Port Barton to Puerto Princesa tickets

About the ride from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa

Port Barton, located about midway between El Nido and Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan, is a genuine Filipino beach town. 

Unlike its more popular cousins, you'll be able to enjoy this emerging destination's authentic vibe without any crowds. With beautiful beaches and access to the jungle interior, the secret of Port Barton won't be all that secret for much longer.

When the sad day comes for your departure, the nearest international airport is located in the city of Puerto Princesa. Considered one of the country's cleanest and greenest cities, it, too, is worth several days of exploring.

Puerto Princesa isn't just the gateway for international travelers. It is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Underground River. When combined with days spent lazing on the beach or diving in the clear water, Puerto Princesa could be the best all-around destination in the Philippines.

Unmissable things to see in Puerto Princesa

Palawan Island is blessed with many world-class tourist sites that could easily fill your itinerary. However, Puerto Princesa should still make an appearance for the reasons listed below:

1. Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Take a full-day tour to explore this unique cave ecosystem by boat, and you'll see why UNESCO included it on its list.

2. Find your perfect beach. Palawan Island is famous for its world-class beaches, and Puerto Princesa has several. Bask in powder-white sand, snorkel in turquoise water, or just laze in the shade of a coconut palm.

3. Go island hopping. Nearby Puerto Princesa are several small islands that demand your attention. Popular tours take guests out to the islands of Honda Bay — each with its unique flavor. The shallow waters of Starfish Island are perfect for snorkeling, as are the lovely Cowrie and Luli Islands that make up the itinerary.

4. Live the high life in town. When you're done immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds the city, head into town for some civilized fun. Nightlife abounds, with many clubs, bars and restaurants in the city center. You can also shop til you drop in the modern shopping malls found in town.

What to expect when traveling from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa

Though only separated by 144 kilometers (89 miles), an overland journey between Port Barton and Puerto Princesa will take roughly 3-4 hours, depending on your choice of transportation.

The ride will take you from the serene waters of the West Coast through the rugged interior and finally deposit you in the only truly urbanized area on the island. Along the way, you'll enjoy jungle scenes, amazing views, and glimpses of that oh-so-appealing turquoise water. 

Just be ready for lots of curves. In fact, if you're prone to motion sickness, be sure to take your medicine before you leave!

How to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa

You have two choices for getting from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa: a minivan or a bus. Both take nearly the same amount of time to arrive. Convenience and cost are the primary differences between the two. Here's how they break down:

Minivan

Most minivans are shared with other travelers unless you've got a large enough party to hire a private minivan. Prices are higher than taking the bus (starting at around $9 for a shared minivan), but the extra few dollars for the air conditioning will be well worth it! 

Pick-up and drop-off with shared minivans occur at set times and locations, so check with the individual operator to learn their specifics. 

Private minivans start at about $99 for up to 10 people if you're traveling in a group. This allows you to set your schedule and pace and includes pick-up and drop-off at either the airport or the hotel of your choice.

Travel time is around 3-4 hours. 

Depending on the operator, you can either be dropped off at the San Isidro Bus Garage, the San Jose Terminal, the airport, or even directly at your hotel.

Bus

Starting at a mere $7, the best budget option for traveling from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is taking a bus. Just bear in mind that most of these are not the comfy, air-conditioned coaches that are found in other parts of the world. 

Buses will depart from the Port Barton Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is located right along the main road that leads towards the highway. You really can't miss it. If in doubt, just ask a local. 

Economy buses will arrive in Puerto Princesa at the San Isidro Bus Garage. Consider taking a private bus for direct drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Hiring a private bus with A/C and more comfortable seats is a surprisingly good value if your party is large enough. For a bus holding up to 25 passengers, you'll pay only about $195. That means that the more people in your party, the smaller the per-person cost will be. Plus, you have the added benefit of choosing your schedule and setting your pick-up and drop-off locations.

When is the best time of year to visit Puerto Princesa?

Assuming you've timed your trip to the Philippines to spend some time at the beach, the best time to visit Puerto Princesa is from April to June. During these months, high temperatures can reach up to 29°C (84°F) with the least chance of rain.

November through February offer more moderate temperatures (highs around 23°C/73°F), while September is the rainiest month. Unless you enjoy heavy bouts of rain while on vacation, avoid it. 

How many days do I need in Puerto Princesa?

With so many other amazing destinations nearby, it could be tempting to sell Puerto Princesa short. But you should count on at least two full days to spend in the area. 

Your short list should include the underground river tour and the Honda Bay tour out to the islands. Add in another day for either some shopping or some relaxation at area beaches.

Where to go after Puerto Princesa

The Philippines is truly a tropical wonderland, and if you have the time, it's worth exploring the area more fully. 

You can head south to the up-and-coming beaches of Balabac or head east to Central Visayas, where the well-established attractions of Cebu and Bohol are a short flight away.