PORT BARTON & SAN VICENTE
Port Barton and San Vicente represent the unspoiled, tranquil heart of Palawan. Here, the famous crowds disappear, leaving behind pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a supremely laid-back coastal rhythm.
It is the perfect escape for those seeking authentic island life and world-class natural beauty without the high-season rush.The region is defined by its massive, uncommercialized Long Beach and the dozens of idyllic islands scattered throughout Port Barton Bay.
Most Popular Attractions
San Vicente’s Mainland & Coastline:
Long Beach: The Philippines’ longest stretch of white sand, measuring 14.7 kilometers. (Pronunciation: Long Beach)
Bato ni Ningning: A popular viewpoint on the mainland offering panoramic vistas of the Long Beach and the surrounding bay. (Pronunciation: Bah-toh nee Ning-ning)
Poblacion Town Proper: The main municipal center of San Vicente, offering local markets and transportation hubs. (Pronunciation: Pob-lah-syón)
Inandeng River Mangrove Forest: A lush ecosystem perfect for kayaking through a dense, tranquil mangrove tunnel. (Pronunciation: Ee-nan-déng)
San Vicente Airport: The small, modern gateway providing direct access to the region.
Alimanguan Beach: A beautiful section of the Long Beach, known for its tranquil atmosphere and occasional surf waves in certain seasons. (Pronunciation: Ah-lee-mang-wán)
Pinagmangalokan Beach: Another key stretch of Long Beach, often closer to some local resorts and the town center. (Pronunciation: Pee-nag-mang-ah-ló-kan)
Port Barton Village & Inland Sites:
Port Barton Beach (Itaytay Beach): The main beach in the village, lined with local restaurants, bars, and the boat departure point. (Pronunciation: Eet-táy-táy)
Pamuayan Falls: A picturesque waterfall accessible via a trek from Pamuayan Beach, offering a refreshing natural pool. (Pronunciation: Pah-moo-á-yan)
Bigaho Waterfalls: Another waterfall, typically reached by a short boat ride and a brief walk from the village of Bigaho. (Pronunciation: Big-á-ho)
White Beach: A stunning, quiet beach just a short boat ride or tricycle/scooter trip from the main village, known for its soft sand.
Coconut Beach: An idyllic, uncrowded beach fringed with palm trees, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
Port Barton Bay – Island Hopping & Marine Sites:
Inaladelan Island (German Island): A stunning, privately-managed island with a pristine beach perfect for lounging and photography. (Pronunciation: Ee-nah-lah-dél-an)
Starfish Sand Bar: A shallow sandbar famous for the abundance of colourful starfish that can be spotted in its clear waters.
Twin Reef: A highly recommended snorkeling and dive site celebrated for its vibrant and extensive coral gardens.
Exotic Island & Maxima Island: Two tiny, beautiful islands separated by a shallow channel, often visited together on island-hopping tours.
Turtle Spot: A designated area where visitors can often swim with or observe green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles feeding in the shallow seagrass beds.
Paradise Island: A secluded destination known for its large fan corals in the surrounding reef, offering excellent snorkeling.
Capsalay Island: A quiet island featuring a long stretch of white sand and a very relaxed, undeveloped atmosphere. (Pronunciation: Cap-sá-lay)
Fantastic Reef: Another major snorkeling spot known for its diversity of marine life and beautiful hard and soft corals.
Double Island: Two small, closely situated islands with shallow water in between, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Activities & Experiences
Go Island Hopping Tour A: Explore the best of Port Barton, including Inaladelan Island (often called German Island), Double Island, and Fantastic Reef for prime snorkeling.
Go Island Hopping Tour C (San Vicente): A must-do, featuring the stunning long beach, Long Beach, Inaladelan Island, and Capsalay Island, known for their white sands and clear waters.
Snorkel or Dive at the Twin Reef: Discover the vibrant marine life at this popular spot between Port Barton and San Vicente, known for its healthy corals and sea turtles.
Relax on Long Beach (San Vicente): Spend a day on the Philippines’ longest white sand beach, stretching over 14 kilometers. It’s often deserted, offering unparalleled tranquility.
Hike to Pamuayan Waterfalls: A relatively easy jungle trek from Port Barton leading to a refreshing natural pool—perfect for a cool dip on a hot day.
Visit White Beach & Coconut Beach: Rent a kayak or take a short boat trip from Port Barton to these pristine, less-crowded stretches of sand for a peaceful afternoon.
Take a Sunset Cruise: Hire a local boat (a bangka) for a relaxing evening cruise along the coastline to watch the incredible tropical sunset over the Sulu Sea.
