If you’re planning a trip to Palawan, the Puerto Princesa Underground River often tops the list of must-see natural attractions. This tour promises to take you on a journey through one of the world’s most impressive geological wonders, combined with scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and a taste of authentic Filipino food. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, countless reviews and detailed descriptions give us a clear picture of what you can expect—and it looks like a truly memorable experience.

The three things we love about this tour are the stunning scenery along the way, the knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging, and the delicious buffet lunch featuring local Filipino dishes. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves some walking on uneven surfaces and a wait time at the port, which might be a consideration for travelers with mobility issues or those on a tight schedule.

This full-day experience is best suited for those who want to combine adventure, nature, and culture in a single trip. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy learning about new environments, wildlife, and local cuisine, and who appreciate a well-organized day out that includes some optional activities like ziplining or mangrove tours.

Key Points

Impressive natural wonder: The underground river is one of the world’s largest navigable rivers, offering a unique experience of Palawan’s geology.
Expert guides: Reviews highlight guides like Jeff Moon and Roselle for their informative, friendly, and engaging commentary.
Value for money: At $49 per person, the tour packs in scenic drives, boat trips, a buffet lunch, and optional activities like ziplining.
Wildlife sightings: Expect to see monitor lizards, monkeys, and snakes, especially around Sabang Wharf.
Well-organized itinerary: The tour covers a lot without feeling rushed, with clear timings and efficient transportation.
Authentic Filipino cuisine: The buffet features a variety of local dishes, with many reviewers praising the quality and abundance.

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The Itinerary & What You Can Expect

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Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your Puerto Princesa hotel around 7:00 AM. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable van, with a small group size of up to 13 people, which helps keep the itinerary intimate and manageable. The drive offers beautiful views of Palawan’s countryside and provides a first chance to learn about the area’s history and environment from your guide.

A highlight of this drive is a stop at Buenavista Viewpoint, where you get a panoramic look at Ulugan Bay. This is an ideal photo opportunity and an excellent way to appreciate the natural surroundings before heading to Sabang.

Arriving at Sabang Wharf & Wildlife Encounter

At around 8:00 AM, you’ll arrive at Sabang Wharf, where a short walk introduces you to the local ecosystem. Here, you’ll see monitor lizards, monkeys, snakes, and other wildlife that are part of Palawan’s unique biodiversity. Many reviews mention the monkeys at the wharf, which are known to be curious and sometimes mischievous, especially around food.

Your guide will provide additional information about the area and its flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of the environment you’ll soon explore underwater.

The Boat Journey to the Underground River

The highlight of the day is the sail along the world’s longest navigable underground river. You’ll hop on a pump boat that takes you to the cave’s entrance, passing by lush mangroves and spotting wildlife, like monitor lizards basking on the riverbanks. The boat ride is relatively short but packed with scenic views.

Once at the cave, you’ll transfer onto a paddle boat for the actual tour inside the underground river. The cave features impressive formations—stalactites and stalagmites—that you can admire as your guide shares fascinating facts about the cave’s history and geology. The boat ride inside the cave typically lasts about 45 minutes and offers a glimpse into an otherworldly natural setting.

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Lunch and Optional Activities

Back at Sabang, a buffet lunch awaits, featuring local Filipino favorites. Reviewers consistently praise the meal for its variety and quality, often mentioning the abundance of dishes and fresh fruits. This is a great time to relax, refuel, and swap stories with fellow travelers.

After lunch, you can choose to add on activities like Sabang X Zipline or a Mangrove River Forest tour. The zipline, in particular, is often highlighted as an exhilarating way to end the day, offering views over the sea and jungle. Some reviewers found the zipline less exciting than expected, but others loved it, especially when combined with the other experiences.

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Returning to Puerto Princesa

The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in Puerto Princesa, typically in the late afternoon. If you opt for a massage afterward, some providers offer the convenience of having it at your hotel for a small extra fee, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Transportation & Group Size

One of the core advantages of this tour is the small-group format—up to 13 people—which makes for a more personalized experience. The transportation, including hotel pickup and drop-off, is generally smooth, with reviews praising punctuality and comfort. The vans are described as spacious and climate-controlled, helping make the long drive more pleasant.

Timing & Pacing

Starting early around 7:00 AM allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy more tranquil cave interiors. The overall day lasts around 12 hours, which may seem long but is packed with activity and sightseeing. The timing of ports and boat rides is well coordinated, though there may be some waiting around, as noted by reviewers. This wait is often managed well, with suggestions like doing optional activities during downtime.

Cost & Value

At $49 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering its inclusions—transportation, guide, boat rides, lunch, and optional add-ons. Many travelers feel that the experience exceeds the price, especially with guides like Jed and Roselle, who go above and beyond with their knowledge and friendliness.

Wildlife & Environment

The tour emphasizes ecological awareness, with guides pointing out wildlife and ecosystems along the way. Visitors often note the chance to see monitor lizards, monkeys, and snakes in their natural habitat, making the trip not just visually stunning but also educational.

Food & Refreshments

The buffet lunch is a highlight for many, with reviewers praising the fresh, Filipino dishes and the variety offered. Some mention that the lunch provides a perfect balance of local flavors, with enough options to satisfy different tastes, including vegetarian choices.

Optional Add-ons & Extra Activities

The zipline and mangrove paddle boat are popular additions, with some reviewers saying they add fun and variety to the day. However, others found the zipline less thrilling if they had similar experiences before. The optional activities come at additional costs, and it’s worth deciding ahead of time if they’re a priority.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For adventure lovers or nature enthusiasts, this trip offers a fantastic mix of scenery, wildlife, and cultural experiences. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides, and who want to avoid the stress of planning each detail themselves. The inclusion of a delicious buffet lunch and optional activities makes it a versatile choice for a full day of exploration.

Budget-conscious travelers will find the $49 price tag appealing, as it covers most of what you need for a comprehensive experience. The small-group setting and attentive guides, like Jeff Moon or Roselle, ensure you feel looked after throughout the day.

However, if you’re someone with mobility issues or looking for a very relaxed, minimal-walking day, this tour might be a bit demanding. Also, keep in mind the potential for waiting times and the long duration—perfect for those eager to fill their day with adventure.

In all, this tour offers a balanced, value-packed way to see Palawan’s iconic underground river and surrounding natural beauty. It’s a smart choice for travelers craving a mix of scenery, wildlife, local culture, and a touch of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa airport. Outside this radius, there may be an additional surcharge of $80.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full-day trip typically runs around 12 hours, starting early in the morning and concluding in the late afternoon with hotel drop-off.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and lightweight, casual clothes suitable for walking and water activities.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years or those with mobility impairments or heart problems.

What activities are optional?
The zipline over the sea and the mangrove paddle boat tour are optional add-ons, available at extra costs. You can choose to skip these if preferred.

Is there an environmental fee?
Yes, an environmental fee of Php 150 (about $3) is payable separately at the site.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round, but starting early helps avoid crowds and long waits, especially at the boat transfer.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded, accessible way to experience one of Palawan’s crown jewels. With its combination of natural wonder, wildlife, local flavor, and expert guidance, it’s a solid choice for those seeking an authentic, memorable day in Puerto Princesa.