Need to Know: Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour

If you haven't visited the Philippines yet, then you need to take a long hard look at yourself and ask, why!? The Philippines is such a special place, with an abundance of stunning beaches, thrilling adventures and incredible food; it's what all island holiday dreams are made of.

With 7,641 islands to choose from, you’re never going to be left without an adventure or a good time. The hardest part to settle on, is where to start.

Our pick? Palawan. Why? Four words. Puerto Princesa Underground River. We take you through everything you need to know about visiting the underground river and the best things to do on Palawan Island.

Palawan is the largest island in the Palawan Province, in the western Philippines. It is famous for its white beaches, crystal clear water and of course the Puerto Princesa Underground River (in the Island's capital of Puerto Princesa). 

The island was voted one of the “Best Islands in the World” by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler and quite frankly it is heaven on earth. This island is still relatively untouched, so is perfect for anyone looking for an adventure that will be the envy of all their friends and family (I mean, who doesn’t want to say they discovered something before everyone else). We suggest getting on over there as soon as possible, so you can enjoy Palawan Island in all its glory before everyone else does.

Highlights on Palawan Island include the stunning limestone cliffs and the lagoons, but one of the most sought after experiences is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a true natural wonder of the world. 

The Underground River near Puerto Princesa city is a must do while in the Philippines. Palawan is an easy one hour flight from Manila, so there really is no excuse! The secret river is located inside the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park which is in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. 

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of nature, this iconic destination will leave you breathless as you explore one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, forests and incredible wildlife. 

The river is the world’s longest navigable underground river and flows directly underneath the St Paul Mountain Range. If you didn’t think it could get any better, think again! In 2010, geologists discovered there was a second floor to this gem and found these incredible waterfalls inside the cave (WHAT!!?). Seriously, do we need to convince you any more to go?

Don’t take out word for it through, check out these stunning images from people who have just been:

The best way to get to visit this stunning location is through a day tour. We know, we know, a tour? Seems a little mainstream. It’s not and you won’t regret signing up for this tour to Puerto Princesa Underground River, because it is led by professionals and local’s who not only know their way around, but also know all the hidden gems to look for on your journey. Jumping on the tour also means you can explore the Underground River with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of for you.

It isn't possible to go into the underground river without a guide. You can make your own way to the park, and buy your own permits and entry fees, but at the end of the day you still need to book a boat and guide to take you into the river, so honestly, save yourself the hassle, and book a day tour that includes all your transfers and permits too.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour is hassle-free. It includes hotel pick up and drop off in downtown Puerto Princesa, a delicious buffet lunch, your boat transfer fee, national park fee, an audio guide device and an english speaking guide.

The day tour is also more than just the underground river - the national park itself is also well worth a visit, and the local guides will take you through some of the park's highlights including showcasing some of the wildlife.

The trip itself is around a 9- hour round trip, so it is a full day, but not a minute is wasted! We suggest having a good breakfast and bringing some snacks (to eat on the drive there and back) to sustain you until the buffet lunch. The park is around 75km from Puerto Princesa.

This is the best part - the tour picks you up and drops you off right at your hotel doorstep; creating a safe and hassle-free adventure. When you book, simply tell them which hotel you’re staying in and they will organise the pick up. This also means you can literally roll out of bed after a night out and head out on the adventure in no time.

The tour costs from AUD 64 which includes your hotel pick up and drop off, an expert tour guide, boat and National Park fees and the buffet lunch. 

Wear some comfortable clothes and of course your swimmers (you don’t want to miss out swimming in these crystal clear waters)! We also recommend that you wear flip flops or shoes that are easy to take on and off as you may have to step into the water to transfer in and out of the boats.

And remember to BRING. YOUR. CAMERA. You do not want to miss out on all of the incredible photo opps that await!

If you’re looking for a unique experience in the Philippines then look no further than the Puerto River Day Tour Palawan. This trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with not only the best holiday memories, but also an incredible Instagram feed. What are you waiting for?

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