The humble town of Port Barton is tucked between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. This hidden gem of Palawan is now getting traction from tourists, but unlike El Nido and Coron, this town vibes off simplicity and basic—and this makes Port Barton appealing. There are a few restaurants and bars within this town. While activities are limited to island hopping and visiting waterfalls, White Beach of Port Barton, on the other hand, is one of my favorite beaches in the Philippines.

Port Barton is a small town. You can rent a motorbike to explore the area, visit waterfalls, and bask at the beaches. You also need to get tour packages to visit the islands by boat.

Port Barton may not be the top destination in Palawan, but occasionally, you may see this popping up on your IG feeds because of its unspoiled beaches, stunning sunset, and remote vibe experience. If you want a beach escape with fewer tourists, Port Barton is just right for you.

They say the best things in life are the hardest to get, and this is true enough for White Beach. Getting here from town via motorbike requires extra care because the road is unpaved and too crooked. You may opt to hire a tuk-tuk (~Php300) and ask them to pick you up in the afternoon. The entrance fee is Php50. Another option is to rent a kayak (~Php300 for half-day rent) at Port Barton town and kayak your way to this beach. There are also pump boats offering trips from Port Barton town to White Beach (~Php300) in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon. But whatever means you want, White Beach should be visited and enjoyed when in Port Barton.

As the name hints to you, this beach has coconut trees lined up along its stretch. It is also along the way to White Beach, so be careful driving going here. The entrance fee is Php50, and you can enjoy the shallow beach and the tropical coconut vibe.

Inaladelan Island, or German Island, is privately owned, but some tour packages include this island. 

If you can dive, you will enjoy this. I've spotted a few turtles and even took pictures near them. Take caution from the water current, which may be a challenge when getting back to your boat.

This is a small sandbar that, interestingly, nestles starfish. The most common sightings are the peach-colored starfish, but there are blue ones, too.

The Paradise beach is part of the Port Barton tour. Some tour packages set up their lunch on this island. There is nothing much to do on this island; just enjoy the water and scenery. Bring your beach blanket and speakers for a chill experience.

Maxima Island is another stop on the island tour. It is private, and the entrance fee is Php20. You may cross to the adjacent island and walk along its stretch.

Get your snorkeling gear ready as Port Barton Tours stops at two or more reefs.

This is an off-the-beat spot but easy to spot. Along the way to White Beach, you will pass this overlooking site, where you can see Port Barton town and Starfish Island. It is cool to watch the sunset at this spot. If you are staying and having a little picnic here, bring your trash after. Less Plastic, More Scenic!

The tour package rate is Php1500 per person. You may hire a private tour and customize your itinerary.

San Vicente's Long Beach is far from Port Barton. There used to be boat trips between Port Barton and San Vicente, but according to the locals, the local government canceled them. The only option, for now, is a two-hour trip by land. Van service is available. You may haggle for the price, but the rate starts ~ at Php3000.

Long Beach has a 14.7km shoreline with fine light brown sand. The water is clear with small waves and is good for kite surfing. Drone shots are impressive because they show the long stretch of sand and coconut trees.

No drone when visiting the Long Beach in San Vicente? No worries. You may still see a birds eye view of this shoreline at Bato ni Ningning. Just hire a habal-habal or tricycle to get up there. Walk a little more bit and see the breath-taking view. Haggle with the price but rate usually starts at ~Php200

​

image by: @chrianraymd

Commercial flights to San Vicente Airport (code: SWL) are frequently changing. Major airlines in the Philippines cater flights to SWL. Currently, there are direct flights from Cebu (CEB) to San Vicente Airport through Cebu Pacific.​

This is a common question you would hear from travelers.

San Vicente's Long Beach is now being developed to be a leading tourist destination. Land value in this area is getting high, but there are still few establishments. On the other hand, Port Barton's simplicity makes it more attractive. Still, it varies depending on what you want to see and experience.

When I traveled here, I went first to Long Beach for a quick swim, then headed to Port Barton and stayed for 2 nights.