The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Departing from the city proper, guests embark on a scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, they’ll explore the stunning subterranean river, guided by knowledgeable staff and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. With a delicious Filipino-inspired lunch included, this tour promises an immersive experience that leaves visitors in awe of the natural wonder before them. What else might be discovered on this captivating excursion?
Key Points
- The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour departs from the city proper and takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sabang Wharf.
- The 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a guided cave exploration, and a buffet lunch featuring traditional Filipino cuisine.
- The tour provides an opportunity to witness the biodiversity of the national park, including endemic species like bats and swallows.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart issues, wheelchair users, and infants under 1 year old.
- The tour may be canceled due to severe weather conditions, and personal items like comfortable shoes and a waterproof camera are recommended.
Tour Overview
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a popular excursion that allows visitors to explore one of the world’s largest underground rivers. Priced from $49.85 per person, the 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a guided cave exploration, and a buffet lunch.
Conducted in English, Tagalog, and several other languages, the tour takes participants on a journey through the stunning limestone karst landscape and diverse wildlife of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With round-trip transportation and all necessary permits included, this tour offers a seamless and immersive experience.
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Itinerary
The typical itinerary for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour begins with a pickup from hotels or locations within 15 kilometers of the Puerto Princesa City Airport, with an additional charge for further distances.
The tour starts around 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Travelers then take a van for a 1.5-hour drive to Sabang Wharf, where they’ve a 30-minute photo stop and sightseeing.
Next, they board a water transport for a 20-minute ride to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, followed by a 45-minute guided tour inside the cave.
The tour concludes with a 1.5-hour buffet lunch and a 1.5-hour return trip to Puerto Princesa.
Note that itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights and Features
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers visitors the chance to experience the natural wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its limestone karst landscape and rich biodiversity.
Guests can view endemic species like bats, swallows, and other wildlife in the Nature Park. The tour also includes a buffet lunch featuring delicious Filipino cuisine.
An important aspect of the tour is its environmental significance, as the park hosts a ‘mountain-to-sea’ ecosystem with crucial forests in Asia.
Inclusions
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour includes a comprehensive package that covers the key aspects of the experience.
The tour provides pickup and drop-off services within 15 kilometers of the Puerto Princesa City Airport. Guests will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Filipino cuisine and a guided tour inside the Underground River Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Round-trip pump-boat and paddle boat transportation, as well as all necessary permits and fees, are included. An audio device is provided for those who prefer self-guided exploration.
The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women and wheelchair users.
More Great Tours NearbyExclusions
While the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour includes a comprehensive package, there are a few exclusions that guests should be aware of. Specifically, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart issues, wheelchair users, people with vertigo or seasickness, and infants under 1 year old. Plus, guests are responsible for bringing their own personal items, such as comfortable shoes, a camera (preferably waterproof), and biodegradable insect repellent. The tour may also be canceled due to severe weather conditions. The following table outlines the key exclusions for this tour:
| Not Suitable For | Personal Items |
| —————————————————– | ————————————————— |
| Pregnant women | Comfortable shoes |
| Individuals with heart issues | Camera (waterproof recommended) |
| Wheelchair users | Comfortable clothing |
| People with vertigo or seasickness | Flip-flops |
| Infants under 1 year old | Biodegradable insect repellent |
What to Bring
Visitors should bring a few essential items to make the most of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the boat ride and cave exploration.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the boat ride and cave exploration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour.
A waterproof camera is highly recommended to capture the stunning limestone formations. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and don’t forget flip-flops for getting on and off the boats.
Bringing a copy of your passport can also be useful. Insect repellent, preferably biodegradable, will help keep bugs at bay.
With these items packed, you’ll be well-prepared to learn about the natural wonder of the Underground River.
Tour Conditions
Up to 12 participants are permitted per van, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Dietary restrictions must be communicated in advance to the tour operator. Tours may be canceled due to severe weather conditions, which can impact the safety and enjoyability of the experience.
| Tour Conditions | Details |
| — | — |
| Group Size | Up to 12 participants per van |
| Child Policy | Children must be accompanied by an adult |
| Dietary Restrictions | Must be communicated in advance |
| Weather Conditions | Tours may be canceled due to severe weather |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart issues, wheelchair users, or people with vertigo/seasickness |
Customer Feedback
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 14 customer reviews.
Guests have highlighted the excellent quality of the tour guides and transportation. One reviewer noted, "Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience truly memorable."
Another commented, "The van was comfortable, and the driver navigated the roads safely."
Customers also praised the stunning natural beauty of the underground river and the delicious Filipino cuisine served during the lunch.
A few reviewers did note the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour includes a buffet lunch. It’s best to communicate any dietary restrictions in advance to ensure the tour provider can accommodate them.
What Should I Do if I Suffer From Motion Sickness?
If you suffer from motion sickness, it’s recommended to take medication beforehand and sit in the front of the van. Bring seasickness wristbands or ginger candies as well. Notify the tour guide of your condition so they can assist you.
Is There Any Restroom Facility During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Visitors can use the restrooms at the Sabang Wharf before and after the boat ride to the Underground River National Park. Adequate restroom breaks are provided throughout the day.
Can I Swim in the Underground River?
No, visitors can’t swim in the underground river. The tour strictly prohibits swimming to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Visitors can only explore the river by paddle boat guided by licensed tour operators.
Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Boat Ride?
There are safety precautions for the boat ride, including life jackets provided. The boats are regularly inspected and piloted by experienced boatmen. Passengers must follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and secure experience.
The Sum Up
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. With a scenic drive, boat ride, and guided cave exploration, guests can enjoy the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and a delicious Filipino lunch, this tour is a must-do experience when visiting Puerto Princesa.
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