Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour With Buffet Lunch

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Puerto Princesa’s natural wonders with the Underground River Tour. This all-inclusive adventure promises a breathtaking exploration of the UNESCO-listed site, guiding visitors through a labyrinth of limestone karst landscapes and captivating cave formations. Complemented by a delectable buffet lunch showcasing local cuisine, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that caters to the senses. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique culture, this tour presents an opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make Puerto Princesa a true gem of the Philippines.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Puerto Princesa.

Key Points

• The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour offers an 8-hour guided experience showcasing limestone karst landscapes and cave formations within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour includes complimentary cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, van and boat transfers, a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine, and all-inclusive services.
• The tour group size is capped at 12 participants per van, providing a personalized experience, and moderate walking is involved.
• Booking is available through a "Reserve now & pay later" option, with flexible cancellation policies and the option to pick up and drop off within a 9.3-mile radius of the airport.
• Positive customer reviews highlight the tour’s unforgettable experiences, knowledgeable guides, and exceptional value, making it a must-see during a visit to Puerto Princesa.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, visitors can expect a comprehensive package priced at $67.18 per person.

With a duration of 8 hours, the tour includes complimentary cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

Pickup is provided within a 9.3-mile radius of Puerto Princesa International Airport, followed by a journey to the Sabang Wharf, water transport to the UNESCO World Heritage site, and a guided tour of the stunning limestone karst landscapes and unique cave formations.

Completing the experience, a buffet lunch featuring local Filipino cuisine is included, along with various other services like licensed guide, transfers, and fees.

Itinerary and Experience

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour begins with a pickup by van, taking visitors on a 1-hour journey to the Sabang Wharf. There, they’ll board a water transport for a 20-minute ride to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Once they arrive, a guided tour through the 45-minute underground river experience awaits, showcasing the stunning limestone karst landscapes and unique cave formations. After the river tour, visitors will enjoy a 1-hour buffet lunch featuring local Filipino cuisine before the 1-hour van trip back to Puerto Princesa.

Journey	Duration
Van pickup	1 hour
Water transport to park	20 minutes
Underground river tour	45 minutes
Water transport back	20 minutes
Buffet lunch	1 hour

Highlights of the Tour

Highlights of the tour include the stunning limestone karst landscapes and unique cave formations that visitors will witness during the guided 45-minute boat ride through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a rich biodiversity, with the chance to spot various species of birds, bats, and other wildlife inhabiting the cave system.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to marvel at the incredible natural wonders of the underground river, from its towering chambers to the intricate stalactites and stalagmites adorning its walls.

Exploring this natural wonder is undoubtedly a highlight of any visit to Puerto Princesa.

Included Services

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.

A licensed tour guide accompanies the group, providing insights and commentary throughout the journey. Convenient van and boat transfers are included, along with all necessary entrance fees.

Guests can savor a delectable buffet lunch featuring local Filipino cuisine. Audio tour devices and life vests are also provided.

Plus, parking and wharf fees, as well as tips and gratuities, are all covered. This all-inclusive package allows travelers to immerse themselves fully in the UNESCO-listed wonder without worrying about additional costs.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Considerations

Shared-tour arrangements with a 12-passenger van cap the group size, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Those with walking disabilities may find the moderate walking involved challenging. Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance to accommodate preferences. While the actual pickup time is provided a day before the tour, guests are advised to book early due to the daily 1,000-person limit at the Underground River.

Consideration	Details
Group Size	Maximum of 12 participants per van
Physical Ability	Moderate walking involved, not recommended for those with walking disabilities
Dietary Needs	Communicate dietary restrictions in advance
Availability	Daily guest limit of 1,000 at the Underground River, advance booking advised

Getting There and Back

The tour begins with a pickup by van from Puerto Princesa, within a 9.3-mile radius of the airport.

The journey to the Sabang Wharf takes approximately 1 hour. From there, visitors board a water transport that ferries them to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in 20 minutes.

After the 45-minute guided tour of the underground river, the process is reversed, with a 20-minute boat ride back to the Sabang Wharf, followed by:

1. A 1-hour lunch break.
2. The 1-hour van trip back to Puerto Princesa.
3. Arrival at the original pickup location.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive, the lone customer review on the tour’s page praised the unforgettable experience, knowledgeable guide, and entertaining trip, ultimately recommending the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour without reservation.

The reviewer, Scott from the United States, visited in August 2024 and highlighted the tour’s standout features, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site‘s stunning limestone karst landscapes and unique cave formations.

With a 5/5 overall rating, the review suggests the tour delivers an exceptional value proposition, offering a comprehensive package that includes van and boat transfers, entrance fees, buffet lunch, and more, all for a reasonable price of $67.18 per person.

Booking and Reservations

For this Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, travelers can book their spot with no upfront payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour can be easily booked online, and features flexible cancellation policies – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This tour is a popular choice, so it’s advisable to book in advance, as there’s a daily guest limit of 1,000 at the Underground River.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup and drop-off within 9.3 miles of the Puerto Princesa International Airport.
2. A shared tour with a maximum of 12 participants per van.
3. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if communicated in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Permit to Visit the Underground River?

Yes, visitors need a permit to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The tour agency handles obtaining the necessary permit as part of the tour package, so participants don’t need to arrange it separately.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour details, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks. The tour package includes a buffet lunch featuring local Filipino cuisine. Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance to the tour provider.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most participants, though not recommended for those with walking disabilities due to the moderate walking involved.

Can I Take Photos or Videos Inside the Cave?

Yes, visitors can take photos and videos inside the cave during the guided tour. However, the use of flash photography is typically prohibited to protect the delicate cave formations and environment.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

The tour requires no special equipment. Participants should wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave can be cool. All necessary equipment, including life vests, is provided by the tour operator.

Recap

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a must-do experience for any visitor to the area. With its breathtaking limestone karst landscapes, unique cave formations, and a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site‘s underground river, this all-inclusive adventure delivers an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of Puerto Princesa. At just $67.18 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to explore one of the Philippines’ most awe-inspiring natural attractions.

You can check if your dates are available here: