself on day three with sand between your toes and a San Miguel in hand, watching the sun go down over the same bay, with the same people from the night before, wondering why you only booked two nights.
It won’t be like this forever. The Philippines has a way of finding its hidden gems and loving them into something bigger, louder, and more expensive than they started out. El Nido went through it. Siargao went through it. Port Barton is somewhere in the middle of that arc right now — just enough infrastructure to be comfortable, not so much that it’s lost the plot. The fact that you can still end up singing karaoke at a makeshift gas station bar with locals on a Tuesday night, or hike to a waterfall without seeing another soul, or have a beach largely to yourself on a March afternoon — these are things worth appreciating while they last.
Go soon. Stay longer than you planned. Talk to the people running the small cafes and the art stalls on the main street. Get on a boat. Find the pigs at Coconut Beach. Let Port Barton work its slow, unhurried magic on you — the same way it did on me, and the same way it will on everyone lucky enough to find it before the rest of the world catches up.
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Where To Go After Port Barton
Port Barton sits in the middle of the classic Palawan route, so your next stop is probably already decided:
- Heading north to El Nido: About 3.5 hours by van, and the natural next stop. See my El Nido guide for tours, beaches and where to stay.
- Continuing on to Coron: Take the ferry from El Nido to Coron for wreck diving and the famous lakes.
- Heading back south: Stop in Puerto Princesa for the Underground River before you fly out. Further south is Balabac, quickly making waves as Southern Palawan’s top backpacker destination.
- Staying longer on the west coast: San Vicente’s Long Beach, one of the longest white-sand beaches in the Philippines, is about an hour away.
My Trusted Travel Resources
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
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- Finding Accommodation: Hostelworld
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- Staying Connected: Saily eSIM
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- Finding Volunteer Opportunities: Worldpackers
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- Finding Unique Activities: GetYourGuide
While I prefer booking tours in person, GetYourGuide is an excellent tool for researching unique activities that you might not otherwise know about. Have found plenty of incredible gems on GetYourGuide and has made my life easier when I’m too lazy to head out to find a tour agency in person.