Port Barton Island Hopping & Inland Tour

Port Barton does not have as many activities to offer as the other Palawan destinations like Coron, El Nido or Puerto Princesa. As its main draw is its SERENITY but that doesn't mean that you won't have anything to do here. We booked our island hopping (Php1500/head) and land tour (Php1500/head) with Port Barton Locals (Facebook & Instagram). 

Their island hopping activities are similar with El Nido and Coron that offers different tour packages. Rates start at PHP1500 per person (inclusive of lunch, masks and miscellaneous fees). But our tour guide specifically arranged a tour for as that would cover 5 must-visit islands which I think was perfect if you're on a budget and has limited time to explore the island.

• Tour A: Twin Reef, Turtle Spot, Inaladelan Island, Smart Island, Starfish Island
• Tour B: Paradise Island, Exotic Island, Sanctuary Reef, Albaguin Village, Starfish Island
• Tour C: Aquarium Reef 1 and 2, Reef #5, Bunuanguin Town, Luli Beach Island, White Beach
• Tour D: Inaladelan Island, Reef 1, Lagoon Reef, Bigaho Falls, Pamuayan Beach
• Tour E: Paradise Island, Maxima Island, Wide Reef, Capsalay Island, Fantastic Reef, Starfish Island

Turtle Sanctuary

Port Barton is truly a home to a variety of marine life and that includes sea turtles. We are taken to a spot where we went snorkeling to some sea turtles. I have no photos of the turtles, but lucky we got this video from Alina a YouTuber we met during the tour. Check her out on YouTube. 

Exotic Island

One of the most scenic islands here. It is unique as its connected to another island (Maxima Island) by a small white sandbar. There's even a dog swimming here maybe that's why this is called Exotic Island, eh? Kidding lol

We are able to take some shots using the crystal kayak during our stop here. I can say it's not easy to pose and balance. Lol 

Maxima Island

Also known as "Double Island", it offers a white sand beach and crystal clear waters. We stayed here for lunch as this island is really good for lazing on the beach and having a picnic. I can say this is also one of the best spots in Port Barton.

 

We sure did enjoy the lunch prepared for us together with our new friends because who wouldn't? Just look at how fresh and well-presented it is! 

Twin Reef

Twin Reef is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Port Barton. Our guide fed the fishes some bananas so we were able to take photos of the fishes up- close. 

Starfish Island

This is the final stop of our island hopping in Port Barton. One can find a number of these creatures submerged under shallow water and scattered all over the sandbar. Saw some but not a lot during our stop. 

Our island hopping tour ended 4pm. We went back to our hotel to wash up, catch the sunset and to Coco Rico for dinner and drinks! The next day we went on an inland tour, it's a whole day land tour via motorbike for PHP1500/head with the same tour guides from Port Barton Locals but this time lunch isn't included.

                       

We actually opt to just rent motorbikes and drive it by ourselves as it'll be cheaper but good thing we didn't because it was really a LONG DRIVE and the road going to the locations is all rocky and muddy, could imagine the struggle we'll experience if its us driving - Big kudos to our tour guides as the tour became smooth despite the struggles!

Long Beach

Tagged as the "longest white beach in the Philippines". It has been named as such because of the 14-km stretch of coastline. 

There are no resorts here, only undisturbed fishing villages. You can check out the other end called "Alimanguan Beach" where there are few hostels you can stay in.

It's a bit far from San Vicente town and it was really a bumpy motorcycle ride going here, but it was definitely worth it!

Turtle Beach

After an hour of nonstop photo taking at Long Beach island, we head over our next stop where we'll get lunch! Turtle Beach Resort and Restaurant is a small family friendly bed and breakfast place. It’s called Turtle Beach because just beside the place is a breeding pen for sea turtles who come to this beach to lay their eggs. This beach is also known for the small islet off its coast and for surfing. ⁣

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Turtle Beach Palawan offers accommodations and food ranging from local cuisine, western and even Vietnamese food like Chao Long (Vietnamese beef noodle stew). The food was great and nothing beats dining with a beach view, right?

San Vic Viewpoint, Bato ni Ningning and Bato ni Noynoy

Next destination after lunch is worth again the bumpy motorcycle ride. It was uphill and IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT, but the view that welcomed us on top WAS REALLY WORTH IT!

It's a well-known viewpoint from where you can enjoy a stunning view of Erawan beach and a stunning scenic sunset. There is a small cottage to access the viewpoint where you have to pay a small fee of 20 pesos.

My photos doesn't give justice as to have stunning this view is! 

Pamuayan Beach

Part of our inland tour was to visit Bigaho falls, but it started raining and we're unable to enter the area as it was already flooding. Instead, our guides brought us to Pamuayan Beach to relax before heading back to our accommodation. We chilled for a bit while enjoying the beach to ourselves.

BONUS:

Coconut Beach 

This wasn't part of our island hopping or inland tour, but this Coconut beach is just few minutes away from Itay Itay beach. You have the option to ride a boat going here or just walk for a few kms + muddy narrow trail, but at the end you'll reach "Coconut Beach" which is btw a private property so you will be asked to pay Php50 for entrance fee.

If you're looking for another quiet spot while in Port Barton, you should check this out. It's nothing compared to the other beaches of Palawan, but it was indeed peaceful and you can relax while enjoying the view of the sea + the view of the coconut plantation.

You'll pass by Pablo's Cafe before reaching Coconut Beach, but since the cafe is still closed we decided to check out Coconut Beach first. We actually learned about Pablo's Cafe from a tourist couple we met the other day and they've suggested that we check it out. Pablo's Cafe is a small cafe hidden in the middle of nowhere that offers brewed coffee, freshly baked pastries, fruit shakes and alcoholic drinks!

This is how it looks like inside and just look at the view outside! It was actually the owners house and they've decided to open a small cafe. You can stay here or you have the option to stay outside, there are some tables and chairs outside and they can also put a mat for you to sit on the grass you prefer that.

We tried their Iced Flat White, Iced Cafe Latte, Iced Mocha, Banana Loaf and Coffee Cake! We all loved the Coffee Cake! And of course, you'll never go wrong with Iced Coffee ;)

In case you're all wondering why the cafe is named "Pablo Cafe" -- it's because of him. He's Pablo, and he's the cafe owner! He will all welcome you when you arrive and would require you to give him a massage and belly rub! :p

There's really not much to do in Port Barton - I would say 2 days would already be enough to do the tours but if you're looking for a quieter place to spend your vacation, then Port Barton is the perfect place for that as it's not crowded compared to other islands in Palawan :)

Read more about my Port Barton Trip here. 😀