Port Barton, Palawan Philippines

The moment I got off the jeep in Port Barton, things started to take a slow turn all around. Must be the way things are, in this small beach town locked between mountains and the sea. This, where the 21st century world is separated by 21km / 60minutes & 100pesos, where electricity is a luxury open only from 6pm-12mn, where nature's awesome presence greets you everywhere you turn your gaze. This is Port Baron, where your system clocks down, without a choice thankfully - perfect conditions to relax, recharge and steep in the island life.




How I Got There

• From the Roxas transport terminal, I took the jeep (it had a big "Lion King" sign)
• From Roxas, it left the terminal at 11am (no fixed sked I heard, but around this time)
• The fee was P100 per way
• The trip was a little over an hour, through a mostly unpaved & beaten road

Where I Stayed

• Elsa's Beach Resort - a little south of center, large grounds dotted with hammocks under tall tree shades, & a wide elevated resto with sweeping sea views
• Paid off peak rate of P500/night for a double bed cottage with own Toilet & Bath
• The cottage had a small porch, a pretty mosquito net swooping down from the ceiling, and the cobblestone walls in the room added a nice flare
• They have cheaper rooms with common toilet & bath, just P300/night
• Elsa's price point more expensive than the average, but well worth the extra cost

Where I Wined & Dined

• Jambalaya: I had the fish fillet steak with jambalaya, and it was fresh, thick & juicy. They serve imported brewed coffee, have ice-cold beer all day (no electricity is not an excuse!), and maintain a book exchange. The place is oozing with character - with the funny and unashamed signs, and the owners who make sure you will want to come back. Spent P280
• Summer Homes: I stopped over for coffee, where they have a generous serving of an entire 500ml press. If you want your coffee strong, ask them not to fill up with water. Spent P90
• Bamboo House: I had breakfast of thick pancakes, served with fresh honey, a side order of bacon strips and brewed coffee. They also have a souvenir shop with shirts, bags and local decor. Spent about P140 for breakfast
• Ysobelle's (now known as Deep Gold resort): had dinner with friends from El Nido, where we ordered some pizza, pasta, fish and a siding of aubergines. I was surprised with the variety of dishes in their menu, they must have a well stocked kitchen. Spent less than P300 each.

Top Things to Do

• I personally didn't do anything much, just lazed around in the beach, had coffee, read my book, walked around. I just wanted time to wind down. Port Barton is perfect for this :-p
• Pamuayan Falls: we tried to look for it without a guide, and it was a total failure! It's supposed to be an hour's hike from the beach, but the path is difficult to navigate with lack of signs and multiple forks along the way. You must get a guide!
• Island Hopping & Snorkeling: it's possible to do this, but operations not as efficient as in El Nido. You have to contract with one of the local fishermen, and they can arrange a tour for you.

How I Got Away

• I took the 8am jeep back to Roxas for the same price of P100
• From Roxas, it's easy to get a bus/jeep/shuttle whether you are heading back to Puerto, South to Sabang, or up north to El Nido or Taytay.
• There is a jeep from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa, it leaves 9am