Twin reef is a snorkeller’s haven, especially if you love looking at different types of coral. One of the stops on the Port Barton Boat Tour we were impressed by the aquatic fauna, the corals were huge and intricate. Although we didn’t, we were told you can also see turtles in the clear waters here. We saw a variety of fish and enjoyed around 20 minutes swimming above the reef. Port Barton’s Twin Reef was surprisingly pristine unlike some of the spots we visited on El Nido’s boat tour, the variety of coral was unlike anything we had seen before which made the trip even more special. Read on to find out more about Twin Reef Port Barton.
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Where Is Twin Reef?
Twin Reef can be found in Port Barton, Palawan. A small, local fishing village, Twin Reef can only be reached during the Port Barton Boat Tour. You can choose to go on a private boat or join a group tour.
How To Get To Twin Reef?
Book onto Port Barton’s Boat Tour. We recommend booking with GetYourGuide or heading down to the beach to book with a local, the reef was the first stop on our full day tour. You can also get a private boat tour out to the reef.
To get to Port Barton Book A Shuttle Bus From El Nido or Puerto Princesa
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Twin Reef Description
A stunning collection of gigantic coral, each area you explore will have you discovering different species, shapes and fish. A healthy site that’s a feast for the eyes.
Corals found at Twin Reef in The Philippines include the Staghorn Coral and Lettuce Leaf Coral.
In the Philippines there are over 500 species of coral to discover and there are plenty of different species to identify at twin reef.
On the boat tour we spent around 20 minutes exploring the reef alongside around four other boats. The reef didn’t feel too crowded unlike some other sites in Palawan.
The Port Barton boat tour cost us ₽1500 or you can book online… Book here
Other Stops On Port Barton’s Island Hopping Tour
Starfish Island
Starfish island was the last stop we made and it did not disappoint. We got to see multiple large Chocolate Chip Starfish resting on the shallow banks of the island. The sand bar was a highlight of the trip, a picturesque peak of sand rises above the crystal waters ready for you to hunt for starfish.
Discover more about Starfish Island
Paradise Island
We stopped here for an unforgettable lunch, a spread of grilled seafood, noodles, rice and fruit allowed us to feast on the island’s banks. You can also hike to the peak of the island, it takes around 5 minutes and gives you insane views over the neighbouring island.
Discover more about Paradise Island
Turtle Snorkelling Spot
The second snorkelling spot on the tour is where you can often spot turtles. We saw one turtle here and only stayed for around 15 minutes. This stop was a little more crowded than the others. Luckily, afterwards we were taken to a baby turtle sanctuary so we could see some rescued baby turtles.
Best Port Barton Hotels & Hostels
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
Port Barton’s Best Things To Do
Perhaps less known than El Nido, Port Barton was one of our favourite towns in the whole of the Philippines. You get a local feel but the area is still set up for tourism, with bars, western and local restaurants and an amazing boat trip. Here we share our top things to do in Port Barton.
Top Pick: Port Barton Boat Tour
This is a must in Port Barton! You get to visit two snorkelling spots including Twin Reef which has some of the best coral we’ve seen, Paradise Island where you get a local feast for lunch, snorkel with turtles and look for Chocolate Chip Starfish On A Tiny Sand Bar.
Best Beach: White Beach
If you’re looking for a large strip of powdery sand, coconut trees and a refreshing place to swim you can get a boat taxi from Port Barton Bay (Itaytay Beach) to White Beach.
Off The Beaten Track: Pamuayan Falls
Jump on a scooter or hire a taxi and head to Pamuayan Falls where you can get back to nature and enjoy a swim in the falls natural pool.
Best Place To Eat: Joan’s Cuisine & Fat Cat
Joan’s Cuisine serves a mixture of budget friendly local dishes as well as a mouth-watering paella which is a must try. If you’re looking for western food head to Fat Cat for amazing pizza!
Wondering where to head to next? We’ve create a complete Palawan Guide & itinerary to help you plan
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.
Best Port Barton Tours
Final Thoughts on Twin Reef Port Barton
Twin reef boasts some of the best aquatic plants we have seen, the size and intricacies of the flora amazed us. You will spend around 20 minutes exploring the underwater world. We highly recommend booking the Port Barton Boat Tour, it was one of our favourite excursions in the Philippines.
Here’s A Full Guide On The Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
