Port Barton Palawan: The Quiet Alternative to El Nido
El Nido gets all the headlines. Its limestone karst lagoons feature in every Philippines top-ten list, and its island-hopping tours have become so popular that boat queues form at the most famous locations during peak season. Port Barton, located about 170 kilometers south of El Nido on the same Palawan coast, quietly offers 90 percent of the same natural beauty with 10 percent of the crowds.
What Makes Port Barton Special
Port Barton is a small barangay (village) built around a genuinely beautiful bay. The surrounding waters contain some of the best snorkeling and island hopping in the entire province, and you will do it on a boat with six people instead of twenty. The town has limited electricity (from generators), no ATMs, unreliable mobile signal, and an authentic fishing village atmosphere that El Nido lost years ago.
Island Hopping from Port Barton
The standard island hopping tour visits three to five islands with snorkeling, swimming, and beach picnic stops. The reefs are healthy and largely uncrowded. Highlights include German Island (outstanding snorkeling over hard coral), Exotic Island (beautiful beach and shallow reef), and Black Island (dramatic cliff formations). Boat hire for a day tour costs P1,800-2,500 per person.
How to Get There
From Puerto Princesa: van to San Jose municipality (approximately 3 hours, P200-250), then tricycle or motorbike the remaining 25 kilometers to Port Barton (P300-500 private). Some travelers come overland from El Nido by van stopping at Port Barton as a midpoint (about 3 hours).
Accommodation and Eating
Basic and mid-range guesthouses line the main beach road. Sunset Colors in Port Barton is consistently well-reviewed. Prices range from P600 for a basic fan room to P2,000-3,000 for an air-conditioned beachfront room. Restaurants serve fresh seafood caught that morning at prices that will pleasantly surprise you.
Practical Tips
Bring sufficient cash from Puerto Princesa as there are no ATMs. A cash stash of P5,000-8,000 for a 3-4 day stay covers everything comfortably. Explore Palawan tours to combine Port Barton with other Palawan highlights.