Palawan is a paradise on earth and one of the top destinations in the Philippines. This island is home to amazing beaches and natural wonders such as the underground river of Puerto Princesa or the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido.

However, in this post you will not find the information to see those popular places. Let me introduce you to Port Barton, one of the most charming alternative places on the island. This small coastal town of white sand streets is perfect to disconnect from the world. Do you want to know why? Here are three good reasons:

1. Hikes: Coconut beach, White beach and Pamuayan Waterfall

Do you have an adventurous spirit? There are many places to discover around Port Barton. My favorites were the Pamuayan waterfall, as well as the paradisiacal Coconut beach and White beach.

White Beach is located about 2 km from Port Barton, so it can be easily reached by walking from the village along paths through the jungle and parallel to the coast. On the way, you will pass by Coconut Beach, an unspoiled beach that is also well worth a visit, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a beach with so many palm trees!

Another great plan is to visit the Pamuayan waterfall, which is about 3.5 km from town. You can get there by walking along dirt roads in just under two hours. The road to the waterfall is well signposted and has no difficulty, although in the rainy season it can be very muddy.

2. Island hopping tours

Do you like diving or snorkeling? Do you want to swim in paradisiacal beaches of fine sand and crystal clear waters? Get on the boat, we are going Island Hopping in Port Barton.

The town has several local agencies that organize daily tours of nearby islands in the bay. These tours make 5 or 6 stops, and the price includes the snorkeling equipment and a lunch with fish, rice, salad and fruits. The local agencies charge around 700 pesos (12€) for the island hopping tour.

However, if you prefer to book your excursion online you can do so with the local agency Coconutz Tours, which offers private, customized tours or El Nido Paradise and Travel Palawan, that offer the classic Tours A, B, C and D starting at 1200 pesos (20€).

Our Island hopping tour itinerary:

Twin Reef, a crystal clear reef where we snorkeled among green coral reefs and colorful fish.
The turtle sanctuary near Inaladean, an island known as German Island since it was rented by a German tourist for several years.
The beautiful beach of Paradise Island, the place chosen for lunch time.
Exotic Island, where we camped and lived the unforgettable experience of sleeping on a deserted island.
Another magical place was Starfish Island, a sandbank where we saw dozens of starfish.

3. The solo island adventure

Port Barton offers the opportunity to fulfil an adventurous dream: spend the night in a deserted island. For an additional 600 pesos, you can camp at one of the islands of the island hopping tour, including the camping equipment, dinner and breakfast.

Best time to visit Port Barton

The best time to visit Port Barton is from March to June, during the dry season prior to the monsoons, which arrive in Palawan in the summer months. The intermediate rainy season is from November to February.

Environmental rate

Port Barton Bay is a protected natural environment and tourists visiting the area must purchase the Eco Tourism Card. This card is purchased at the tourist office, costs 50 pesos and is valid for 10 days.

Money in Port Barton

It is important to bring cash to Port Barton, as there are no banks there. It is possible to withdraw cash at a Euronet ATM, but the transaction costs 200 pesos plus a 15% exchange fee. Another option is to exchange currency at Palawan Pawnshop.