Amazing 3in1 Palawan Underground River & Ugong cave + zipline

If you’re looking to pack a punch of adventure into a single day in Palawan, this 3-in-1 tour offers an impressive lineup: exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Underground River, spelunking through Ugong Cave, and soaring down a zipline over the lush countryside. While we haven’t personally tried it, this package consistently receives high praise for being well-organized, fun, and packed with memorable moments.

What we love about this tour? First, the diverse experiences — from water-based cave exploration to adrenaline-pumping ziplining. Second, the knowledgeable guides like Mall and Xiao who add depth and reassurance to the adventure. Third, the all-inclusive value — lunch, transportation, and entrance fees are covered, making it a hassle-free day.

A potential consideration? The tour’s long duration (around 8 hours) might be tiring for some, and the cave activities, especially Ugong Rock, require a decent level of mobility. If you’re not comfortable with physical activity, this might be a bit demanding.

This trip suits adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to see Palawan’s highlights in a single day. It’s especially great for travelers who value guided, all-inclusive experiences that combine scenic beauty with adrenaline.

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Key Points

Comprehensive experience with the Underground River, Ugong Cave, and zipline all in one day
Expert guides like Mall and Xiao enhance the journey with valuable insights
Good value for money considering transportation, entrance fees, and lunch are included
Flexible tour options with hotel pickup within Puerto Princesa city
Eco-conscious approach with government permits processed on your behalf
Long but rewarding day that covers different aspects of Palawan’s natural beauty

The Details of the Tour

Looking for more options in Palawan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This private combo tour is designed for travelers who want to maximize their time in Palawan without missing out on its top sights. The combination of water-based, land-based, and aerial activities offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s natural wonders.

How the Day Is Structured

The full-day itinerary starts early with hotel pickup (within Puerto Princesa city), and the first stop is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO site is famous for being the world’s longest navigable subterranean river. You’ll cruise on a boat to the cave entrance, then descend into a cavern filled with impressive rock formations illuminated by torchlight. As one reviewer put it, the experience is “more than what we expected,” thanks to the well-organized tour and friendly guides. The 5-hour duration here gives plenty of time for exploration without feeling rushed.

Next, the adventure shifts to Ugong Cave, where you’ll enter a different kind of underground world. This activity is about spelunking — crawling through tight spaces and marveling at unique rock structures. Several reviewers mention how fun and challenging this part is; one even said it’s “quite challenging in spots,” so it’s better suited for those who are comfortable with physical activity.

Ugong Rock and the Zipline

After exploring the cave, you’ll climb to the top of Ugong Rock, an activity that combines light climbing with incredible views of the countryside. Once on top, you’ll zipline down for the ultimate aerial perspective. The zipline spans around 420 meters, providing a thrilling rush with scenic vistas. Reviewers describe the zipline as feeling “very safe,” with some calling it “easy and fun,” even for first-timers.

Convenience and Inclusions

One of the tour’s biggest selling points is its all-inclusive nature: hotel pickup and drop-off (within Puerto Princesa city), boat ride, entrance and government fees, lunch, and a licensed guide. This means you won’t need to worry about additional costs or logistics — everything is taken care of beforehand.

There's plenty more to explore in Palawan

The Experience and What Travelers Say

Reviewers highlight how well-organized and professional the tour is. Mall, Xiao, and other guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and reassuring, making even the more physically demanding parts feel manageable. For example, one reviewer called Mall “fantastic” and appreciated how he personalized their experience.

The lunch has also received positive feedback, with some describing it as “very good,” though a few mentioning that the quality can vary. The tour also emphasizes responsible tourism, with guides explaining the importance of protecting the environment within the cave and surrounding areas.

Practical Tips for Participants

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and cave crawling
Bring waterproof shoes or shoes that can get wet, as some caves involve water or muddy areas
Pack sun protection like hats and sunscreen, especially for the zipline segment
Bring a camera — the views from Ugong Rock and the underground river are stunning and worth capturing
Expect a long day; pace yourself and stay hydrated

The Value of the Tour

At $110 per person, this experience offers a solid value considering the inclusive aspects: transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and guided support. Many reviews mention that the cost is justified given the variety of activities and the professional service.

Some travelers noted that the tour’s organization is tight, with good use of time, ensuring you get the most out of each stop. It’s evident that the experience is designed to deliver diverse highlights — from underground marvels to adrenaline-pumping zipline — all within a manageable schedule.

Addressing Some Criticisms

A few reviews raise concerns about tour privacy and waiting times. It’s important to note that the Underground River tours are controlled by the Puerto Princesa government, and some scheduling aspects are outside the operator’s control. Nonetheless, most found the overall flow smooth and worth the wait.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This 3-in-1 adventure is best suited for active travelers willing to walk, crawl, and climb. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive day exploring Palawan’s natural sites without the hassle of organizing individual activities.

It’s also perfect for families or groups looking for a guided experience that combines education, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. If you’re eager for an authentic experience that highlights Palawan’s unique landscapes and geological formations, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely or less physically demanding day, consider whether Ugong Cave’s spelunking and the climbing involved might be too strenuous.

The Sum Up

This Amazing 3-in-1 Palawan tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural significance. The inclusion of UNESCO-listed underground river, Ugong Cave, and a zipline makes it a comprehensive way to experience Palawan’s highlights in a single day.

Travelers will appreciate the expert guides, smooth logistics, and all-inclusive pricing. The tour’s focus on responsible tourism and environmental respect adds value for eco-conscious visitors.

While the physicality of some activities might not suit everyone, those who are up for a challenge will find it highly rewarding. It’s a fantastic choice for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to get a true taste of Palawan’s natural wonders.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is within Puerto Princesa city proper.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full-day adventure.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, the tour provides all necessary gear, but comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, providing a personalized experience.

What should I wear for the cave activities?
Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for walking and water activities.

Can I do the zipline if I am afraid of heights?
While the zipline is generally described as safe and fun, it involves some height. Use your discretion based on your comfort level.

Are the entrance fees included?
Yes, all government and terminal fees are included in the price.

What is the best way to prepare for the physical activities?
Be prepared to climb, crawl, and walk on uneven terrain. A reasonable level of mobility helps maximize enjoyment.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour is a fantastic way to see some of Palawan’s most iconic natural attractions without the stress of planning multiple activities. Whether you’re after stunning scenery, a bit of adrenaline, or both, it’s a trip worth considering.