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.

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.

Enjoy Among the Palm Trees at Coconut Beach

Coconut Beach is a beautiful beach just outside the center of Port Barton. Think soft white sand, calm blue waters, and an open field full of swaying palm trees, exactly what the beach is named after. What’s funny about this place is the small shed with piglets near the beach. Occasionally, they curiously wander onto the sand and root around in the ground with their snouts. It’s a comical sight that gives Coconut Beach that extra charm. You pay a small fee to access the beach.

How to Get to Coconut Beach? There are various ways to get to Coconut Beach. By scooter, it takes about 15 minutes, although the road is unpaved and can get muddy after a heavy rain. Prefer to walk? From Port Barton Beach, it’s about a 40-minute walk along the coast. It’s also fun to rent a kayak and paddle over the sea to Coconut Beach. Be sure to bring some water and snacks because there are no facilities on the beach.

Relax at White Beach – the Most Beautiful Beach in Port Barton

About a 10 to 15-minute drive from Coconut Beach lies White Beach, a stunning beach that many consider to be the most beautiful beach in Port Barton. You can choose to lay your towel on the sand or on the grass just behind it. Don’t be surprised if a little goat suddenly appears next to you, as they roam around here. The road to White Beach is not in the best condition. Prefer not to drive yourself? Boats also depart from Port Barton Beach to White Beach. A small entrance fee is charged to keep the beach clean.

Tip: About 500 meters from White Beach is the beautiful Jungle Bar Resto & Cottages hidden away. This restaurant is nestled in the greenery, offering a peaceful oasis. They also serve delicious food, and you can stay in a beautiful cottage.

Take a Dip in Pamuayan Falls

Pamuayan Falls is one of the few waterfalls near Port Barton and a nice change if you want something different from the beach and sea. This small, pristine waterfall is located deep in the jungle and flows into a large pool with refreshing water to swim in. Often, you’ll be here with just a handful of others, or even all alone.

From the entrance, it’s about a 15-minute walk through beautiful nature. The walk is not difficult, but you cross the river a few times, and some parts can be a bit slippery. So, wear shoes or sandals that can get wet.

Tips for Good Restaurants in Port Barton

• Barton Bistro – Fun beach bar known for its delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and maybe the best view for watching the sunset.
• Flow Pool Bar & Restaurant – Great spot just outside the center with a pool, international menu, and live music and pool parties on Saturday evenings.
• Milano Café – Small Italian restaurant where you can enjoy fresh pasta, good coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Nitevo Reggae Bar and Restaurant – Right on the beach, with good food, relaxed reggae vibes, and a fun atmosphere to hang out in the evening.
• CocoRico Hostel – Hostel and meeting place, with a lively bar where you can easily meet other travelers and enjoy great food or drinks.
• The Goofy Cheffe – Small and creative restaurant just outside the center, run by a lovely owner who cooks with love.
• Mojitos RestoBar – Cozy bar with a mix of international dishes and fresh fish, known for the mojitos, and sometimes live music.

Our Favorite Spots in Port Barton

In a beautiful location, you’ll find the cozy bungalows of Palayan Paradise Huts. This accommodation is surrounded by greenery and is within walking distance of all the great restaurants in Port Barton – a perfect location! Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the owner and her family. The bungalows are simple, but beautifully decorated, and have a comfortable bed. If you have a larger budget and prefer staying in a nice hotel with a pool, then Parrots Boutique Resort is the best choice in Port Barton! You’ll stay in a stylish room with a nice outdoor area and good air conditioning. The lovely pool invites you to take a few laps and then relax on the luxury lounge chairs. My Green Hostel is the best choice for anyone who likes to stay in a cool hostel. Many fun activities are organized from this hostel, such as family dinners and yoga classes. It’s perfect for meeting other travelers. There is a large shared space, and there are both private rooms and dormitories.

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Parrots Boutique Resort More Info

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