Palawan always calls travelers with its white sands and turquoise waters, but not every corner shares the same vibe. If you want to experience the slower, quieter side of Palawan, then Port Barton in San Vicente makes the perfect escape. With its relaxed rhythm, friendly locals, and both island and inland adventures, this small fishing village and its countryside offer the ideal 4-day trip. This Port Barton itinerary will let you experience it all.
HOW TO GET TO PORT BARTON
There are a few ways to reach Port Barton. The most common route is by van from Puerto Princesa, which takes around three hours and costs ₱400–₱500 per person. Vans leave regularly from the airport or San Jose Terminal and drop passengers directly in Port Barton town proper. I booked my transfer on Klook which includes a pick-up from my hostel in Puerto Princesa City.
Another option is to travel by van from El Nido, which takes about four hours with fares ranging from ₱500–₱600. This route works well if you are coming from the northern part of Palawan and want to stop in Port Barton before continuing south.
If you want the fastest way, you can fly directly to San Vicente Airport via Cebu Pacific, but flights are only available from Mactan Airport in Cebu. These operate on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The flight takes just over an hour, and Port Barton lies only about 22 kilometers away. From the airport, you can arrange a tricycle or van transfer to town in less than 45 minutes.
Buses also run from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton, though they operate less frequently and take longer due to multiple stops. For those seeking more comfort, private transfers can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies, ideal if you’re traveling in groups. Schedules and prices may change depending on the season, so it’s best to confirm with local transport operators or check updated information online before your trip.
DAY 1: Arrival in Port Barton
The journey begins in Puerto Princesa, where vans regularly leave for Port Barton. The ride takes about three hours, with winding and bumpy stretches that remind you how remote this part of Palawan still feels. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive, and instantly, the town slows you down.
Port Barton isn’t flashy. Some of its main road is still unpaved, lined with sari-sari stores and eateries. The beach stretches quietly under the afternoon sun, fishermen’s boats resting just offshore while the salty breeze drifts across the sand. Spend the first day easing into this pace. Drop your bags, stroll barefoot along Itaytay Beach, and stay until the sky turns fiery orange and purple.
DAY 2: Island Hopping in Port Barton
No Port Barton itinerary feels complete without island hopping. Compared to El Nido or Coron, the tours here stay intimate and unhurried. Boats usually leave around 9AM, and for around ₱1,500 you already get everything: snorkeling gear, environmental fees, a guide, and a fresh lunch cooked onboard.
At Twin Reef, schools of fish shimmer under clear water, darting between corals that still pulse with life. A short sail away, sea turtles graze calmly near Maxima Island. By lunch, the boat docks at Maxima’s shore, where the crew serves grilled meats, fish, stir-fried noodles, and fruit under the shade of trees.
Later, the trip drifts to Paradise Island, where coconut trees frame a quiet beach. At Fantastic Reef, healthier corals burst in vivid colors, while Starfish Island greets you with a sandbar scattered with sea stars. Unlike tours elsewhere, nothing here feels rushed. You float, you linger, and you watch the water sparkle.
DAY 3: San Vicente Inland Tour
After a full day on the water, it’s time to explore the countryside. Hire a local guide or tricycle driver for a San Vicente inland adventure. For PHP1,500, you can spend the entire day exploring the inland attractions. The road passes through rice fields, coconut groves, and quiet villages, each revealing another side of Palawan.
First, you’ll reach Bato ni Ningning, a hilltop rock that overlooks sweeping plains and nearby Secret Beach. Long Beach itself runs for fifteen kilometers, untouched and serene. Waves roll gently, and hammocks swing lazily between palm trees.
In the afternoon, hidden waterfalls await. At Bigaho Falls, water tumbles into a shaded pool, perfect for cooling off. A short jungle trek brings you to Pamuayan Falls, where the cascade drops through lush greenery. Sit on rocks, let the mist touch your skin, or dip into the cool waters if you’re feeling adventurous.
DAY 4: Departure
Your last morning often moves slowly. Grab a hearty breakfast before catching a van bound for El Nido or Puerto Princesa, the next chapter of your Palawan journey. Port Barton may not have Coron’s lagoons or El Nido’s cliffs, but it leaves something else, moments of calm, simplicity, and days that felt perfectly unhurried.
Where to Stay in Port Barton
My Green Hostel makes a reliable base, just a short walk from Itaytay Beach. Rooms feel clean and simple, with air-conditioning that guarantees good rest after sun-filled days. Shared bathrooms stay tidy, and racks for drying swimwear or towels add convenience.
The atmosphere makes the hostel stand out. Guests leave shoes at the door, staff warmly arrange transfers or tours, and the communal lounge sparks traveler connections.
Where to Eat in Port Barton
Food in Port Barton mirrors its relaxed, multicultural vibe. Tipsy Gyro and Sandwich House serves quick wraps with tangy sauces, while Star Apple Canteen offers hearty silogs, perfect before an island-hopping day. At sunset, head to Oastic Beach Sunset & Resto for poke bowls and seafood meals by the shore. After snorkeling, Gelateria Gelatos and Crepes tempts with flavors from mango to creative blends like pineapple basil.
For more refined meals, Fat Cat Bistro delivers nourishing plates and turmeric-ginger shots. Coffee lovers find their nook at Cheers Brew Snack House, with its Coconut Latte stealing the spotlight. Evenings call for Barton Bistro, where shrimp tacos pair with reggae music and beachfront seating. On your last day, Barton Bikes and Bites serves the hearty German-Filipino combo breakfast—garlic rice, eggs, sausage, and salad—before you board your van.
The dining scene may be small, but each spot carries a distinct flavor. Together, they create a rhythm for every day: gyros when you arrive, silog at sunrise, gelato after snorkeling, cocktails at sundown.
Port Barton may not have the towering cliffs of El Nido or the vast lagoons of Coron, yet it offers something rare. It gives you days that unfold slowly, meals that feel like home, and locals who welcome you like family. This Port Barton Itinerary blends both sea and land, balancing island-hopping adventures with quiet inland escapes. By the time you leave, you’ll carry more than just photos, you’ll carry the memory of stillness, simplicity, and the charm of a village that teaches you how to slow down.
SAMPLE EXPENSES: Port Barton Itinerary
466 – One Way Shared Transfer from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton (via Klook)
3500 – 3-nights Double Room at My Green Hostel
2800 – food budget for 4 days
300 – miscellaneous
1500 – Port Barton Island Hopping
1200 – San Vicente Inland Tour
25 – Entrance Fee Bato Ni Ningning
25 – Entrance Fee Resort in Long Beach
50 – Entrance Bigaho Falls
30 – Donation Pinamuayan Falls
600 – One Way Shared Transfer from Port Barton to El Nido
TOTAL: PHP 9896 (~USD180)
