Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a must-do experience for those visiting the Philippines’ Palawan region. Offering a unique journey through one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, the tour immerses adventurers in a captivating natural wonder. From the scenic drive to the paddleboat exploration of the caves, the tour promises a day filled with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an exhilarating adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. But the true allure of the Puerto Princesa Underground River lies in what awaits beyond the entrance – a world of natural marvels just waiting to be discovered.

Key Points

• A 10-hour underground river tour in Puerto Princesa, including a scenic 2.5-hour drive, paddleboat exploration, and a buffet lunch.
• The tour accommodates small groups of up to 10 participants and provides licensed guides and audio guides in English.
• The tour features a boat ride to the entrance beach, wildlife encounters, and exploration of one of the longest underground rivers.
• All necessary permits and fees for the national park are included, along with round-trip van transfers and comprehensive insurance coverage.
• The tour is not recommended for wheelchair users, individuals with medical conditions, or those over the age of 95 due to the physical demands of the paddleboat ride.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a captivating 10-hour experience that takes visitors on a journey through one of the world’s longest underground rivers.

Priced from SEK 670 per person, the tour includes a scenic drive to Sabang, a boat ride to the entrance beach, and a paddleboat tour through 8 km of the underground river.

Highlights include encountering wildlife, observing impressive rock formations, and exploring the cave’s interior.

The tour accommodates small groups of up to 10 participants and provides live guides and audio guides in English.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Itinerary Highlights

The journey commences with an early hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa City, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the coastal town of Sabang.

Upon arrival, visitors will board a small motorized Bangka boat and sail towards the entrance beach. En route, they’ll encounter monkeys and monitor lizards in the lush rainforest.

The highlight of the tour is a paddle boat ride through the 5-mile long underground river, where they’ll observe stunning stalagmites, rock formations, and colonies of bats.

After the cave exploration, guests will enjoy a delectable buffet lunch at a local restaurant, completing this unforgettable adventure.

Inclusion Highlights

Included in the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour are a delectable buffet lunch, all necessary permits, a boat trip through the underground river, a licensed guide to lead the way, round-trip van transfers between the hotel and tour sites, comprehensive insurance coverage, and tips for the staff.

The buffet lunch served at a local restaurant after the tour provides a satisfying meal. All required permits and fees for the protected national park and underground river are included, ensuring a seamless experience.

The boat trip and guided tour through the 8-kilometer river and cave system allow guests to fully enjoy this natural wonder. With transportation and insurance provided, visitors can relax and focus on the adventure.

Participant Requirements

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

It’s also not recommended for people over the age of 95. Participants should bring their passport or ID card, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a camera, comfortable clothing, and insect repellent.

The underground river portion of the tour involves a paddle boat ride, which may be physically demanding for some individuals.

Visitors should ensure they’re in good physical condition to fully enjoy this immersive experience exploring one of the longest underground rivers in the world.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have shared positive feedback about the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. The overall rating for the tour is 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

Travelers have described the tour as an interesting and enjoyable experience, praising the quality of the licensed guide. The tour caters to a variety of traveler types, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families.

Customers have highlighted the scenic drive, the opportunity to encounter wildlife, and the exploration of the impressive underground river and cave formations as tour highlights.

Scenic Drive to Sabang

The scenic drive to Sabang takes approximately 2.5 hours, winding through picturesque landscapes and lush tropical foliage.

Along the way, travelers will encounter:

• Towering limestone cliffs and hills, a testament to the region’s geological history
• Dense rainforests teeming with a diverse array of flora and fauna, including endemic species
• Quaint rural villages and local communities, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life

The journey itself is an integral part of the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region before reaching their final destination.

Paddling Through the Underground River

Upon arriving at the Sabang River entrance, visitors board a small motorized Bangka boat that takes them across the waterway to the mouth of the underground river. After disembarking, they’ll encounter a forest teeming with monkeys and monitor lizards before reaching the underground entrance.

Activity	Duration
Paddle boat tour	45 min – 1 hour
Explore 5 miles (8 km)	One of the longest underground rivers
Observe stalagmites	Rock formations and bats inside the cave

Paddlers glide through the river’s cathedral-like caverns, marveling at the stalagmites, rock formations, and bats that inhabit the cave. This unique opportunity to witness one of the longest underground rivers in the world is a highlight of the Puerto Princesa tour.

Exploring the Rainforest Surroundings

Before paddling through the underground river, visitors can explore the surrounding rainforest.

This lush, verdant environment is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife:

• Monkeys scamper through the trees, providing entertainment and a glimpse into the local ecosystem.
• Monitor lizards, large predatory reptiles, can be spotted basking in the sun or hunting for prey.
• The calls of exotic birds echo through the canopy, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the rainforest.

Navigating the trails, visitors can enjoy the vibrant, living world that surrounds the famous underground river, setting the stage for the captivating cave exploration to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, a buffet lunch is included in the tour package, so there’s no need to bring your own.

Is There a Weight or Size Limit for the Boat?

The tour operator doesn’t specify a weight or size limit for the boat, but participants should be aware that the small motorized Bangka boats used may have capacity restrictions. It’s best to inquire about any size or weight limits when booking the tour.

Can I Smoke During the Tour?

Smoking is generally not permitted during the tour. The enclosed nature of the underground river environment and the presence of other participants make it unsafe and disruptive to smoke. Visitors should refrain from smoking throughout the duration of the tour.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended. The tour is scheduled for 10 hours and any changes to the itinerary or length aren’t permitted. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, additional tour.

What Should I Do if I Lose My Personal Items During the Tour?

If you lose personal items during the tour, you should immediately notify your guide. The tour operator has procedures in place to assist you in locating and recovering any lost belongings. Don’t hesitate to speak up right away.

Recap

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s longest underground rivers. Visitors can expect a scenic drive, a paddleboat journey through stunning caves, and opportunities to witness diverse wildlife. With a delicious buffet lunch included, this tour is an ideal experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: