Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through one of the world’s natural wonders. Located in the Philippines, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonder of Nature offers a unique opportunity to explore an underground river that stretches for over 8 kilometers. With a reasonable price tag and a comprehensive package, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. However, what truly sets this tour apart is the sheer beauty and wonder that awaits those who venture beneath the surface.

Key Points

• The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a 9-hour experience that includes round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and exploration of the UNESCO-recognized underground river.
• The tour offers guided boat rides through the world’s longest navigable underground river, along with opportunities to observe stunning rock formations and diverse wildlife.
• Tour options include an additional Ugong Rock adventure with a zipline experience, and audio guides are available in multiple languages.
• Booking the tour allows for a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve a spot and pay later.
• Certain restrictions and safety considerations apply, such as not being suitable for individuals with heart problems or recent surgeries, and the need to follow safety instructions from the tour guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Price

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a popular attraction in the Philippines, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers.

A captivating subterranean adventure awaits at the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers.

Priced from $49.67 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and includes round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and all necessary permits and fees.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can even reserve their spot now and pay later.

With its stunning natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage status, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Philippines.

Location and Significance

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range, situated approximately 80 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.

This natural wonder is renowned for its significance:

1. It was voted as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.

2. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2012, recognizing its ecological importance.

3. The underground river is the longest navigable underground river in the world, extending for over 8 km.

Tour Inclusions and Logistics

As part of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, the tour package includes round-trip van transportation within the city proper, a buffet lunch showcasing Filipino cuisine, and all necessary permits, fees, and equipment.

Guests will be provided a motorized boat, life vest, and paddle boat for use inside the cave. The tour also covers terminal and wharf fees, an audio device, and an environmental fee.

Pickup time is scheduled between 7:00 to 8:00 AM. With all logistics covered, travelers can focus on seeing the underground river’s natural wonder.

Tour Experience and Activities

What makes the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour so immersive?

The tour offers a rich and engaging experience, starting with a live English and Tagalog-speaking guide who brings the history and significance of the site to life.

Visitors can also choose from a variety of audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, French, and Tagalog.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the boat ride through the impressive underground river, where visitors can marvel at the stunning rock formations and diverse wildlife.

Plus, an optional Ugong Rock adventure with a zipline adds an extra thrill to the experience.

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Important Information and Restrictions

While the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers a unique and captivating experience, there are some important information and restrictions visitors should be aware of.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with heart problems or recent surgeries. Visitors should bring appropriate attire, including a change of clothes, sandals, and water shoes.

Bringing explosive substances, alcoholic drinks, and making fires are prohibited. Visitors should also bring a waterproof camera, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and a valid ID.

Sample Itinerary

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour follows a well-structured itinerary that ensures visitors make the most of their experience.

The day begins with an early morning pickup, providing ample time to reach the national park. Guests then embark on a motorized boat journey through the subterranean river, marveling at the stunning limestone formations and diverse wildlife.

After the cave exploration, a delectable Filipino buffet lunch is served, refueling adventurers. The tour also offers an optional Ugong Rock adventure, allowing visitors to zipline and engage in thrilling activities before the return trip to Puerto Princesa.

A delectable Filipino buffet lunch refuels adventurers after the cave exploration. An optional Ugong Rock adventure offers thrilling zipline activities.

[SAMPLE ITINERARY]

1. Morning Pickup and Transport

2. Motorized Boat Ride through Subterranean River

3. Buffet Lunch and Optional Ugong Rock Adventure

Tips for Visiting the Underground River

Visitors planning to explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River should consider a few essential tips to make the most of their experience. Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and sturdy water shoes to navigate the boat ride and cave. Bring a waterproof camera or dry bag to protect electronics. Apply biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent before the tour. Ensure you have a copy of your ID as it’s required for entry. Avoid bringing prohibited items like alcohol and explosives. Follow the tour guide’s instructions for safety. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the remarkable natural wonder of the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

| What to Bring | What Not to Bring |

| — | — |

| Comfortable, quick-drying clothes | Explosive substances |

| Sturdy water shoes | Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle |

| Waterproof camera or dry bag | Making fire |

| Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent | – |

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 15 reviews.

The tour guide received an excellent 5/5 rating, while the value for money scored a respectable 3.3/5.

Key highlights from traveler reviews include:

1. The cave’s natural beauty and uniqueness, with one reviewer describing it as "a truly breathtaking and one-of-a-kind experience."

2. The knowledgeable and engaging tour guide, who brought the history and geology of the river to life.

3. The convenient transportation and smooth organization of the tour, making for a hassle-free day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is comfortable clothes and sandals. Visitors should also bring a change of clothes, flip-flops, and water shoes to change into for the boat ride and cave exploration.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes a buffet lunch featuring Filipino cuisine. However, it’s recommended to bring water and snacks in case of dietary restrictions or preferences.

Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for Children?

There’s no age limit, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants may not be allowed on the boat tour due to safety concerns. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific policies on children.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Underground River?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay at the Puerto Princesa Underground River. However, they’ll need to make additional arrangements directly with the tour operators, as the standard package includes a fixed 9-hour duration.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Package?

The tour package price generally includes the main tour activities, but there may be additional fees or taxes not covered, such as environmental fees. It’s best to check with the tour provider for a full breakdown of costs.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage status, this 9-hour adventure is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable experience in the Philippines. Priced at $49.67 per person, the tour provides comprehensive inclusions, making it a value-packed and captivating adventure for nature enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: