How to get to Port Barton? There are two main options to choose from when travelling to Port Barton. The first is a shared van and the second is a private car, there is no direct public bus service from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton or El Nido to Port Barton, and the island of Palawan generally relies on tourist vans.
Shared vans are a popular mode of transport for locals and tourists around the Philippines and can be booked in advance on 12Go or on the day at small information booths making them easy to use and cost effective if you’re on a budget.
Below we share how to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to Port Barton and how to get from El Nido To Port Barton including information about the cost, time and logistics. We also share information about the Port Barton Bus Station and our experience of the two travel days.
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia.
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Where Is Port Barton, Palawan
Port Barton is located on the Philippine island of Palawan, 3 hours north of Puerto Princesa and 3 hours south from El Nido. The tiny local town has a rustic charm that we loved and we would recommend making this stop on your way to or from the more popular El Nido.
Travelling To The Philippines? We have a full guide to visiting Palawan
The Routes Summary
Puerto Princesa To Port Barton
Shared Van
3.5 Hours
From $9 pp
Private Taxi
3.5 Hours
From $120 pp
There are two options to travel from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton, a private taxi or the cheaper and more popular alternative of a shared van.
The Puerto Princesa to Port Barton travel time is 3 hours in a shared van and costs ₽600 per person. The shared vans can be pre-booked or organised on the day. The vans hold around 9 people and make one stop on the way for the toilet and a chance to grab some food. The van will drop you off at the Port Barton bus station from here you can get a trike or walk to your accommodation.
If you’re in a group or family, it might work out more cost effective to just get a private Taxi.
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How To Get To Port Barton From Puerto Princesa Airport
If you’re coming from Puerto Princesa Airport to Port Barton, you will need to get a tricycle to the shared van booking booth. This will cost around ₽100 and the journey is a short 5 minute drive. The trikes park outside the airport which is only a 2 minute walk from the arrivals area. Just tell your driver you would like to get a van to Port Barton and they’ll know where to go.
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How To Get From El Nido To Port Barton
Shared Van
3.5 Hours
From $9 pp
Private Taxi
3.5 Hours
From $120 pp
Again you have two options to travel from El Nido To Port Barton, a private car or shared van. The El Nido To Port Barton Travel time is 3 hours in a shared van and costs ₽600 each.
We booked our shared van through our accommodation but you can also pre-book online. You catch the van from El Nido Town Square and they will drop you off at the Port Barton bus terminal. On the way the van stops for a short break allowing for a toilet stop and a chance to buy food.
From the Port Barton Bus Terminal you can either walk or get a tricycle to your accommodation. If you’re on a budget we would recommend walking as nothing is too far in Port Barton, our place was a 5 minute walk.
How To Go To Port Barton From San Vicente Airport
Tourist Boat
1 Hours
From $50 pp
Shared Van
2 Hours
From $10 pp
You have two options to go from San Vicente Airport to Port Barton.
The first is trike to San Vicente Port and then a tourist boat to Port Barton which will take you about an hour and cost ₽3000. The fare is for four people meaning this is a good choice for families or a group of travellers.
The second option is to get the shared van towards El Nido (₽200) and get out at the San Jose Roxas junction. You then need to catch another tourist van (from either Puerto Princesa or El Nido) to take you the rest of the way to Port Barton. I’d recommend talking to the van providers and seeing if they can let the driver know you’re waiting for the van, or you can hail a trike for ₽500 from the junction to Port Barton.
Port Barton Bus Terminal
We were told the tourist vans are not allowed to drive in Port Barton town, therefore they drop you off and pick you up from the Port Barton bus terminal. This is a small building on the outskirts of the town that is easily accessible by walking or you can hire a trike if you have lots of luggage. There is also a small Port Barton environmental fee paid by tourists on arrival.
The Route We Recommend and Our Experience
Thanks to the tourist vans, these travel days are made pretty simple and stress free. Our first van seemed to make a few unexpected stops to pile the roof high with fruit and the boot full of parcels, but isn’t this what makes travel fun and exciting… plus we got there in the end.
We would recommend choosing a shared van over a private car for solo travellers, couples or a group of three because it’s a more budget friendly option. However, for larger groups or families, a private taxi can sometimes work out cheaper without the hassle of shared transport.
Now you have arrived, check out our Port Barton Travel Guide!
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Best Time To Visit Port Barton
Best Places To Eat In Port Barton
- Joan’s Cuisine – A great local restaurant that serves an amazing paella
- Fat Cat – A perfect place to head for your pizza fix!
Top Port Barton Things To Do Map
Where To Stay In Port Barton?
Port Barton is a small, local fishing village with most of the accommodation concentrated in the centre of town. Wherever you stay bars, restaurants and the beach will be within walking distance, so you need to decide if you want to pay more for a beach side property or something more budget set further back.
Best Places To Stay In Port Barton
$ Budget
CocoRico Hostel
A beach side hostel perfect for solo travellers and couples on a budget who don’t mind shared dorms. CocoRico has a prime location and an onsite restaurant.
$$ Mid-Range
Tribal Xperience
Set further back but still only a five minute walk to the beach is Tribal Xperience which offers private rooms on a budget alongside a pool and breakfast.
$$$ High-End
Besaga Beachfront B&B
A perfect option for families and couples due to it’s location just outside Port Barton. With it’s own private beach front this is a lovely place to stay
Spacing
Tips For Travelling To Port Barton
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling Port Barton:
- Plan your transport: getting to Port Barton is best done by shared van from El Nido or from Puerto Princesa.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, don’t rely on Wi-Fi as the island has frequent blackouts.
- Eat Local, there are loads of local restaurants that sell freshly cooked fish
- Chill out and relax at Port Barton Beach! The town is so laid back with only a handful of activities which is why we loved it. Here are some of the best things to do in Port Barton.
- Rent a scooter and explore. If you do want to discover the area we recommend a rental scooter or hiring a trike driver for the day.
- The Boat Tour was our favourite in all the Philippines – a must-do when planning your Port Barton trip.
