10 Best Things To Do In Port Barton | Complete Travel Guide

The Best Things To Do In Port Barton

Port Barton is the most underrated place in The Philippines! At least, we think so! This stunning fishing village is often overlooked amidst more popular destinations in Palawan, but in our opinion Port Barton is a destination you cannot miss! If you’re wondering whether this village is worth adding to your itinerary or questioning what activities are on offer, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil all the hidden gems Port Barton has to offer. From pristine sandbars to secret waterfalls, we’ll leave no stone unturned, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the most of your visit!

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We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to look at specific activities to do in Port Barton, then head to our table of contents below and select the activities best suited to your itinerary.

However, if you would like to get the full low-down of all the best things to do in Port Barton, where to stay, how to get there and the best time to visit, then we hope you will enjoy exploring our complete travel guide.

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How To Get To Port Barton?

Getting to this idyllic destination isn’t too tricky. The easiest way to reach Port Barton is to fly into Puerto Princesa Airport, which is the closest international airport to Port Barton. From Manila or Cebu, you can hop on a quick 1-hour flight to Puerto Princesa. Flights between islands in The Philippines are typically very affordable. You can check the prices to Puerto Princesa on Skyscanner below. Just type in MNL for Manila or CEB for Cebu and select your preferred date:

Once you arrive at the airport, you have a few options to get to Port Barton. You can take a tricycle to the San Jose Terminal and then board a bus that will take you directly to Port Barton, which is about a 4-hour journey. Alternatively, you can pre-book a van or bus transfer that will pick you up from the airport and whisk you off to Port Barton in around 3.5 hours. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lush Palawan countryside as you make your way to this hidden gem.

Below you will find an easy way to pre book a bus or van transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to Port Barton and options for a private taxi.

• A bus costs around £5 and takes roughly 4 hours
• Shared Van: Costs around £7 and takes roughly 3.5 hours
• Private Taxi: Costs around £80 and takes 2.5 – 3 hours

Pick a date below and you will see all these options and prices to book the best option for you:

We have highlighted Port Bartons location on the map below for your reference:

What To Do In Port Barton:

1. Island Hopping

Island hopping is perhaps the most renowned thing to do in Port Barton!

Shared and private boat options can whisk visitors away to explore the region’s stunning islands, coves, and sandbars, each just as stunning as the last. Sail across turquoise waters to secluded beaches fringed by swaying palms, where you can bask in the sun or snorkel amid vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life! Venture to hidden lagoons, cascading waterfalls, and sea caves carved into limestone cliffs, all of which will leave you awestruck by their natural beauty.

Many tours include a delicious buffet lunch on a remote island, allowing you to savour local flavours while surrounded by Port Bartons beauty. What is particularly special about island hopping in Port Barton is that the tours are far less busy than in other regions in Palawan, such as El Nido and Coron, meaning you can often have whole beaches to yourself! For this reason, island hopping is one of the best things to do in Port Barton, especially for those looking to escape the crowds!

Here are our top suggestions for Port Barton island hopping tours. We have included shared and private options, depending on your budget and preference:

2. Itaytay Beach

Next on the list of best things to do in Port Barton is Itaytay Beach. Also known as Port Barton Beach, Itaytay is the main beach and central hub of activity in this laid-back fishing village. This long stretch of golden sand fringed by swaying palm trees serves as the gateway to the region’s island-hopping adventures. While less pristine than some of the more secluded island beaches, Itaytay Beach has its own rustic charm. It is conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the village’s accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators.

You can stroll along the beach, soak up the sun, or grab a refreshing drink at one of the casual beachfront bars while watching the colourful outrigger boats come and go. You could also choose to rent a kayak and explore this beautiful bay or enjoy a swing on one of the beach’s many rope swings. With its laidback vibe and central location, Itaytay Beach serves as the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of Port Barton.

You can visit this iconic beach for free and its highly likely your chosen accommodation will be very close by! We have highlighted Itaytay Beach’s location on the map below to help you plan!

