Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan

Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan is a must-do activity for any visitor to the Philippines. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating adventure through one of the world’s longest underground rivers. With convenient transportation, an engaging boat tour, and a delicious lunch, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour provides an unforgettable experience in a stunning natural wonder. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour promises to leave you in awe of the cave system’s breathtaking beauty.

Key Points

1. The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour offers a comprehensive package, including roundtrip transportation, boat transfers, entrance permits, audio guides, and a buffet lunch.

2. The tour provides an opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed underground river, a 45-60 minute guided paddle boat tour through the natural cave system.

3. Visitors can opt for additional activities like the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, Sabang X Zipline, and Ugong Rock Adventure for an enhanced experience, subject to additional costs.

4. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve now and pay later.

5. Based on customer reviews, the tour offers stunning natural scenery, knowledgeable guides, and satisfying dining experiences, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan, Philippines is priced from €44.17 per person.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. An option to reserve now and pay later is also available.

The tour includes roundtrip van transfers, boat transfers with life vests, visitor entrance permits, audio guide devices, and a buffet lunch.

Additional costs include the environmental fee and optional activities like the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, Sabang X Zipline, and Ugong Rock Adventure.

The overall tour duration is approximately 9 hours.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up in Puerto Princesa city between 6:30 – 7:00 am.

The tour begins with a hotel pick-up in Puerto Princesa city between 6:30 – 7:00 am.

Travelers will then drive to Sabang Wharf, where they’ll board a boat for the Underground River National Park.

After the boat transfer, they’ll embark on a 45-60 minute guided paddle boat tour through the underground river.

Afterward, guests will enjoy a buffet lunch at the Cacaoyan Restaurant.

The tour wraps up with the return drive to Puerto Princesa city, arriving by 3:30 pm.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour includes roundtrip van transfer, boat transfer with life vests, visitors entrance permit, audio device guide (available in Chinese, English, Japanese), and a buffet lunch at either Cacaoyan Restaurant or Gusto Grill.

Plus, there are several optional activities available on-site:

1. Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour: Php 350/person

2. Sabang X Zipline: Php 550

3. Ugong Rock Adventure: Php 300 – Php 650

Guests will also need to pay an environmental fee of Php 150 for adults and Php 120 for those 18 and below/seniors.

These inclusions and costs provide a complete and convenient package for exploring the renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Recommended items for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour include a change of clothes, sunscreen, water, cash, and a waterproof bag.

Visitors should also bring a passport or ID card, as these are required for the entrance permit.

A passport or ID card is necessary to obtain the required entrance permit for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour.

While on the tour, certain restrictions apply. Intoxication, plastic bags, flash photography, alcohol, drugs, and littering aren’t allowed.

Nudity is also prohibited. These rules are in place to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the Underground River National Park.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the 7 reviews available, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour generally receives a 4 out of 5 rating.

Travelers have highlighted positive experiences, including:

1. The stunning underground river and cave system, which left them in awe.

2. The knowledgeable and friendly tour guides who provided insightful information.

3. The convenient transportation and comfortable amenities throughout the tour.

4. The delicious and satisfying buffet lunch served at the Cacaoyan Restaurant.

While a few reviewers noted minor issues, the overall consensus is that the tour offers a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders.

Getting to the Underground River

Reaching the Puerto Princesa Underground River starts with a morning hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa city.

Guests are then driven to the Sabang Wharf, which is a one-stop journey each way. From there, a boat transfer takes visitors to the Underground River National Park.

The journey to the Underground River National Park starts with a boat transfer from the Sabang Wharf.

The guided paddle boat tour through the river lasts 45-60 minutes, allowing exploration of the impressive cave system.

After the tour, guests enjoy a buffet lunch at either the Cacaoyan Restaurant or Gusto Grill before the return drive back to Puerto Princesa city, arriving by 3:30 pm.

Exploring the Underground River

Upon arrival at the Underground River National Park, visitors embark on a guided paddle boat tour through the impressive cave system.

The 45-60 minute journey takes them deep into the world’s longest navigable underground river.

Highlights include:

1. Towering limestone formations that have been sculpted over thousands of years.

2. Echoes of water droplets and the occasional sound of bats overhead.

3. Glimpses of unique cave flora and fauna, including endemic species found nowhere else.

4. The grand finale – a majestic cathedral-like cavern with a serene subterranean river.

Additional Activities in the Area

Along With the main underground river tour, visitors can partake in several optional activities within the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park. The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour allows guests to explore the nearby mangrove forests, while the Sabang X Zipline offers an adrenaline-filled experience. For those seeking adventure, the Ugong Rock Adventure provides a range of activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and spelunking.

| Activity | Price (PHP) |

| — | — |

| Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour | 350 |

| Sabang X Zipline | 550 |

| Ugong Rock Adventure | 300 – 650 |

These additional offerings enhance the overall experience and allow visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Palawan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Underground River?

The best time to visit the underground river is during the dry season, typically from November to May. This allows for optimal weather conditions and minimizes the risk of disruptions from heavy rainfall.

Can Children Participate in the Underground River Tour?

Yes, children can participate in the underground river tour. The itinerary indicates the tour is suitable for families, and children under 18 receive a discounted environmental fee. However, the tour may have some physical activity that young children may find challenging.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Boat Tour?

The tour includes mandatory life vest usage during the boat transfer and paddle boat tour for safety. Participants must also follow all instructions from the licensed tour guide to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tour?

Travelers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, and outside food and beverages are not permitted. Bringing water and snacks is allowed, but they must be carried in a waterproof bag.

Are There Any Medical Facilities Near the Underground River Site?

There are basic medical facilities available near the Underground River site, though they may have limited capabilities. Visitors are advised to bring any necessary medications and to exercise caution to avoid accidents or illnesses during the tour.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s longest underground rivers. With convenient transfers, a guided boat experience, and a delightful lunch, this tour provides excellent value for money. Explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re seeking an exciting journey or a peaceful escape, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: