Important: Wikitravel is exploring a license upgrade to CC by-sa 3.0, please give your consent or refusal here.

From Wikitravel

Port Barton is a small town in Palawan, Philippines. In recent years it has become somewhat of a backpackers hangout but so far it remains pretty quiet and relaxed. However, many places offering accommodation are upgrading their services and therefore transferring the place into a more upmarket resort-style destination. Still there are many cheaper huts right on the beach.

[edit] Get in

From Puerto Princesa New Market bus station, there is a daily bus going to Port Barton (200 pesos) but only if there are enough passengers. Coming from Sabang or El Nido you can take a bus to San Jose and either catch the bus from Puerto Princesa (if you arrive in time) or hire a motorcycle to take you the rest of the way to Port Barton. Or you can rent a vehicle with driver from the airport. Travel time aprrox 2.5 hours, cost around 3,000 pesos (negotiable) for a vehicle that seats up to 7.

At the moment the road between Puerto Princesa and San Jose is paved but from there on it degenerates into a muddy path. Especially in the rainy season it can be very difficult to travel on.

From both El Nido and Sabang there are daily boats going to Port Barton and you can also hire your own boat. Especially in the rainy season it might be necessary to hire a boat, since there are not many travellers around at that time.

[edit] Get around

The village is so small that walking is the only feasible option. Going to the nearby islands you can hire a boat or in the high-season, join organized trips.

[edit][add listing] See

The main attraction is the beautiful beach.

[edit][add listing] Do

Nearby are numerous islands with spectacular beaches, rainforest and good snorkeling. Local boatmen will take you out "island hopping" for a day for P1200, although be sure to negotiate just how many islands constitute "hopping" before you pay up. Although dynamite-fishing has been a problem in the past, nowadays it is no longer practiced and the locals can find you unspoiled spots.

There is a small dive school called 'easy dive' at the southern end of the beach run by Doris Hufnagel and assisted by the recently employed local diver named Benny. She runs PADI courses and fun dives. There's extremely limited visibility in the bay so any trip involves a boat trip and, to be honest, this probably means that if you're looking to do a PADI course there are better places. For fun diving, however, Port Barton is superb, with great coral and marine life, not to mention WW2 wrecks, within easy striking distance.

There is also limited trekking in the rainforests around Port Barton. At the northern end of the beach there is a small path leading to a waterfall (about 3.5k each way) where you can swim in the cool water. There are also plenty of leeches in any standing water around there, so perhaps not for the feint hearted. Besides that, the trail is totally overgrown and you will probably need local assistance on the way to be able to find the waterfall. But hey; this means that once you've actually found it the reward is even bigger.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are a couple of basic restaurants on the beach, both offering almost identical menus of the basic backpacker fare. Expect banana pancakes and muesli. In the village you can find a few basic outlets offering Filipino food. For a more extensive menu including some Thai dishes and such delights as a full English breakfast or sausage, egg, and chips checkout the restaurant at Summer Homes Resort .

For a cup of great brewed coffee, homemade bread, some great floral tasting local honey, or a huge plate of authentic 'Jambalaya' check out Jambalaya Cafe on the beach (although there are rumours that it's planning to move, so ask around if you can't find it - edit : it was still on the beach in July 2009). It's owned by an Scottish dude (goes by "Easy") and his Philippino wife. It's friendly and homey, the menu is super small and everything on it is absolutely amazing- fresh and homemade with local flare. It's right on the beach so the view is spectacular! It only has three tables, so you may want to make a reservation or arrive early to beat the other travelers! They also offer free internet to customers. Try to beat the local 'Jambalaya Chilling Champions' record, currently on name of a Dutch couple who spent a recordbreaking 8.5 hours non stop in the small Jambalaya café and got their record approved by Danish, English, French and Dutch travellers and the Scottish owner (when you read this: thanks for the great times in the Jambalaya). Ask him to be allowed a look at the record agreement in the guestbook :)

[edit][add listing] Drink

Port Barton a place to relax and do nothing, and is definitely not known for its nightlife. You can grab a beer in the few beach-side restaurants and some of them also offer liquor and wine.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

On the beach there are about a dozen places to stay, all offering cottages of various quality and price. Just show up at the beach and pick one that pleases you.

• Aysan Cottages - basic huts for 250 pesos

• Ysobelle Resort - cottages from 700 pesos upwards (formerly Swissipini Cottages)

• Summer Homes Beach resort - More upmarket with well maintained garden, from 850 pesos, accepts credit cards,reservations recommended in peak season [1].

• Elsa's Beach Resort - is known for their hospitality and great cottages. It was the first place to start a resort business in Port Barton. Only about 300 pesos per night (room), or 600 pesos + (garden or beachcottage) and a restuarant is also located beach front!!

[edit] Contact

There is one Internet café situated within Summerhomes resort on the beach. The Jambalaya restaurant also offers free internet to customers. Both are only operational from 5.30pm to 10.30pm - the same hours as a village has electricity.

You can make calls with a mobile phone or a regular phone.

[edit] Get out