Puerto Princesa to Port Barton tickets

About the ride from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

Leaving Puerto Princesa for Port Barton feels like escaping the city and stepping into a slower, more untouched version of Palawan. Puerto Princesa has its conveniences — restaurants, malls, and easy transport — but you didn't travel to the Philippines for its conveniences. 

Port Barton is the ideal place to unplug, slow down, and enjoy natural beauty without the tourist madness. Unlike the more tourist-heavy spots (looking at you, El Nido), Port Barton remains raw and rustic. There are no big crowds. The Wi-Fi is unreliable. So, it's time to fully embrace island life. 

Lucky for you, it's only a 90-mile (145 km) drive to get from one to the other. That'll still take around three to four hours via a bus or a minivan. You'll spend most of the time driving along the east coast, but eventually, you'll cross the island to the west coast. 

There are many curves along the road, so if you get car sick, take your meds before you start the journey. 

Chill things to do in nature in Port Barton

Port Barton is all about raw nature, chill vibes, and escaping the crowds. It's rustic and perfect for slowing down. 

Here's what to do if you feel the need to get a little active:

1. Relax at Port Barton Beach. It's not totally deserted, but it's nothing like the crowded beaches of El Nido. It's the ideal spot to read a book and sip on a cold coconut without too much noise. The town is quiet, with only a handful of bars and restaurants. It's better for unwinding than partying.

2. Hike to Pamuayan Falls. The trek from town takes about 1.5-2 hours, or you can hire a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) or tricycle to cut it down to a 15-minute walk. The waterfall is small but refreshing, and there's no entrance fee (but donations are welcome). Even if you're tempted, skip cliff jumping — it's unsafe. 

Pro tip: Check if there's water before you go. Sometimes, it dries up in the dry season.

3. Go island hopping. With fewer visitors than El Nido, Port Barton's coral reefs are insanely healthy. The underwater world here is pristine. You can book a tour online or negotiate with boat drivers on the beach. 

Must-visit spots: Inaladelan Island and German Island for swimming with sea turtles, and Twin Reef for some of the best snorkeling around.

4. Visit White Beach (Coconut Beach). If Port Barton Beach feels too busy, White Beach is a more secluded, untouched option. Think soft white sand, coconut trees, and hammocks for lounging. Entry costs less than $1, and you can get there in 15-20 minutes on foot or rent a motorbike/tricycle for a quick ride.

5. Rent a kayak. If you want to explore at your own pace, rent a kayak or SUP and paddle along the coast. You can find some hidden beaches, drift over coral reefs, and maybe even spot sea turtles without a tour.

How to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

You've got two choices to make the overland journey between these two spots: bus and minivan.

Bus

Duration: 3.5-4 hours

Starting price: $7

Shared bus

The cheapest way to get there is by public economy bus. It's not the most modern of buses and might not have A/C, so keep that in mind. 

Buses depart from the Puerto Princesa San Isidro Bus Garage and arrive at the Port Barton Bus Terminal, located right along the main road that leads towards the highway. You'll make stops along the way.

There are a couple of departure times to choose from.

Private bus

If you're traveling in a group, another option is a private bus. It'll hold up to 25 passengers, and there is a flat fee that starts around $200. The more people you have, the cheaper your portion will be. 

The private bus is air-conditioned.

You'll get door-to-door service from any hotel in Puerto Princesa to your accommodation in Port Barton. Additionally, you'll get to choose your departure time. It may cost more, but it's super convenient. 

You'll get a 33 lb/15 kg luggage allowance in the shared or private bus.   

Minivan

Duration: 3-4 hours

Starting price: $8

Shared minivans

Minivans are the most common form of transport between Puerto Princesa and Port Barton. 

There are dozens of departure options throughout the day. Some depart from the Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), others pick you up from your hotel, and still others from the bus station. They all drop off at the Port Barton Bus Station. 

Don't be surprised if they make stops along the way to pick up people.

Private minivans

There are also a few private minivan options that hold 10-12 people. Prices start around $85 per van, so the more people, the lower the price.  

Like a private bus, they'll pick you up and drop you off wherever your heart desires. And they'll depart whenever is best for your schedule. It's your ride. 

All the minivans have air-conditioning, an amenity you'll probably be happy to have.  

When is the best time to visit Port Barton?

The temperatures in Port Barton are warm all year around — they average around the low-80s°F (high-20s°C). 

When planning a trip, the most crucial factor is precipitation. The dry season lasts from November to May, but January through March are the driest. 

It's best to steer clear of traveling there from June to October. Typhoons frequently occur during these months and could significantly disrupt your vacation. 

How many days should you spend in Port Barton? 

Port Barton is slow. It's why you go there. To unplug. Destress. Take a digital detox. Stay for 2-3 nights and allow the slower pace of life to take over.

Where to visit after Port Barton? 

You can't come all the way to Palawan and not visit El Nido. The two are synonymous. Plus, it's been touted as one of the best beaches in the world — over and over again. Go see if it lives up to the hype. 

It's about a four-ish hour drive in a bus or minivan. There are private and shared options.

If you're ready to leave Palawan, head to Coron. It's a long 10-hour journey, but you'll arrive on another Philippine island famous for its nature and beauty.