From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Full-Day Trip

Exploring the longest navigable underground river in the world is no small feat. The "From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Full-Day Trip" promises just that – an unforgettable adventure deep within the lush forests of Palawan. With a hassle-free itinerary and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. For adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts, this excursion is an opportunity to enjoy one of the Philippines’ most remarkable natural wonders.

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Key Points

This full-day trip from Puerto Princesa offers an 8-10 hour guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
The tour includes a 1.5-hour van transfer to Sabang Wharf, a 20-minute boat ride, and a 45-minute guided tour of the underground river.
Guests can enjoy a 1.5-hour Filipino buffet lunch and have the option to add on activities like the Ugong Rock Adventure Zipline and Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.
Hotel pickup within a 15-kilometer radius of the Puerto Princesa airport is included, with a surcharge for hotels outside this radius.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 900 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Underground River Full-Day Trip from Puerto Princesa is priced from $48.02 per person.

The Underground River Full-Day Trip from Puerto Princesa is priced from $48.02 per person.

This 8-10 hour tour includes free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and an option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour departs from hotels within 15 kilometers of the airport and takes travelers to the Sabang Wharf, where they’ll board a boat to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The guided tour of the underground river lasts 45 minutes, followed by a 1.5-hour lunch at a Sabang restaurant.

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Itinerary and Activities

From the Puerto Princesa hotel, travelers embark on a 1.5-hour van journey to the Sabang Wharf. They then board a boat for a 20-minute ride to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. A guided tour of the underground river follows, lasting 45 minutes. Afterward, guests enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch at a Sabang restaurant. Optional activities include the Ugong Rock Adventure Zipline (45 minutes, extra fee) and the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour (45 minutes, extra fee). Finally, the group returns to the hotel in Puerto Princesa, a 1.5-hour van ride.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Van transfer to Sabang Wharf | 1.5 hours |

| Boat ride to National Park | 20 minutes |

| Guided tour of underground river | 45 minutes |

| Lunch at Sabang restaurant | 1.5 hours |

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Highlights and Experience

Sailing along the world’s longest navigable underground river is a highlight of this full-day trip from Puerto Princesa.

Visitors enter a mystical cave system via canoe, marveling at the unique rock formations and diverse wildlife, including monitor lizards and monkeys.

The tour also includes a buffet-style Filipino lunch, allowing travelers to sample local delicacies.

Optional activities, such as the Ugong Rock Adventure Zipline and Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, provide additional opportunities to immerse in the natural wonders of the area.

With knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics, the tour delivers an exceptional experience for visitors.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour includes hotel pickup from Puerto Princesa, within a 15-kilometer radius of the airport.

You’ll travel to Sabang Wharf, about 1.5 hours away, aboard a comfortable van. The return trip is also 1.5 hours.

However, if your hotel is outside the 15-kilometer zone, an $80 surcharge applies.

An $80 surcharge applies if your hotel is located outside the 15-kilometer radius from the Puerto Princesa airport.

This tour is best suited for small groups of up to 13 people per van.

It’s not recommended for children under 3, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users as moderate walking is involved.

Be sure to bring your passport/ID, comfortable shoes, and any necessary medications.

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Dining and Meals

During the tour, visitors enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a restaurant in Sabang, which lasts around 1.5 hours. The meal features a variety of traditional Filipino dishes, allowing travelers to sample the local cuisine. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. The table below outlines the key meal details:

| Feature | Details |

| — | — |

| Cuisine | Filipino |

| Style | Buffet |

| Duration | 1.5 hours |

| Location | Sabang restaurant |

| Dietary Needs | Communicated in advance |

The leisurely lunch break provides a chance to recharge before continuing the exploration of the underground river.

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Suitability and Accessibility

The Underground River Full-Day Trip is suitable for most visitors, though there are some important considerations.

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 3, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the moderate walking involved. Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance for meal arrangements.

The tour is designed for small groups up to 13 people per van. Hotel transfers are only included within a 15-kilometer radius of the airport, with a surcharge for longer distances.

What to Bring and Prepare

When packing for the Underground River Full-Day Trip, visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable walking shoes, and appropriate clothing. The tour involves moderate walking, so proper footwear is essential.

Plus, visitors should:

Bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the weather can be hot and sunny.

Bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the weather can be hot and sunny.
Pack a small backpack or bag to carry personal items during the tour.
Bring any necessary medication and hydration, as the tour can be physically demanding.
Consider bringing a camera to capture the stunning natural scenery.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the Underground River Full-Day Trip has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 907 reviews.

Travelers praise the tour’s organization and the beauty of the experience. One reviewer from Hungary called it "very well organized and beautiful."

A Polish guest noted their guide, Jeff, was "very cool and experienced." A reviewer from Romania enthusiastically wrote, "It was amazing! Thank you for all and thank you Jed for being a top guide!"

With high marks for the guides, transportation, and value, this tour seems to deliver an exceptional experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring a Drone on the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t allow guests to bring drones on the trip. Drones are not permitted in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park due to environmental and safety concerns. Guests should leave their drones at their hotel during the tour.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim for the Boat Ride?

No, you don’t need to know how to swim for the boat ride. The tour includes a guided boat ride along the underground river, and the boats are safe and stable. Passengers won’t be required to enter the water.

Are There Bathrooms Available During the Tour?

There are bathrooms available during the tour. The itinerary includes a stop at a Sabang restaurant where visitors can use the restroom facilities. Plus, there may be basic restrooms at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park site.

Can I Take a Pet With Me on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 3 or individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or wheelchair users. Dietary restrictions should be communicated for meal arrangements.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old. Individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or wheelchair users are also not recommended to participate due to the moderate walking involved during the excursion.

The Sum Up

This Puerto Princesa Underground River tour offers an unforgettable adventure through the world’s longest navigable underground river. Priced at $48.02 per person, the well-organized experience includes transportation, boat ride, guided cave tour, buffet lunch, and optional activities. With a 4.5-star rating, it promises breathtaking natural beauty and knowledgeable guides, making it a must-do for those visiting the area.

You can check availability for your dates here: