Port Barton, San Vicente

Port Barton is one of the major destinations of local and foreign tourists in Palawan. Port Barton is a bit way off the other scenic places in the province of Palawan because it lies at the northwestern side. Port Barton is difficult to access due to poor roads that can be traversed by only four-wheel drive vehicles or the huge six-wheeler jeepney that serve the Port Barton-Puerto Princesa route. Once there, a tourist could commune with nature as the place is known for its peaceful, rural setting.

 

In August 2008, I visited Port Barton with my friend and three of my students. We traveled more than a hundred kilometers on a well-paved highway connecting Roxas and Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. At a junction somewhere almost near Roxas municipality, an access road to Port Barton broke our smooth ride. The road this time is unpaved with occasional potholes. A few minutes later, we encountered a badly damaged road with deep recesses caused by tires buried in muck. The driver drove through it maneuvering such that we avoid getting stuck. It was a successful attempt after snaking our way through the thick mud.

 

Port Barton is difficult to access during the rainy months (July to December) because the soil is not as compact as in other places. Large, six-wheeled jeepney or four-wheel drive vehicles and its crew are adapted to such conditions. Once the tires get stuck and buried in the mud, the jeepney assistants dig out soil in front of the tires so the jeepney can gather momentum and get out of the mud.

 

Read more on what to see in this awesome place here.