Learn to Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP): Rent a board and glide across the calm, clear waters of Port Barton Bay—it’s a great way to explore the nearby coves.
Go Stargazing/Bioluminescent Plankton Watching: Due to minimal light pollution, the night sky is breathtaking. On moonless nights, you can sometimes spot bioluminescent plankton shimmering in the shallow water.
Explore Port Barton Town Proper: Wander through the small, relaxed village, chat with locals, and sample the simple, fresh food at the beachfront carinderias (small local eateries).
Volunteer for a Beach Clean-up: Participate in local community efforts to help keep the beautiful beaches and islands pristine, connecting with locals and other travelers.
Local Tips & Transport
Getting There: The main gateway is Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). From there, you’ll need to take a van transfer (approx. 3-4 hours) to either Port Barton or San Vicente. Book in advance or upon arrival.
San Vicente Airport (SWL): For a faster option, a smaller airport exists in San Vicente with flights from Manila and Clark, making it the most direct route for Long Beach.
Local Transport: Within the towns, your main mode of transport will be walking or riding a tricycle (a motorcycle with a sidecar, prices are negotiated).
Inter-Town Travel: The area is spread out. Travel between Port Barton and San Vicente often requires a boat taxi or an arranged land transfer, as the coastal road can be slow.
Safety Note: Always agree on the price for a tricycle ride before getting in. Standard rates are usually very affordable (often less than $2-3 per ride within the town proper).
Power Outages & Connectivity: This area is a step back from busy tourism. Electricity is often limited, with scheduled outages common (usually on from late afternoon until early morning). Wi-Fi and mobile data can be intermittent or weak—embrace the digital detox!
Island Hopping Logistics: Tours are typically run by local cooperatives. All tours require a tourist permit (Eco-Tourism Development Fee or ETDF), which is valid for 10 days and costs around $4.00.
Respect for the Environment: Palawan is an environmental gem. Do not touch or stand on corals, bring all trash back to the mainland, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
The “Slow Vibe”: Unlike El Nido, Port Barton and San Vicente are far more laid-back. Services can be slower, and there are fewer high-end amenities. Enjoy the slower pace; it’s part of the charm.
Food and Dining: Expect simple but delicious Filipino fare, focusing on fresh seafood, rice, and grilled meats. Try the Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) or the various grilled fish preparations.
Language and Pronunciation: The national language is Filipino (Tagalog), but most locals will understand basic English.
- Port Barton: Port Bar-TONE (as in “tone”)
- San Vicente: Sahn Vi-SEN-teh
- Mabuhay: Mah-BOO-high (Hello/Welcome)
- Salamat: Sah-LAH-mat (Thank you)
Hidden Gems:
- Pamuayan Fishing Village: Walk or take a tricycle north of Port Barton proper to see a small, authentic fishing community and their colorful boats.
- The Mangrove Eco-Park: Located near San Vicente, this is a quiet spot to take a boat ride through the lush mangrove forests, a crucial part of the ecosystem.
- Bohemian Street Food: Look for beachfront pop-up BBQs in the evening—they offer the freshest catch of the day at the best value.
Top Restaurants
Kinilaw Canteen [$5-$15] – Highly recommended for its excellent Kinilaw (Filipino-style ceviche), fish tacos, and a mix of Filipino and international flavors in a simple, local setting. (Pronunciation: Kee-nee-lau)
Star Apple Canteen [$5-$10] – A classic local spot where you can select fresh seafood on ice to be grilled right there, a true taste of local coastal dining.
Kusinero del Barrio Philippines [$5-$15] – Known for serving up delicious and hearty Filipino comfort food, including an especially tasty chicken adobo with pineapple.
Gacayan Restaurant [$5-$15] – Located a bit outside Port Barton, it offers traditional Filipino and Asian dishes with scenic views of the bay, popular for its large portions and fair prices.
Kalipay Canteen [$5-$10] – A well-loved local eatery in the San Vicente town proper, famous for its friendly staff, inexpensive but delicious meals, and the popular talong nujong (eggplant with coconut milk).
Mango Bar [$10-$20] – Located in San Vicente town, this spot is praised for its divine seafood, including excellent Kinilaw and Sinigang, with a nice, laid-back atmosphere.
Joan’s Cou Seen [$5-$15] – A popular and reliable local favorite for Filipino food in Port Barton, known for being very good and reasonably priced.
Farm Belle Grill [$10-$20] – A grill spot in San Vicente, offering a chance to enjoy grilled meats and seafood in a local setting.
CocoRico [$10-$20] – Part of a popular hostel, the restaurant serves delicious food (like Longsilog and full English breakfasts) and features a lively evening atmosphere with live music.
