HOW TO GET HERE

ARRIVE IN PALAWAN

Most people travel to Port Barton from either Puerto Princesa or El Nido.
But first you need to get to Palawan. The quickest and easiest way is to fly to Puerto Princesa from NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) in Manila or Mactan Cebu International airport. Various airlines fly these routes including CEBU PACIFIC, PHILIPPINE AIRLINES and AIR ASIA.
There are also a limited number of flights that travel directly to El Nido from Manila with AIRSWIFT but this is generally a more expensive option.
Those travelling from Coron will likely take a ferry to Puerto Princesa or El Nido

Once in Palawan the 2 most popular ways to get to Port Barton are either bus or van (minibus).
Other options include renting a motor bike or car.
There is also a new airport that has been built in San Vicente. But currently it is not always operating. There is also a new coastal road being built between San Vicente and Port Barton which will, in future provide access from the new airport.

PUERTO PRINCESA TO PORT BARTON

Puerto Princesa is 146 km from Port Barton and most of the journey will be on National highway (the main road that runs through Palawan). Heading from Puerto, you travel up the east coast of Palawan with the sea on your right and mountains with dense forests on your left. Passing ramshackle villages of bahay kubos (traditional nipa huts), rice fields and beautiful scenery. Keep an eye open for the locals going about their business, the immaculately dressed school kids and the farmers working the fields with their traditional machinery pulled by carabao (water buffalo).

The last 25 km is on a newly built road which heads west from National highway, winding through beautiful countryside, through forests, over hills and mountains. A windy and hilly, really pretty drive, full of stunning scenery and small villages along the way. keep looking to the left to spot some great overlooking views through the trees. Keep your camera handy throughout the whole journey, as there’s not much time to capture some amazing pictures.

The main ways to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is by van, bus or by renting a car or motorbike.

Photos: Kids on a bus in Palawan. A house and shop along National highway. A farmer working the field with a carabao. Drone photo of National Highway.

TRAVEL BY VAN

Travel by van (mini bus), which is shared with other passengers is usually the first choice for transportation to Port Barton as they’re faster, air-conditioned and more comfortable than the bus. Don’t think you’ll be riding in luxury though as they tend to fill to capacity plus some! Operators include Recaro and Eulen Joy.

You will usually make your way to the bus terminal (details below) to catch your van, board at Puerto Princesa airport or be able to request a pickup from your accommodation, for an additional charge.

Whichever line you choose you should book in advance and double-check the departure times as they do vary.
Priced around 400 to 500 pesos per person.

Recaro (Click for FaceBook page)
Call or text 09054858597/09093513037

Eulen Joy
Click the button for a link to their website.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Taking the bus or Jeepney is less expensive , but it’s also a longer journey, there’s air-con and non air-con options for the buses. Whereas the jeepney has open windows (usually) and you may sit on benches sideways to the direction of travel. This is an adventure, not for the faint hearted!

You will meet your bus/jeepney at the bus terminal. So keep in mind you will need to get there first. More details on the terminal below.

Check out SBE
Call or text 09194455021/09951629155

PUERTO PRINCESA BUS TERMINAL

For many transport options from Puerto Princesa, the first journey will be getting to the bus terminal. In recent years a new terminal has been built in Irawan which is heading south from the city centre. This is not as convenient as the old terminal which was in San Jose, heading north and in the direction of Port Barton. So beware, if you have been here before, the terminal has moved!

FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION. The easiest way to get to the terminal from the city is by taxi or tricycle. You can also travel by multi-cab which is shared public transport and the most inexpensive way. However you chose to get there, just ask at your accommodation in Puerto Princesa and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

FROM THE AIRPORT. If you need to get to the terminal directly from the airport, then a taxi is usually the quickest option (there are a limited number of these though!). You could also take a tricycle or if lucky, find a van heading there.
You are better off pre arranging a van directly from the airport to Port Barton for a quicker and easier transfer.

VEHICLE RENTALS

There are a number of car and motorbike rental places around Puerto Princesa.

Prices vary, so shop around for a good deal. Do a quick Google search to find lots of options and up to date information.

EL NIDO TO PORT BARTON

El Nido is North of Port Barton and the main reason why many visitors come to Palawan. In later years it has got very busy and over populated, although still very beautiful. Port Barton in contrast is smaller, quieter and less touristy (by far). So to see the beauty of Port Barton and experience to slower pace of life, jump in a van or bus from El Nido bus station, You can get a tricycle to take you there, or request a pick up from your accommodation. The same companies operate the route as above.