The 8 Best Things to Do in Port Barton Philippines: My Favorite Activities in 2025
Port Barton is kind of like El Nido’s quieter, more affordable little brother. And if you’ve read any of my other Port Barton travel guides, then you already know I really liked it here but I also don’t think there’s a ton to do.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The town itself is honestly everything I want from a chill beach spot: walkable, friendly, and just the right amount of laid-back. It doesn’t have the big island-hopping scene that El Nido does, and there’s no surfing like in Siargao, but that’s part of why I liked it so much, it’s just a slower vibe, and I loved that.
I spent about a week here, and in this little guide on the best things to do in Port Barton Palawan, I’ll share some of my favorite activities. A few are pretty popular, but I’ve also thrown in a couple of random personal picks you might not see everywhere else. Let’s get into it.
In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Port Barton Philippines
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Parrot Boutique Resort – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️ La Palapa Inn Port Barton – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️ CocoRico Hostel – Click here for rates & availability

Things to Do in Port Barton – My Experience
I spent almost three months traveling around the Philippines, and Port Barton was actually one of my last stops before heading out. So by the time I got here, I’d already seen a lot and that gave me a pretty solid perspective on how it compares to other places in Palawan and beyond.
And honestly, I really liked the vibe here. Port Barton is tiny and super walkable, no cars needed, which I loved. It’s got character, great beaches, some surprisingly good restaurants, and a very laid-back, backpacker feel. It actually reminded me a bit of the Gili Islands, or even Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka if you’ve been there. Same kind of sleepy, surfy energy.
One of my favorite things to do was just wander around in the mornings, trying out different coffee spots for my daily flat white and a slow brunch. But hands down, the best thing I did here was rent a kayak from Port Barton Beach and paddle over to White Beach and Coconut Beach. The water was calm, the beaches were some of the most beautiful I saw in the Philippines, and it was just a super fun day out.
That said, if you’re on a short vacation, like a 10- to 14-day trip, you might find Port Barton a little too slow. There’s not a ton going on, and it’s definitely more of a “hang out and do nothing” kind of place. But if you’ve got a bit more time or you’re just looking to relax, I think it’s a great spot. It also felt way less touristy than El Nido, which I really appreciated.



1. Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
The island hopping tours in Port Barton are actually pretty great and a lot of fun. Expect a full day out on the water with multiple snorkel stops, usually at places like Twin Reef, Fantastic Reef, and the Aquarium. The coral is in decent shape, and we saw loads of colorful fish and a little turtle that popped up near our boat, which was very cute.
Most tours also stop at German Island (also known as Inaladelan), which is a super chill little island with white sand and hammocks you can swing in. There’s often a lunch stop included, our tour had grilled fish, veggies, and rice which they cooked on a bbq on one of the islands which was so awesome.
That said, I have to admit, Port Barton’s island hopping doesn’t quite hit the same level as El Nido. The landscapes aren’t as dramatic, and the water, while beautiful, isn’t blindingly blue the way it is in Bacuit Bay. So if you’re trying to pick just one island hopping tour to do in the Philippines, I’d honestly go for El Nido.


2. Rent a Kayak
This was easily one of my favorite things I did in Port Barton. I rented a kayak straight from Port Barton Beach. There are plenty of little rental shops lined up along the shore, so I just walked up and grabbed one. If I remember right, it was around $8 USD for the whole day, which is such a good deal.
We set out in the morning and paddled over to White Beach first, which took about 40 minutes. The water was calm, the views were beautiful, and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We spent most of the day there and were swimming, chilling, and even hiking up to Jungle Bar for a drink with a view. On the way back, we stopped at Coconut Beach for a quick dip before heading back to town.
As much as I liked the island hopping tour, this day was the real highlight for me. Having my own kayak and being able to explore at my own pace just felt so peaceful and fun. If you’re up for a bit of a paddle, I’d 100% recommend it.