Baryo Bistro [$10-$20] – Tucked away on a hillside in Port Barton, offering great views over the inland jungle and a relaxed, open-air terrace vibe with good food.
Fat Cat Bistro [$10-$20] – A multi-purpose spot great for breakfast, brunch, and light meals, with a variety of options including eggs Benedict and good coffee, with an inviting atmosphere.
Mabuti Eat and Chill [$10-$20] – Situated just behind the beach in Port Barton, offering a two-storey setting with great views and a strong emphasis on a relaxing atmosphere with hammocks and beanbags.
Reef Café [$10-$20] – Tucked in a corner of Port Barton, it offers a simple menu, mostly centered on seafood and burgers, often featuring live music in the evenings.
Elsa’s Cottages Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located right on the waterfront, the main draw is the incredible beach location surrounded by palm trees.
Mojitos Restobar [$15-$25] – One of Port Barton’s favorites, offering a beautiful outdoor bar and dining area in a jungle garden setting, known for a great vibe and delicious food.
Gorgonzola Pizza & Pasta – Port Barton [$10-$20] – A must-try for pizza lovers, offering vegetarian-friendly options, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and high-quality ingredients.
Alas Bistro [$5-$15] – A small, unassuming local eatery on Port Barton’s main road surprisingly famous for what many consider to be the best burger in town.
Barton Bistro [$10-$20] – Right on the beach, this is the go-to spot in Port Barton for a chill sunset beer and a vibrant evening atmosphere.
Tipsy Gyros [$5-$15] – A popular spot for affordable, filling, and tasty Mediterranean-inspired gyros and snacks.
Sicily [$10-$25] – An Italian spot in Port Barton mentioned by travelers for offering good quality Italian food, including pasta and pizza.
Olive Crib [$10-$20] – Mentioned for serving good food in Port Barton, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal.
Villa Marguerita Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located on the beach, it offers a variety of food and drink options and is known for hosting live bands and setting up atmospheric lighting in the evenings.
La Palapa Inn Restaurant [$15-$25] – The restaurant of the Palapa Inn, a good option for travelers looking for reliable dining with a pleasant setting.
Parrot Boutique Resort Restaurant [$20-$35] – The dining option at this boutique resort offers modern, high-quality meals, often with a focus on fresh ingredients in a stylish setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Barton Bistro: Located directly on Port Barton Beach, this is one of the most popular spots for sunset drinks and a chill atmosphere. It features beanbags on the sand, a wide array of cocktails, cold beers, and often hosts a DJ playing laid-back tunes.
CocoRico Hostel Bar: Found in the main Port Barton village, this spot is widely considered the social and party center for backpackers. The party often starts here, and it’s a great place to meet other travelers before heading to the later beach bars. They are known for offering free welcome drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Moon Bar: A well-known late-night venue in Port Barton that comes alive after the initial gatherings. This beachside bar is often the final destination for the night for many tourists, offering music and a lively, sandy dance floor.
Reggae Bar (or Happy Bar): A classic Port Barton spot, located right on the beach, known for its live music nights and quintessential island atmosphere. When they have a performer, it’s a fantastic place to dance on the sand to great reggae and global music.
Jungle Bar: Located up in the hills above nearby White Beach, this unique spot offers an incredible view of the jungle and ocean, making the short hike totally worth it for a relaxing, secluded drink and lunch. It’s perfect for a daytime or sunset cocktail.
Flow: This pool bar in Port Barton is a go-to spot for a more social vibe during the day, and it also gets lively at night. It offers a poolside atmosphere with cheap beers and is a central hub for meeting people, especially among the backpacker crowd.
Oasis Port Barton: Found right by the beach, this lodging and restaurant/bar offers a relaxed setting for dinner and drinks. It’s a great choice for a slightly more upscale or quiet evening cocktail with the sound of the waves.
Reef Cafe: A casual spot in Port Barton town, more known for food but serving a selection of drinks in a friendly atmosphere, often frequented by both locals and tourists.
Fat Cat Bistro: Although primarily a café known for good coffee and Western breakfast, it’s a pleasantly modern and cozy spot in Port Barton where you can enjoy a drink in a nice, relaxed setting in the evening.
Olive Restaurant: Situated in Port Barton, this restaurant offers a friendly environment and a selection of cocktails and beers to enjoy with a meal or as a standalone drink.
Gorgonzola: A restaurant and bar in Port Barton known for its cozy ambiance and a place to grab a drink.
Itaytay Beach Bars: The entire stretch of the main beach in Port Barton (Itaytay Beach) is lined with small, simple bars and restaurants that offer happy hour specials on local beers and basic cocktails, perfect for a casual sunset chill.