Underground River Group Tour W/ Lunch, From Puerto Princesa

The Underground River Group Tour from Puerto Princesa offers a remarkable opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders. Traversing an 8.2-kilometer subterranean waterway, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts stunning limestone formations and diverse wildlife. With convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a provided lunch, the tour ensures a comfortable and immersive experience. Visitors can expect breathtaking views and up-close encounters with Palawan’s remarkable natural beauty. While the tour provides a rundown, there’s more to uncover about the unique challenges and considerations faced by both organizers and participants.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Palawan.

Good To Know

• Experience the stunning 8.2-kilometer underground river with limestone karst formations, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
• Observe abundant wildlife, including birds, monkeys, reptiles, and bats, along the riverbanks during the immersive nature tour.
• Enjoy the convenience of air-conditioned transportation, complimentary hotel pickup, and a provided lunch as part of the 7-hour group tour.
• Be aware of potential transportation issues and communication problems regarding cancellations, as noted in some customer reviews.
• Prepare for the tour with appropriate attire and gear, and be adaptable to weather conditions for an enjoyable experience.

Tour Overview

Exploring the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, is a captivating experience.

Stretching 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles), this subterranean waterway flows through a remarkable cave system adorned with stunning limestone karst formations.

Travelers will witness an abundance of lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife along the riverbanks, including birds, monkeys, reptiles, and bats.

The tour offers excellent photographic opportunities, allowing visitors to capture the breathtaking scenery of the towering limestone cliffs.

This unique ecosystem promises to immerse guests in the wonders of nature, creating an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights of the Tour

The Underground River Group Tour offers a range of captivating highlights that immerse visitors in the natural wonders of Palawan.

The 8.2-kilometer underground river winds through a stunning cave system, showcasing magnificent limestone karst formations and unique ecosystems. Travelers can expect breathtaking views of towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters, providing ample photo opportunities.

Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting a variety of birds, monkeys, reptiles, and bats along the riverbanks.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature promises an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to connect with Palawan’s remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity.

Tour Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and complimentary pickup from accommodations in Puerto Princesa.

Participants can also choose a special pickup option at Astoria Palawan for an additional fee.

The tour duration is 7 hours, including travel time, with a scheduled start time of 8:00 am.

Travelers can select between meeting at a designated point or opting for the pickup service.

Confirmation of the tour booking is provided, and infants must sit on laps.

Service animals are permitted, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Travelers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Confirmation of the tour booking is received at the time of purchase. Infants must sit on laps during the tour, and service animals are allowed. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Customers have the option to cancel their reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Confirmation Received	Yes, at time of booking
Infants	Sit on laps
Service Animals	Allowed
Wheelchair Accessible	No
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 hours prior

The tour operates with a maximum capacity to optimize the experience for all participants. This unique opportunity allows visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the remarkable biodiversity of the Underground River.

Customer Reviews

A total of 13 reviews provide a mixed perspective on the Underground River Group Tour, with an overall rating of 3.5 stars.

Five reviewers gave the tour a five-star rating, praising the stunning scenery and well-organized nature of the experience.

However, two reviewers rated it four stars, while one gave it three stars.

Negative feedback from two-star and one-star reviews mentioned issues with transportation, unprofessional service, and communication problems, particularly regarding cancellations and refunds.

Positive Experiences

Frequently, reviewers highlight the stunning scenery and well-organized nature of the Underground River Group Tour.

Visitors are consistently impressed by the breathtaking limestone cliffs, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters that provide excellent photo opportunities.

The tour’s logistics are also praised, with highlights including:

• Air-conditioned transportation to and from the site
• Included lunch to fuel the adventure
• Convenient hotel pickup options
• Efficient tour management that maximizes the experience

Negative Experiences

While many travelers are pleased with the Underground River Group Tour, some reviews highlight negative experiences as well. Certain customers have reported issues with transportation, unprofessional service, and communication problems, particularly regarding cancellations and refunds. The following table provides a summary of the negative feedback:

Issue	Details	Impact
Transportation	Delays, unreliable pickups, and poor vehicle conditions	Frustration, missed tour activities
Service	Unprofessional, disorganized, and unresponsive staff	Diminished enjoyment and dissatisfaction
Communication	Lack of clarity on cancellation policies and refund procedures	Confusion, disappointment, and financial inconvenience

These negative experiences have resulted in lower overall ratings for the tour, serving as a reminder for operators to prioritize reliable logistics, exceptional customer service, and transparent communication to ensure a consistently positive experience for all participants.

Recommendations and Considerations

Recommended to book the Underground River Group Tour in advance to avoid potential transportation issues. Travelers should also verify pickup details to ensure a smooth start to their excursion.

When planning this tour, consider the following recommendations:

• Prepare for varying group dynamics, as fellow passengers may impact the overall experience.
• Be open to trying the local delicacy, tamilok, for a unique culinary adventure during the tour.
• Bring appropriate attire and gear, such as comfortable walking shoes and sun protection, to fully enjoy the outdoor activities.
• Stay flexible and adaptable, as weather conditions or other factors may require adjustments to the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch is already included in the tour package, so bringing additional provisions may not be necessary unless individuals have specific dietary requirements or preferences.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

According to the information provided, the tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can cancel the tour without penalty if they need to do so within this timeframe.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Infants are allowed to sit on laps, making it suitable for families with young children. The tour operates with a maximum capacity to optimize the experience for all participants.

Is There an Option to Do a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers a private tour option in addition to the group tour. Travelers can opt for a private tour to enjoy a more personalized and exclusive experience at an additional cost.

What Should I Wear or Bring for the Tour?

Visitors should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, closed-toe shoes, and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen. It’s also recommended to bring a small backpack or dry bag for personal items and camera gear to capture the stunning scenery.

Sum Up

The Underground River Group Tour from Puerto Princesa offers a remarkable opportunity to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. With breathtaking limestone formations, diverse wildlife, and convenient amenities, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience immersed in Palawan’s natural beauty. Visitors can expect a comfortable and informative tour, though accessibility and weather conditions may impact the experience.