Port Barton Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts
Port Barton is probably not the destination for the resort seeking, all-frills included vacationer. Rather, it is a sanctuary for the adventure seeking, culture craving backpacker. The laidback and uncomplicated rural surrounds are seamlessly integrated with the beachfront and lush rainforests of the area. That being said, options for high-end, mid-range and backpacker accommodation are available, so step on up - all are welcome.
As already mentioned, things are largely rural and of a simple-living nature in Port Barton. Eighty per cent of accommodations don’t offer hot water, and electricity is available only in the evenings, from 5pm to 1am. In low season this changes from 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Although this fishing village has far less crowds than many other spots in the Philippines, the secret of Port Barton’s magic has leaked out is getting busier each year. In peak season, although not absolutely necessary, pre-booking might be wise for peace of mind.
Budget
On the cheap end, Port Barton Homestay offers great value for money at around PHP300 for a bed in a mixed dorm room, wifi and use of the kitchen. The Homestay has a wonderful deck to admire the expansive view while you sit back with a few drinks, friends and new conversations. The small accommodation is just north of the GreenViews resort, down a winding path to the shoreline.
As a homestay option, Monkey Family Pension promises a distinctly tranquil and comfortable experience. A big double bed (with two others of the like in the same room), hot showers, Wi-Fi, free water refills, and use of the kitchen for an affordable PHP300. The community oriented vibe is wonderfully obvious as you sit around the table, passing around a home-cooked dish of food in exchange for a few pesos. It is also around the corner from Gayacan, a popular and cheap Filipino restaurant that serves up some of the best food in town.
For a memorable and natural experience travellers might like to try sleeping under the stars with Camping Palawan. The beach sand below your resting head, a communal patio with hammocks strewn artfully around, and nothing but you and the immense majesty of the world for one night. Sounds good to me! The reasonable PHP1500 will cover everything for your night, including meals. Renting a tent from one of the nearby hotels for around PHP300 and setting up on the strip of beach is also a fine option for those seeking experience and affordability rather than comfort and luxury.
Mid-Range
An incredibly valuable option is put forward by Ausan Beach Front Cottages. You'll be expected to pay more - upwards of PHP1400 - but, the package is a far cry from the local standard. 24 hour air-conditioning and hot water, 17 hours of electricity a day, free breakfast and free Wi-Fi - an technological oasis in a desert of old cell phones and rickety fans.
Being the first resort in the area, Elsa's Beach Resort is a tried and tested establishment of Port Barton. Offering options between a basic room with shared bathroon for PHP500 and a comfortable beach cottage upwards of PHP1000, this is a classic mid-range option for the area.
Alternatively, Besaga Resort provide similar beachfront and garden cottages for around P1800, but as a key feather in their hat, have the best pancakes in Port Barton. Enough to sway some as are proven by their superb reviews.
Top End
Secret Paradise Resort is not strictly in Port Barton, being an hour away by boat. But, if you want to snorkel with turtles and rays, embark on hikes from your backdoor and kickback to special views for a weekend, head on over to Secret Paradise Resort. That is, if you don’t mind forking out a hefty PHP6,500 for this fine-dining, lobster serving resort.
Alternatively, you could also stay at White Beach Annex, but this also requires a 10 minute boat ride to the island. It is also a well-equipped and very soothing environment, but at a much more modest P2900 per night.
