Town in Palawan, Philippines
Port Barton
Low-key Palawan fishing village with calm beaches, island-hopping and a small backpacker scene. Cheaper and quieter than El Nido, but remote: bumpy roads, few ATMs, spotty internet and long transfers.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$607–958Comfortable, one person · ₱38,000–60,000Details
- Value for money95/100Better value than 94% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: Apr, 32°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; guesthouses usually offer refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$4.8–16.0Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundShared van from Puerto PrincesaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyBring all the pesos you need from Puerto Princesa; the one or two ATMs can be empty or offline.Details
Where to stay in Port Barton
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central beach strip | Guesthouses, cafés, dive shops and boat tour desks |
| Coconut Garden and Lower Port Barton | Quieter beachfront stays a short walk from the center |
| Upper Port Barton | Cheaper rooms and rice-field views inland |
Apps that work in Port Barton
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps or metered taxis. Walk or ask your guesthouse for a tricycle; pre-book vans for airport and El Nido runs.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Cash only Bring all the pesos you need from Puerto Princesa; the one or two ATMs can be empty or offline. Most places take cash only.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.