How to get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

Why visit Port Barton?

Port Barton is a small coastal village in the Philippines, in the town of San Vicente, Palawan. It’s nowhere near as famous as Coron or El Nido, but that’s exactly why you should include Port Parton in your itinerary.

Backpacker huts dot its jagged coastline, which opens to turquoise waters overlooking the islands nearby. Island-hopping is a must when in Port Barton, as well as diving, camping and trekking to its many waterfalls. Our favourite? Doing nothing. The island’s calm vibe makes one want to just lay on the beach and savour nature’s gifts.

There are 4 ways to travel the 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton. You can choose between the bus, van, private transport and Motorbike. The journey takes 3 to 5 hours and the quickest way is by van. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 440 PHP ($7.80).

Taking a minivan is the best option to travel from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton. There are several departures throughout the day, and most vans either leave from Puerto Princesa Airport or offer hotel pick-up.

All vans are air-conditioned, and fares start at 525 PHP ($9.30) for the journey that takes 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.

You can choose from five minivan operators: SBE Transport, Recaro Transport, Fortwally, Palajuanders Travel and Tours and Island View Travel.

Just a heads-up: some travellers have mentioned that drivers can go a bit too fast and don’t always stick to the exact schedule.

Departure stations

Vans from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton leave from two different locations: Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) or San Isidro Bus Garage. Some operators also offer hotel pick-up, so you won’t need to go to the terminal to catch your ride.

While airports are normally located outside the city centre, this is not the case for Puerto Princesa, where you can find the airport right within the city. In comparison, San Isidro Bus Garage is about 4 km north of the airport.

So whether you’re arriving at the airport or staying in the city centre, booking a van to Port Barton is a convenient way to start your trip.

You can travel by bus from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton, but it’s not the most comfortable option.

There are only 2 departures per day, and the buses are not air-conditioned. Seating is less comfortable compared to a minivan, and 4 hours on a bus without air conditioning can be pretty exhausting.

A ticket costs 440 PHP ($7.80). While it’s a bit cheaper than taking a van, we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re on a tight budget or other options are fully booked.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses operating from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton depart only from San Isidro Bus Garage, about 4km from Puerto Princesa Airport. You can buy your ticket at the terminal, but make sure that you are there at least an hour before the scheduled departure.

Buses arrive at the Port Barton Bus Terminal in the town centre.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton.

Rates start from 4,900 PHP ($87) for a 10-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 490 PHP ($8.70) per person. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.

Private Transport options from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

Motorbikes are available for rent in Puerto Princesa. This is a good option for the Puerto Princesa to Port Barton route if you prefer a more independent way of travelling. You can enjoy the rural sights and make a stop whenever you want.

Where to rent?

Most of the bike rental shops are located along Rizal Avenue, between Junction No. 1 and the Old Airport. The shops’ rental fees start from 550 PHP ($9.70) per day, depending on the type of motorbike you rent. Many shops offer discounts for long-term rentals, but if you’re planning to ride to Port Barton, they often require a minimum rental of 5 days.

The downside with renting a motorbike is that the shop often takes your passport as a deposit until you return the motorbike. The shop would also require you to return the motorbike with the same amount of fuel. Also, most motorbikes are not insured, so you have to rent a motorbike at your own risk.

Rental conditions

Always read the terms and conditions of the contract before you sign. It’s a good idea to inspect the bike and list any scratches or minor damages. Be sure to provide one copy of the list to the shop.

Luggage transport

Some van companies in Puerto Princesa offer luggage transport to Port Barton, with rates starting at around 50 PHP ($0.90) per bag. It’s a convenient option if you’re travelling separately or want to send bags ahead.

With the closure of San Jose Terminal, vans now depart from either the San Isidro Bus Garage or the Irawan Bus Terminal. To arrange luggage transport, you can talk to dispatchers or drivers at either terminal or ask your accommodation to help coordinate the service. The usual pick-up place is at Ballesteros Street in Port Barton.

Alternative: rent a car

Prefer driving a car over a motorbike? Rental rates range from 2,000 PHP ($35.50) to 4,000 PHP ($71) per day, depending on the car model. If you’re heading to Port Barton, most rental companies require a minimum of 4 days.

As a precaution, always read the contract carefully and make sure you fully understand the terms before signing.