3. Visit the Port Barton Beaches
I honestly think the beaches around Port Barton are a bit underrated. They don’t get nearly as much hype as El Nido’s, probably just because El Nido is right around the corner and steals the spotlight. But I was pleasantly surprised because the beaches are actually gorgeous.
I already mentioned White Beach and Coconut Beach, and they’re both beautiful: soft white sand, loads of palm trees, and barely any people around. You can reach them by scooter or tuk-tuk from town (which takes a bit longer), or you can do what I did and kayak your way over which I think is way more fun if the weather’s good.
Because they take a little effort to get to, they’re usually quiet, which I loved. I’m always up for a peaceful beach without the crowds.
There’s also Port Barton Beach itself, right in town. I wouldn’t say it’s the best spot for laying out a towel and swimming but it does have some great beach bars. A lot of them have bean bags and sunset happy hours, and I ended up hanging out here almost every evening for drinks.


4. Hike to Jungle Bar
Jungle Bar ended up being one of my favorite little spots in Port Barton. It’s a super chill bar and café located up in the hills just above White Beach and I’m pretty sure they also have a few rooms if you want to stay overnight.
We hiked up there from White Beach, which took about 15–20 minutes. It’s a bit of a sweaty climb, but nothing too intense and totally worth it. The view from the top is incredible: lush jungle below, ocean stretching out in the distance, and just enough breeze to cool you down.
We grabbed a couple of cold beers and had lunch up there, and it was the perfect break after paddling all morning. It’s got this quiet, hidden-away vibe that made it feel like a proper little reward for the hike.


5. Sunset Drinks at Barton Bistro
My favorite spot in Port Barton for sunset drinks and a bit of a fun vibe was definitely Barton Bistro. It’s right on the main beach and you can’t really miss it. There’s a big sign wrapped around one of the palm trees, and they’ve got loads of bean bags scattered across the sand. Most nights (especially on weekends), there’s a DJ playing chill tunes as the sun goes down.
I ended up coming here a bunch of times. The atmosphere was perfect, casual, a little lively, but still laid-back enough to relax. They’ve got cheap cocktails, cold beers, and a great happy hour that makes it way too easy to stay for more than one. I heard the food’s actually decent too, though I only ever came for drinks. Might be worth trying if you’re hungry.
6. Pool Party at Flow
One place I kept hearing about, but didn’t get the chance to check out myself, is Flow. It’s a pool bar right in Port Barton, and from what I gathered, it’s one of the go-to spots if you’re looking for a bit of a party or something a little more social.
There’s a decent backpacker scene in Port Barton, so naturally, there’s some nightlife too. And Flow seems to be the main hub for it. From what people told me, it’s a fun place to hang out during the day (especially when it’s roasting hot) and apparently gets lively at night. Cheap beers, decent food, and a pool you can actually swim in.
7. Coffee at Fat Cat Bistro
I’ll admit, when I first wrote about cafes in Port Barton, I gave Fat Cat Bistro kind of a hard time. But to be fair, if you’re looking for a cute brunch spot or just want a solid coffee in the morning, this is definitely the best option in town.
Compared to some of the cafés I tried in other parts of the Philippines, it didn’t totally blow me away. But for Port Barton it does the job. The space is cozy, the vibe is nice and relaxed, and it’s a great place to ease into the day with a flat white and a bit of breakfast.