3. Starfish Island 

Starfish Island was one of Beth’s favourite places in Palawan and is definitely one of the best things to do in Port Barton. Located just off the coast, Starfish Island is a unique sandbar that emerges from the turquoise waters during low tide. As its name suggests, this tiny islet is renowned for an abundance of starfish that can be found nestled in the shallow waters and sandy flats.

You can easily wade out to explore the sandbar, marvelling at the vibrant marine life that calls this area home. Starfish of various colours and sizes can be spotted clinging to the sea floor; just be careful where you tread, haha! While not technically an island, the unique location offers a serene escape with its white sands and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. It’s a must-visit destination, providing a unique opportunity to witness and appreciate the beauty of these remarkable marine creatures in their natural habitat.

This private island hopping tour includes a stop at Starfish Island as well as many other awesome places off the coast of Port Barton:

4. Bigaho Waterfalls 

Bigaho Falls is a picturesque and relatively hidden waterfall nestled in lush jungle next to the tiny village of Bigaho, 13km north of Port Barton. You can embark on a moderate 2-hour scooter ride from Port Barton to reach this hidden gem. We have highlighted the Google Maps location below so you can pin it for your trip.

We visited this waterfall as part of an island hopping tour and walked there straight off the beach. The walk to the falls takes you through stunning scenery and the lovely village of Bigaho. This was a fantastic experience and definitely one of the best things to do in Port Barton. As with many areas near Port Barton, these falls are less well-known, so it is highly possible you could have them to yourself!

Top Tips:

If you want to visit this hidden gem near Port Barton, we have some top tips:

1. Take water shoes: Rocks can be pretty sharp on the feet getting in and out of the waterfall. Water shoes help to protect your feet.
2. The Hike: This hike is only about 20 mins from the beachfront where the boats can dock. It’s not too physically exerting, but take plenty of water to stay hydrated.

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5. Overnight Camping On Calipayan Island

Calipayan Island holds a special place in our hearts, and if we recommend picking one thing to do in Port Barton… Camping at Calipayan Island would be it! Staying overnight on this remote island was one of the most incredible experiences, offering the opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty of Port Barton.

Calipayan Island is a tranquil escape, with pristine white sand beaches fringed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There is also a net for beach volleyball and some beautiful beach swings. As night falls, the stars are the most incredible part of this whole experience. With little to no light pollution, these were some of the best stars we have ever seen. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you might see bioluminescent plankton in the water’s edge!!

In the morning, you wake up on the beach to the sound of the waves and the view of the most beautiful sunrise! Words honestly cannot do this place justice! It was a magical experience!

You can check out Calipayan Camp Sites Facebook page here! This includes all contact details!

Alternatively, you could choose the option Beth did which was a 14-day Philippines Tour with One Life Adventures! On this epic tour you get the opportunity to stay overnight on Calipayan Island and experience all this incredible place has to offer.

In fact, many of the best things to do in Port Barton mentioned in this blog are included in this One Life tour! In our opinion its great value for money, takes the stress out of planning your Philippines trip and enables you make life-long friends as part of a group of like-minded travelers!

If you want to do this option, you can use our code FrequentFlyer15 for a massive 15% off any tour with One Life Adventures:

Thank us later 😉

6. See The Pigs At Coconut Beach

A unique feature of Coconut Beach in Port Barton is the resident population of pigs that roam freely along the idyllic white sand shores. These furry beach-dwellers have become somewhat of a quirky mascot for the area, lounging under the shade of coconut palms or cooling off in the shallow waters. While their presence may seem unusual, the pigs have become accustomed to beachgoers and happily coexist with visitors soaking up the sun.

Catching sight of these pigs lazily sunbathing or trotting across the sand adds an amusing element to a day spent at the beautiful Coconut Beach and is one of the best things to do in Port Barton! Just be sure to admire them from a respectful distance and avoid feeding them.

