Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan is an unparalleled adventure that promises to captivate visitors with its breathtaking natural wonders. Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this guided paddle boat journey through a stunning subterranean river offers an immersive experience like no other. With its high ratings and emphasis on safety and environmental protection, this full-day tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Palawan’s rich biodiversity and uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

Key points for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan:

• The tour takes place at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Philippines, with a guided paddle boat tour as the main activity.
• The tour is priced at approximately $43.46 per person and includes roundtrip van transfer, boat transfer, entrance permit, buffet lunch, and a licensed tour guide.
• The tour has a high rating of 4.5/5 based on 2 reviews, and offers additional optional activities like the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, Sabang X Zipline, and Ugong Rock Adventure.
• The tour has a flexible booking and cancellation policy, allowing for reservation without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The tour includes essential items like change of clothes, sunscreen, water, and cash, while prohibiting items such as plastic bags, flash photography, alcohol/drugs, and littering to protect the delicate ecosystem.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, nestled within the stunning Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Philippines.

Priced at around $43.46 per person, this full-day tour includes round-trip transportation, boat transfers, a guided paddle boat tour through the underground river, and a buffet lunch.

With a duration of approximately one day, the tour boasts a high rating of 4.5/5 based on 2 reviews.

Participants can also opt for additional activities like the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, Sabang X Zipline, and Ugong Rock Adventure for a more comprehensive Palawan experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Regarding the booking and cancellation policy, travelers can reserve their spot for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour without any upfront payment.

The reservation can be made in advance, and the full payment is due later. Notably, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, which allows for a complete refund.

This flexibility in booking and cancellation ensures that visitors can plan their trip with ease and minimal financial risk.

The tour’s organizers aim to provide a hassle-free experience, catering to the needs and preferences of various travelers.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins with a hotel pickup between 6:30 and 7:00 am from the customer’s hotel in Puerto Princesa City.

Guests then travel to Sabang Wharf, with one stop each way.

At the wharf, they’ll board a boat for the transfer to the Underground River National Park.

Once there, they’ll enjoy a guided paddle boat tour of the underground river, lasting approximately 45-60 minutes.

Afterward, they’ll have a buffet lunch at Cacaoyan Restaurant or Gusto Grill.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes roundtrip van transfer, boat transfer with life vests, visitors entrance permit, audio device guide (available in English, Chinese, Japanese), buffet lunch at Cacaoyan Restaurant or Gusto Grill, and the services of a licensed tour guide.

Travelers must also pay an environmental fee of Php 150 for adults and Php 120 for children and seniors.

The tour has the following important information:

• What to Bring: Change of clothes, sunscreen, water, cash, waterproof bag, passport or ID (copy accepted)

• Not Allowed: Intoxication, plastic bags, flash photography, alcohol/drugs, littering, nudity

• Safety Note: No swimming in the underground river; must be ready by 6:30 am

There are also optional tours available, such as the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, Sabang X Zipline, and Ugong Rock Adventure.

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What to Bring and Not Allowed

Travelers are advised to bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, water, cash, and a waterproof bag to store their belongings.

Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is prohibited to protect the delicate underground ecosystem. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly forbidden, as is littering.

Visitors must be ready by 6:30 am, as swimming in the underground river isn’t permitted.

It’s crucial to follow the safety instructions provided by the tour guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The tour operates under strict regulations to preserve the natural wonder of the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount on the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. Visitors must adhere to strict safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

No swimming is permitted in the underground river, and all participants must be ready by 6:30 am.

The tour also prohibits:

• Intoxication
• Bringing plastic bags
• Using flash photography
• Consuming alcohol or drugs
• Littering
• Nudity

These rules are in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and maintain the safety of all involved.

Travelers must come prepared with the necessary documents, such as a passport or ID, and be mindful of their surroundings throughout the tour.

Optional Tour Activities

Aside from the core Puerto Princesa Underground River experience, visitors can partake in a variety of optional tour activities nearby.

One popular option is the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, where guests can explore the lush mangrove forests along the coastline for Php 350 per person.

Thrill-seekers may opt for the Sabang X Zipline, which offers an exhilarating ride over the treetops for Php 550.

Plus, the Ugong Rock Adventure provides opportunities for rock climbing, spelunking, and rappelling, with pricing ranging from Php 300 to Php 650.

These optional activities allow visitors to further enjoy the natural wonders of Palawan.

Getting to the Destination

The journey to the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park begins in the city of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan province.

Visitors are picked up from their hotels between 6:30 and 7:00 AM and transported via van to the Sabang Wharf. Along the way, the van makes one stop each for both the outbound and return journeys.

Upon arrival at the wharf, a boat transfer takes visitors to the entrance of the National Park. The guided paddle boat tour through the underground river lasts approximately 45-60 minutes.

After the tour, a buffet lunch is served at the Cacaoyan Restaurant before the return trip to Puerto Princesa City, with a 3:30 PM hotel drop-off.

• Roundtrip van transfer from Puerto Princesa hotels
• One stop each way during the journey
• Boat transfer to the Underground River National Park
• Guided paddle boat tour through the underground river
• Buffet lunch at Cacaoyan Restaurant before the return trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

According to the tour information, bringing your own food is not mentioned as an allowed or prohibited item. The tour includes a buffet lunch, so bringing additional food may not be necessary.

Is There a Dress Code for the Boat Ride?

There’s no strict dress code for the boat ride, but it’s best to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes. Avoid wearing revealing outfits, as the tour maintains a family-friendly environment.

Can I Pay on the Spot or Do I Need to Book in Advance?

Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, with no upfront payment required. They can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available 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 transfer to the underground river. Adequate bathroom breaks are provided throughout the itinerary.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disabled Accessible?

The tour is generally not wheelchair accessible. There are uneven surfaces and steep pathways throughout the underground river tour. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate guests with limited mobility with prior notice and arrangements.

Recap

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Palawan’s natural wonder. With its comprehensive itinerary, safety protocols, and additional activity options, the tour provides an immersive and memorable experience for visitors. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing boat ride or an adventurous outdoor excursion, this tour delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Palawan’s captivating landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: