Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed day that combines natural wonders with adrenaline rushes, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride offers just that. This highly-rated experience, run by Corazon Travel and Tours, has been praised for its knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and excellent value, making it a standout choice for travelers eager to explore Palawan beyond the usual beaches.

What makes this tour special? For starters, it includes a visit to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, along with a fun zipline over the sea — all packed into approximately 8 hours. It’s perfect for those who love a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking views. However, keep in mind there’s a bit of a hike involved, so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who don’t mind some walking and boat rides.

This tour stands out as a comprehensive day trip that balances adventure, local flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, you’ll come away with memorable moments and a deeper appreciation for Palawan’s natural beauty.

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Key Points

All-Inclusive Value: The tour covers park fees, boat transfers, lunch, safety gear, and audio guides, making it a hassle-free experience.
Expert Guides: Guides like Kuya Jeff (“Mr. Moon”) are praised for their energy, knowledge, and friendly attitude.
Diverse Activities: Enjoy cave exploration, boat rides, Filipino cuisine, and an exciting zipline over the sea.
Authentic Cultural Touches: Try local delicacies like tamilok, a woodworm from mangrove bark, for a true taste of Palawan.
Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup from downtown Puerto Princesa simplifies logistics.
Great for Group Travel: The tour’s small group setting encourages camaraderie and keeps costs down.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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

Easy Start with Hotel Pickup and Comfort

The adventure kicks off at 7:00 am with hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride for the roughly 90-minute drive to Sabang Beach. This seamless start takes the hassle out of logistics, allowing you to relax and get excited for what’s ahead.

Journey to Sabang Beach

Once at Sabang, the guide handles the paperwork and prepares you for the boat transfer. The boat ride to the park is part of the charm — moving across calm waters surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a scenic prelude that sets the tone for the adventure.

Exploring the Underground River

The highlight? Visiting the Underground River, recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Safety gear like helmets and life vests are provided, and an audio device in multiple languages helps explain the significance of the caverns. Expect about 45 minutes on a paddle boat inside the cave, gliding through astonishing rock formations and underground passages. The experience is awe-inspiring and accessible, with reviewers noting the knowledgeable guides who prepare you well for what you’ll see.

Tasting Local Flavors at Sabang Beach

After the cave, you’ll enjoy a Filipino lunch at Sabang Beach, which is included in the tour. The meal features local delicacies, giving you a taste of Palawan’s culinary heritage. Don’t forget to try tamilok — a woodworm from mangrove bark — a unique dish that’s both a cultural experience and a conversation starter.

There's plenty more to explore in Palawan

The Zipline Over the Sea

Post-lunch, the adventure shifts gears with the Sabang X Zip Line Ride. It’s an 800-meter-long cable soaring over the sea, offering panoramic views of the beach, forest, and mountains. The hike to the zipline platform is part of the experience, so be prepared for some walking. As one reviewer pointed out, the views from above are “fantastic,” and the thrill of gliding over the water is a highlight for many.

Returning to Puerto Princesa

After the excitement, the group boards the boat back to Sabang and then rides back to the city, arriving in the late afternoon. The overall day is well-paced, with enough downtime to enjoy the scenery and soak in the atmosphere.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value for Money: At $59 per person, the tour packs in a lot — transportation, park fees, boat rides, lunch, and even safety equipment. While the price is reasonable, the inclusive nature means there are no hidden expenses, making it a good deal for those wanting a comprehensive day trip.

Expert Guidance: As the reviews highlight, guides like Kuya Jeff (“Mr. Moon”) elevate the experience with their energy and knowledge. A good guide can make or break a tour, and here, it’s clear many travelers appreciate the personal touch.

Authentic Experiences: Trying tamilok and enjoying Filipino cuisine on the beach offers a tangible connection to local culture. It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersion into Palawan’s way of life.

Breathtaking Views and Adventure: From exploring underground caves to soaring over the sea, the tour offers diverse activities that appeal to adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Practical Considerations

While most travelers find the tour rewarding, it’s worth noting the hike involved in reaching the zipline platform. If mobility is an issue, or if you prefer very leisurely outings, this might be a challenge. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness who are comfortable with walking, boat rides, and some exertion.

The tour operates with a maximum of 99 travelers, but reviews suggest it generally feels intimate thanks to small group sizes and friendly guides. The pickup and drop-off service adds convenience, especially for travelers staying in downtown Puerto Princesa.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Since the tour depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor conditions are possible. However, the provider offers a full refund if canceled in time, or the option to reschedule. It’s advisable to confirm weather conditions before your trip to avoid disappointment.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see Palawan’s natural wonders without sacrificing comfort. The combination of caves, boat rides, and ziplining appeals to a wide range of ages and interests, especially those who appreciate cultural touches like local cuisine.

It’s also perfect for small groups or families who want a guided, hassle-free day, with safety and informative narration taken care of. If you’re craving an active day that combines nature, culture, and thrill, this tour hits all those marks.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride offers a dynamic way to experience Palawan’s unique landscape. The blend of underground marvels, scenic boat rides, and the excitement of flying over the sea makes it a well-rounded adventure. The knowledgeable guides, especially Kuya Jeff, add a personal touch that turns a sightseeing trip into a memorable outing.

While it involves some physical activity, the overall experience is accessible, fun, and packed with value. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or culture enthusiast, this tour provides a solid introduction to Palawan’s diverse attractions.

In summary, it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a full day of discovery, Adventure, and authentic local flavor. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera — you’ll want to capture those stunning views.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour? Yes, pickup from downtown Puerto Princesa hotels is included, making the start of your day smooth and convenient.

What should I wear for the zipline? Wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking and some physical activity. Closed shoes are recommended for safety and comfort during the hike and zipline.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? The tour requires moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for travelers with decent mobility. Families with children should check their comfort with the hike and boat rides.

What is Tamilok and should I try it? Tamilok is a local woodworm delicacy. It’s a cultural experience and is recommended by guides as a way to embrace local Palawan cuisine.

How long does the underground river tour last? The boat ride inside the cave is approximately 45 minutes, but the whole day, including transfers and lunch, lasts about 8 hours.

Are safety measures provided? Yes, safety gear like helmets and life vests are provided, and guides offer safety instructions throughout the tour.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable if done 24 hours in advance. You may also reschedule or receive a different date.

This tour balances awe-inspiring sights with fun activities and culture, making it a fantastic way to spend a day exploring Palawan’s natural riches.