Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour

Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Palawan, Philippines. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, surrounded by lush rainforest and diverse wildlife. While the tour provides a glimpse into this subterranean wonder, there’s more to uncover about the region’s rich history, culture, and biodiversity that draws visitors from around the globe.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 10-hour activity to explore the underground river in Puerto Princesa, with prices starting from Kč 1,497 per person.
• The tour includes a scenic drive, boat ride, and a guided paddle boat tour through the underground river, as well as various wildlife encounters.
• Participants will enjoy a buffet lunch, all necessary permits and fees, round-trip transportation, and insurance coverage, with no hidden costs.
• The tour is not recommended for wheelchair users, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, or travelers over 95 years old.
• Recommended items to bring include passport or ID, sunglasses, change of clothes, camera, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, and storage device.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a 10-hour activity that takes visitors on an immersive journey through one of the longest underground rivers in the world.

Priced from Kč 1,497 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and features a live guide and audio guide in English.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now and pay later option is available.

The tour includes round-trip van transfers, permits, environmental fees, a licensed guide, a boat trip, buffet lunch, and insurance and tips.

Itinerary and Highlights

After an early pickup from their hotel in Puerto Princesa City, travelers embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Sabang, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Upon arrival, they board a small motorized Bangka boat and ride to the entrance beach. Along the way, they may encounter indigenous wildlife, including monkeys and monitor lizards.

The highlight is a 45-minute to 1-hour paddle boat tour through the underground river, one of the longest in the world at 5 miles (8 km). Inside the cavern, visitors explore stalagmites, rock formations, and bats.

Inclusions

Included in the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

The tour also includes all necessary permits and environmental fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience. A licensed guide and boat trip are provided, guiding visitors through the underground river.

Round-trip van transfers from the hotel are included, making transportation convenient. Travelers are covered by insurance, and tips are taken care of, so there are no hidden costs.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and worry-free way to explore the wonders of the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Important Information

Although the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is an awe-inspiring experience, it may not be suitable for everyone.

The tour isn’t recommended for:

1. Wheelchair users

2. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions

3. Travelers over 95 years old

To ensure a comfortable and safe tour, it’s recommended to bring a passport or ID, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a camera, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, and a storage device.

Following these guidelines will help visitors make the most of this unique natural wonder.

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Customer Feedback

What do travelers have to say about the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour? Based on 2 reviews, the tour earns an impressive 4.5/5 rating.

One traveler from Australia, Brian, found the trip "interesting" and praised the "good guide."

The tour seems to satisfy visitors, providing a scenic drive, boat ride, and exploration of the unique underground river.

While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, reviewers generally recommend the experience for its natural wonders and competent guides.

Exploring the Subterranean Wonder

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey into one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers.

As the boat glides through the subterranean waterway, explorers are treated to a mesmerizing display of nature’s artistry:

1. Towering stalagmites and stalactites rise from the river’s depths, their intricate formations sculpted over centuries.

2. Flickering shadows dance across the cavern walls, cast by colonies of bats roosting overhead.

3. Unique rock formations, some resembling sculptures, others fantastical creatures, captivate the senses and ignite the imagination.

This subterranean wonder offers a truly immersive experience, transporting visitors into a timeless, otherworldly realm deep beneath the surface.

Wildlife Encounters

Along the journey, explorers often encounter a variety of indigenous wildlife. On the boat ride to the underground river entrance, visitors may spot curious long-tailed macaque monkeys and large monitor lizards sunbathing on the riverbanks. As they paddle through the cavern, they may also witness bats clinging to the cave ceiling. The following table provides an overview of some of the common wildlife sightings during the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour:

| Animal | Description |

| — | — |

| Long-tailed Macaque | Playful primates native to the region |

| Monitor Lizard | Large, scaly reptiles that can grow over 6 feet long |

| Bat | Nocturnal mammals that roost in the cave’s dark recesses |

| Squirrel | Small, agile rodents that scurry through the forest canopy |

| Kingfisher | Brightly colored birds that dive for fish in the river |

Getting There and Back

Travelers depart from their hotels in Puerto Princesa City early in the morning for the 2.5-hour drive to Sabang. The scenic route offers picturesque views along the way.

The scenic 2.5-hour drive from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang offers picturesque views along the way.

Upon arrival, they:

1. Board a small motorized Bangka boat for a short ride to the entrance beach.

2. Observe indigenous wildlife, including monkeys and monitor lizards, on the way.

3. Prepare for the 45-minute to 1-hour paddle boat tour through the renowned underground river, one of the longest in the world.

After the tour, they return to their hotels in Puerto Princesa City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends wearing comfortable clothes that can get wet or dirty. Bring a change of clothes as well. Proper attire is important for the boat ride and exploring the underground river.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks, but it’s recommended to have the included buffet lunch. Bringing extra snacks and water is fine, as long as they’re non-perishable and don’t disturb the natural environment.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photos and Videos?

Visitors can take photos and videos during the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, but they’re advised to use flash cautiously to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Tripods and selfie sticks may be restricted in some areas.

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

The best time to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. This period offers clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds for an optimal sightseeing experience.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?

There are a few important safety precautions to be aware of. The tour isn’t suitable for those with pre-existing medical conditions or over 95 years old. Bringing a passport, comfortable clothes, and insect repellent is recommended.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature. Visitors can witness diverse wildlife, paddle through the stunning underground river, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, all in a single day. With convenient transportation and all necessary permits included, this tour provides an enriching experience to explore one of the world’s natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: