Port Barto San Vicente | A Complete Powerhouse in Palawan

THE VILLAGE

Port Barton, one of the barangays of San Vicente, fenced between Roxas and El Nido, is probably one of those places you never thought of going as limited travel journals are available for research. It can be the least visited place in Palawan, compare to its well-famed rivals: Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa.

Others would often describe it as "The Road Less Traveled" as one has to endure a long land and sea transfers; or "The Hidden Paradise of Palawan", since it has been detaining the largest marine sanctuary in San Vicente and owning one of the the richest reefs in the country.

To Get Here:

1. Fly to Puerto Princesa via any domestic air transfers; travel time is 1 hour. 2Go offers sea tranfers on tuesdays and fridays; travel time is 20 hours.

2. From Puerto Princesa, ride a bus or van bound for Port Barton; travel time is about 4 hours, and fare is Php 300. Departure time as follows: 7:30 am, 9 am, 11, am, 2 pm, 4 pm. Altrnatively, if no vans or buses are available that will go straight to Port Barton, you can ride any transport service bound for El Nido and just alight at the junction point of Roxas. 

**from the junction, several non-a/c buses ply at almost regular hourly intervals; fare is P100 and travel time is 1 hour **

LIVING THE ISLAND LIFE  

- FISHING & TOURISM - RESTAURANTS - NIGHT LIFE - 

Fishing has been the source of livelihood for most of the people in Port Barton. Conventional ways and emerging techniques are being introduced already by the municipal and Local Government Units to upgrade the scale of the operation. 

During peak season: Summer and November up until February, locals shift to any business that would cater the demand of the tourists - by being a boat captain, tour guide, porters, seller of dry goods, and people to manpower the substantial number of restaurants and resorts owned by foreigners. Electricity only runs from 5PM until midnight but big resorts have their generators serve guests 24/7 depending on the amount of insolation receive during the day.

The food here is relatively cheap compare to Coron, El Nido and Boracay as daily catch seafood need not to be transported. Happy hour is also wanted after 5 in the afternoon until 9 in the evening with many karaoke sessions in the backstreets and alleys.
Here, the night life is all about casual drinking, cheerful conversation or just plain being quiet in a corner as you make merry on your own under the spell of the moon.

STAY
- HOSTELS & BEACH RESORTS -

Backpacker accommodation options are around the area; hostels range from Php 300-600; Solo rooms range from Php 500 - Php 700. Beach front resort's usual rate is Php 2000.

Divinagracia Cottages

Three cottages and a co-ed type room are offered at this place. Each cottage can be rented at Php 700, inclusive of a patio, fan, cable outlets, coffee maker, private toilet and bath, toiletries, a double-sized bed with pillows, mattress and a blanket. Mr. & Mrs. Jun Divinagracia, the owner of this place, ensures the comfort of their guests by providing assistance on their land/sea explorations and arrangement of a van/bus seat on their departure date.

Address:  Purok Pag-asa, Port Barton, San Vicente (just a few meters from Port Barton's east shoreline)

Contact: 09125430983, 09474248584

WATERFALLS

- BIGAHO FALLS - PAMUAYAN FALLS -

Endure a 3 hour land travel from Puerto Princesa City, add 30 minutes of vintage-classice motorbike ride, and enjoy a sweet trek for another 30 minutes or so to meet this waterfall.

No touristy crowd to ruin an epic selfie or your landscape canvas, just you and this mighty rapids in the middle of the jungle.

Bigaho Falls (left) : Located at Brgy. Bigaho. To get here: reachable via 30 minutes of boat ride + 30 minutes of trekking.

Fee: Donation

Pamuayan Falls (right) : Located at Brg. Pamuayan. To get here: Rent a motorbike for Php 250/ roundtrip; travel time is 30 minutes + 15 minutes of trekking. A few people I met opted to walk for almost 2 two hours to reach this with Php 0 damage. **In a corner, there is a huge-open balcony that serves as a resting and picnic spot**

Fee: Php 20

ISLANDS & BEACHES

Bar hopping?

No, love, island hopping and tanning :p

The island hopping tour rate in Port Barton is extremely cheaper and better in many levels compare to that of other places I visited. A standard rate for the group tour is at Php 750; inclusive of a buffet lunch and about 3-4 attraction sites depending on weather conditions. I opted for a private tour as I wanted to frame everything at my own pace. Php 2500 is the usual rate for a private boat rental; you get to choose your destination of choice, time spent in an island and food selection.

- EXOTIC BEACH -

It is best to leave before sunrise to seal those great panoramic shots without the rush of the crowd.
Make your usual morning extraordinary by having a breakfast on a boat.
This picture was taken just past five in the morning when the sun was slightly up, which then gave me just enough beams of light to seize the island from afar.
Warm mugs, salty breeze and the sweet vista - everything right before my eyes while I sip my coffee.
Address: Brgy. Port Barton, San Vicente
Fee: Php 50/ day tour

- GERMAN BEACH -

Fishes of many types, colorful ocean creatures and sea turtles are all gathered in this small island. Make sure to bring your snorkel set to avoid the rental fee. Guests opting to stay for the night are allowed; camp or rental of their native rooms.
Address: Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
Fee: Php 50/ day tour

- WHITE BEACH -

Inside the rough road of the forest, a mini hidden slice of heaven is found.

White Beach, also called as "White Beach Annex", is privately owned and reachable by just a 30 minute motor bike ride.

Address: White Beach, Brgy. Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Room Rate: Php 2900; inclusive of a balcony, breakfast, 2 double-sized beds, private toilet and bath. 

Day Tour: Php 20

- BIGAHO BEACH -

Bigaho Beach came as a sweet surprise on my way to Bigaho Falls. It is the jump-off point if ever you decide to trek the falls. Extra fine white sand and clear water that is confined in such a small piece of gem.

Native huts were currently being installed during the time of visit, but locals accept guests for a little amount. 

Address: Sitio Bigaho, Brgy. Port Barton, San Vicente Palawan

Entrance: Php 0

- AUSTRIA BEACH -

Austria Beach,also reachable by land, is located in the middle of Port Barton Beach and White Beach Annex.

20 minutes of rough land travel unto the hills is required to reach this attraction.

Clear water, unlimited palm trees, and rocky coastal complete the caribbean feels.

Address: Brgy, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Fee: Php 0

- PARADISE BEACH -

Beach chairs, hammocks, and a good snorkeling site - a perfect getaway to unleash your exotic side.
Set up your tents, start the bbq party or bring out your favorite book and allow the waves to take you away.
**a short stretch of sandbar is also an attraction during low tide. sweet lang* 

Address: Brgy. Port Barton, San Vicente
Fee: Php 50

- PORT BARTON BEACH -

If you only have a day to spend in the island or if the sea activity is not for your liking, Port Barton Beach will be your temporary haven. This is surprisingly ideal for swimming despite several boats and buoys are anchored. Choose your spot, probably at the farthest east or west wing where hammocks and beach towels are laid on the sand. Order a drink from a nearby restaurant or ask a local to get you a fresh coconut, try their traditional massage on the beach and watch in awe the paradise as sunset unfolds.

Address: Brgy. Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

Fee: Php 0

Pretty sums up how serene the place is.

Nostalgic and appear true to its form

- straightforward but unhurried

- just plain agressively beautiful despite its meekness.