The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a world-renowned landmark and one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Palawan. It is located within Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, declared as one of the New7Wonders of Nature to represent the Philippines.
If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Puerto Princesa, the Underground River is definitely a must-see. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information needed to make your visit to the Underground River a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
About the Puerto Princesa Underground River
The underground river is 8.2 kilometers long and has been navigated by boat up to 6 kilometers from the sea. It is believed to be one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world, making it a must-see for all travelers.
The river winds its way through an extensive cave system beneath limestone karst mountains. This incredibly beautiful and mysterious subterranean environment is full of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear water. Visiting the underground river is like taking a journey into another world—one that is filled with awe and wonder.
Aside from its mesmerizing beauty, this natural wonder also serves as a critical habitat for rare species of wildlife.
Best Time to Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River
The best time to visit Puerto Princesa Underground River is before the rainy season starts – around July. This is when there’s a lesser number of tourists.
If you don’t mind the crowd, January to May is the best time to visit. The seas are calmer during these months, so it’s easier to transfer from Sabang port to the park.
Getting There
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is located in Sabang, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the city center. To get there, you’ll need to ride a jeep, bus, or van.
If you’re not booking a tour, head to San Jose Terminal and ride any vehicle bound for Sabang port. Riding the van is the fastest option but also the most expensive. It takes around 2 hours to reach the port via van and 2 to 3 hours via jeep or bus.
Booking a Tour
I would recommend booking a tour instead of riding public transportation if you want a hassle-free trip. This ensures that you get to the port early. Plus, tour operators often offer hotel pick-ups.
When booking a tour, you’ll be given the option to include other attractions such as Sabang X-Zipline, Ugong Rock Adventures, and more. Plus, you get a buffet lunch!
We booked our tour with Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa and got the chance to meet the ventriloquist tour guide, Ernie Sarangaya. If you’re traveling with kids, I highly recommend you book their tour. The ride going to the port was fun and educational thanks to kuya Ernie.
Here’s another tour we recommend booking if you want to book ahead online. It has a 4.6/5 rating with 30K+ bookings.
What to Expect
- When you reach the port, you’ll board a boat that will take you to the mouth of the Underground River.
- Bring some cash with you to pay for the fees before boarding your boat.
- The entire tour lasts around 45 minutes and gives visitors a chance to explore the various caverns and passageways of the cave system.
- Before you start the tour, you’ll be given a life vest and a hard hat. These are important safety items, so please make sure to wear them during the entire tour. Earbuds and a recording of the tour guide are provided as well.
- During your time at the underground river, make sure to keep an eye out for some of the wildlife, especially the bats.
- There are monkeys living near the beach, so make sure to keep an eye out for them. But don’t feed them, and check that your bags are secured. The monkeys are infamous for stealing food and items.
Travel Tips
- Don’t forget to bring a dry bag to keep your valuables safe and dry.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be walking on sand, gravel, and uneven terrain.
- Keep your camera and phone in a waterproof pouch to protect them from water splashes. Bring plenty of drinking water, especially during summer when it gets hot quickly.
- Avoid talking loudly, and don’t touch the stalactites and stalagmites, as they are very fragile.
- Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy your time!
Nearby Attractions
After your Underground River tour, you can also explore other attractions near Sabang.
Monkey Trail
Want to see monkeys? You can choose to do the Monkey Trail, a guided trek in the forest. The trail will lead you back to Sabang. The trail is around 5 kilometers long, but worth it!
Ugong Rock Adventures
Another option is Ugong Rock Adventures, where you can enjoy rock climbing, base jumping, trekking, and ziplining. The ziplining provides a great view and is a must-try! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go because it started raining after our Underground river tour.
Sabang X-Zipline
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can do the Sabang X-Zipline, which is 800 meters long and offers a fantastic aerial view of the mountains and the sea.
Conclusion
A visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must-do! It’s a great way to learn and explore what nature has to
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