Here is Coconut Beach’s location on Google Maps so you can pin it for your trip:

7. Visit Coco Rico Hostel

You simply cannot visit Port Barton without checking out CocoRico Hostel! Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, CocoRico is a spot you must check out for one evening!

With Port Barton being much smaller and quieter than other areas in Palawan, Coco Rico has become somewhat of a traveller’s hot spot! As such, it is a great place to meet like-minded travellers from around the world! They offer live music and evening entertainment most nights, alongside some delicious food! The social atmosphere is great for solo travelers and groups alike, making this one of the best things to do in Port Barton.

Here is Coco Rico’s location on Google Maps so you can pin it for your Port Barton trip:

8. Snorkel At Twin Reef

Twin Reef is a protected marine environment located just off the coast of Port Barton. It is a renowned snorkelling destination known for its diverse marine life and vibrant coral formations, sitting 8th on the list of best things to do in Port Barton. This pair of shallow reef areas sits amidst the deep blue waters, offering a stunning underwater world to explore. Snorkelers can expect abundant colourful fish and extensive coral gardens; If you are lucky, you may even spot a turtle!

The relatively calm and clear conditions make Twin Reef an ideal spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers. Many island-hopping tours from Port Barton include a stop at this iconic reef, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this underwater world. Here are our top suggestions for tours that visit Twin Reef:

9 & 10. Maxima Island & Exotic Island

At 9 and 10, Exotic Island and Maxima Island sit last on the list of best things to do in Port Barton. We have decided to write about these two extraordinary islands together because they are essentially in the same location! 

Exotic Island is also known as Cayoya Island, and Maxima Island is also known as Albaguen Island. Together, they are renowned as one of the crown jewels of Port Barton’s island-hopping tours. 

A narrow sandbar that emerges during low tide separates Exotic and Maxima island. Visitors can indulge in the unique experience of walking or swimming between the two islands through this natural channel’s shallow, crystal-clear waters. One of the main draws is the opportunity to bask on the pristine white sand beaches, soak up the sun, and embrace the serene, laid-back atmosphere that epitomizes the charm of Port Barton.

All three of these tours below offer a stop at this iconic location! Most of them also offer a stop at Twin Reef mentioned above! So you could tick off a few of the best things to do in Port Barton in one day!

How Long Do You Need In Port Barton?

Our recommendation would be 2 or 3 days to enjoy all the hidden gems Port Barton and the surrounding islands have to offer! You can also make Port Barton a perfect stop off on the way up to the famous El Nido.

A common way to get to El Nido is to fly into Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) which is the main airport in Palawan. These flights are much more regular and affordable than flying straight into El Nido. However, once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, is it a 5 hour van journey up to El Nido. Port Barton offers the perfect stop off on the way up to El Nido, breaking the long journey in half!

Where To Stay In Port Barton

The Best Time To Visit Port Barton

The best time to visit Port Barton falls within the dry season, typically extending from December to April. During this period, you can expect clearer skies, calmer waters, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. However, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.

Average Monthly Rainfall In The Philippines

Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Port Barton during the shoulder seasons of May or November when the crowds are fewer and the weather is still pleasant. It’s best to avoid planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to September, as heavy downpours and choppy waters can hinder your plans.

Conclusion

From its idyllic beaches and vibrant marine life to its lush jungles and waterfalls, Port Barton truly encapsulates the natural beauty and laid-back charm that draws travellers to the Philippines. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a refreshing escape from the crowds, allowing you to immerse yourself in a world of island paradise.

Port Barton is still a relatively undiscovered destination, so we highly recommend visiting before it becomes as popular as other tourist hot spots in Palawan, like El Nido and Coron. We hope this guide highlights some of the best things to do in Port Barton and gives you a feel for all the unique attractions this location has to offer. 

Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below! 

Big Love 

Beth and Denz 

Looking For Other Top Things To Do In The Philippines?

Check our all our Philippines travel guides with all the top things to do in each destination here!

Additionally, you can check out our complete Philippines packing list, to ensure you are prepped for all that The Philippines throws your way!