| Page Views: 497 Last Visit to Port Barton: February, 2009 | A Unique Village by sugarpuff - last update: May 2, 2009 |
From the little that I could find on Port Barton, I imagined it to be a place where little to nothing happens every day, where the jungle is in complete control and in general, a place that has a nice beach but not really worth the hassle of going to, and just 'ok' to hang out at if you did bother to make the effort! Yet despite all that, I WAS ready to give it a go and was looking forward to the solitude that would supposedly await me. I had researched this place for a few weeks leading up to the holiday and had plenty of notes about how to get there, but not much on what I could do once I was there, or where I could stay. Simple things like the layout of the village, or how long it would take me to get from Puerto Princesa to the intersection that would lead me to Port Barton just wasn't readily accessible and so this trip for me was one of taking notes and making sure I had all this for future travellers to this wonderful place...not that I want any of you to go there as it will over time become another big tourist place, and right now, it's perfect!
It was to be my birthday a few days after we arrived so I had geared myself up for a quiet one. We would be moving onto El Nido for Charles' birthday a few days after and I was pretty sure we would be having a more lively time there...but it seems I was mistaken, as you can later on read about! |
|  | History of Port Barton Port Barton's roots lie with the Tagbanua settlements established before the turn of the century. Historical records show that in 1890, this place was called 'Itaytay' (meaning unknown) by the ten tribal families, the Tagbanua (Palawan native). They had no permanent address and their customs and traditions made them wander from one place to another in search for their food produce. Rice was their staple food.
An American soldier, Mr. Tomas Wales, arrived at Malampaya, Taytay in 1933 and opened a logging concession. Labourers were hired and among them was a native Tagbanua named Torse, who had refined manners thereby attracting the attention of Mr Wales. He was fondly called Thomas Torse Wales II. A greater demand for lumber made the group seek a better logging station and so they came to camp 'Itaytay'. Afraid of the newcomers, the Tagbanua fled to the mountains. Later however, a blood pact was forged between the new settlers and the indigenous people to improve relations among residents in the area. Thus, little by little, the natives embraced and appreciated the Christian way of life. Recruitment of more labourers increased and intermarriage among the natives contributed to the steady increase of population within the area.
A decade later, an English military man, Col. Burton, made a strategical and economic survey of the nearby places and islands over several weeks. Col. Burton mapped every island they visited, and Itaytay being the best one for their home station was named after him. Thus Itaytay was changed to Port Barton.
In 1952, fishermen from Estancia Iloilo, noting the demand and scarce catch of fish in the province moved to Port Barton. Among them were the Ballesteros family, Masadra Family, Santos Family and Buriol Family. Mr Tomas Ballesteros, with the coordination of the other families, convinced the people on the importance of education. The first school was called Port Barton Community School.
Port Barton at that time was a sitio (sub city) of Kemdeng under Puerto Princesa City, but through the initiatives and dedicated efforts of Mr Ballesteros, a resolution was filed and in 1961, Port Barton was officially declared a barrio (village) of Puerto Princesa City. Nine years later, it was ceded to San Vicente, a newly created municipality of Palawan. |
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| Pros: | "Quiet, Friendly, Relaxing, Few Tourists" | | Cons: | "A bit of a hike to get there - maybe that's a good thing though!!!" |
sugarpuff's Port Barton Travel Tips
 Comments for sugarpuff about Port Barton | | | | |
edwinic Tue Sep 8, 2009 05:12 UTC
Reading your articles on Port Barton made me want to zoom in to the place. Thank you! I will use your page for my future trip to Port Barton. | aussirose Mon Jul 6, 2009 01:31 UTC
Hi Victoria....havn't dropped by for a while so thought I'd check out the latest :o) Wow, what a gorgeous place!! Mango pancakes sound devine!! Hugs, Ann xx | Dyesebel Sun Jun 7, 2009 20:03 UTC
Great tips Victoria!I've been to Port Barton as well but not seen enough. I'll definitely revisit this place. | Sharrie Fri Jun 5, 2009 07:24 UTC
Looks to me like you'll be leading the life of a lady of leisure when you move here! ;-) Or perhaps you're planning on turning this little hidden getaway into a big project?! (Just joking...) |
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