8. Visit the Waterfalls in Port Barton
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, checking out one of the waterfalls around Port Barton is a nice way to mix things up from all the beach time. There are a couple of options, but Pamuayan Falls is the one most people visit. It’s about an hour’s walk through the jungle from town, and honestly, the walk itself is half the fun.
The trail is fairly easy to follow, and once you get there, there’s a small but super refreshing pool you can swim in. Don’t expect anything massive, but it’s a peaceful little spot surrounded by nature, and if you time it right, you might even have it all to yourself.
I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do if you’re short on time, but if you’ve got an extra morning or afternoon and want to do something active, it’s worth the walk.
Where to Stay in Port Barton Philippines
I’ve said this in a few of my other Port Barton guides already, but honestly, because the town is so small, it almost doesn’t matter where you stay. As long as you’re somewhere in or near the town center, you can walk everywhere, so location really isn’t a big deal here.
I stayed right in the center for a few nights at a boutique hotel called Parrots Boutique Resort which was a super cute place with a pool and nicely designed rooms. I really liked it.
After that, I spent a few nights up in the hills just outside of town at La Palapa Inn Port Barton. It was quieter and had great views, and I still just walked into town every day.
I’ll link both spots below so you can check them out yourself. I’d happily recommend either:
Book here: Parrots Boutique Resort
Book here: La Palapa Inn Port Barton


How to Get to Port Barton Palawan
Getting around Palawan is actually pretty easy, and getting to Port Barton is no exception. The main towns, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Port Barton are all connected by shuttle vans that run regularly between them.
I booked my ride through the hotel I was staying at in Puerto Princesa, and the shuttle picked me up right from there and dropped me off at the Port Barton bus terminal. From there, I just walked to my hotel, like I mentioned earlier, pretty much everything in Port Barton is walkable, so that part is super easy.
If you’re coming from El Nido or Puerto Princesa, I’d recommend just booking your shuttle through your accommodation as well. If not, you can also go with Recaro Transport. I used them for all my travels around Palawan and had a good experience every time.
FAQs About Things to do in Port Barton
What are the best Port Barton activities?
Personally, I had the most fun renting a kayak and exploring White Beach and Coconut Beach on my own. The island hopping tours are nice too, but if you’ve already done the ones in El Nido, they might feel a little underwhelming in comparison.
How to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
I always just booked my shuttle through whatever hotel I was staying at, and it worked out perfectly every time. It’s the easiest way to go about it in Palawan.
Where is Port Barton?
Port Barton is in northern Palawan, kind of between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. It’s a super chill, sleepy beach town that hasn’t been overrun yet.
Is Port Barton worth visiting?
I’d say yes, if you’re not in a rush and just want to relax by the beach. If you’re short on time and want a lot of action and tours, I’d probably skip it. But if you’re looking to slow down for a bit, it’s a great place to do that.
Final Thoughts on What to Do in Port Barton
To wrap things up, like I said before, Port Barton isn’t really about ticking off big “things to do.” If you’re after diving, island hopping, or snorkeling tours, El Nido is definitely better for that.
But here’s the thing: I never loved the actual town of El Nido. It’s overbuilt, super busy, and kind of stressful. Port Barton, on the other hand, is way more relaxed and way more my vibe. It’s cute, quiet, and a place where people easily end up staying longer than planned.
Even if you just come for a couple of days, I think Port Barton is worth the detour. I especially loved renting a kayak and doing my own little beach-hopping tour and stopping at Jungle Bar was a highlight.
Hope this little Port Barton travel guide on the best things to do in Port Barton gave you a better idea of what to expect!
Check Out My Other Palawan Guides
Best Beach Resort in El Nido Palawan: My Honest Hotel Review
Beaches in El Nido Palawan: My Top El Nido Beaches
Restaurants in El Nido: Where to Eat in El Nido Palawan
How to Get to El Nido Palawan: My Full Guide on How to Get to El Nido
Is El Nido Worth Visiting?: My Honest Review
El Nido or Siargao: My Honest Comparison
El Nido Itinerary: My 4 Days in El Nido Travel Itinerary
Best Time to Visit El Nido: When to Visit El Nido Travel Guide
Where to Stay in El Nido Palawan: My Favorite Areas & Hotels
Port Barton Restaurants: Where to Eat in Port Barton
Is Port Barton Worth Visiting?: My Honest Review
Port Barton Beaches: My Favorite Beaches in Port Barton
How to get to Port Barton: Transport to Port Barton