Port Barton

I had the opportunity to visit Port Barton in August 2008 with a friend and students. It was a difficult to travel to that site before (see my post titled  Port Barton: A Hidden Paradise in Northwestern Palawan, Philippines). Probably access is better now with more inputs coming from the government and emphasis on infrastructure development for tourism purposes. Port Barton is one of those tourist attractions I liked very much because I could rest at night given its rustic and calm setting. 

There are plans, however, to develop the airport of San Vicente so it is possible that this once quiet place would become a tourist hub just like Boracay. In fact, it was dubbed as the second Boracay of the Philippines. I have been to Boracay two years ago and I could see that Port Barton is way better than Boracay in aesthetics as well as environmental integrity.

I SCUBA dived in one of the known diving spots in the area and saw a lot of fishes. I am not impressed, however, of the state of the corals. While the corals have high rugosity which means better habitat for fishes, remnants of destruction in the past are still evident. With more neophyte divers coming in, the young coral growth may be threatened.

A good way to enjoy Port Barton is to wake up early in the morning and see the nice hues of blue in the horizon or walk along the long, white sand beach. You can also opt to bring your own tent and set it up on the beach. Just make sure it doesn't rain.