Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan
- Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World", the longest navigable subterranean river
- Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, to see the endemic species of wildlife and do some birdwatching
- Learn more about the Underground River from your audio guide available in multiple languages, and from your friendly guide
- Enjoy a delicious lunch before going back to downtown Puerto Princesa City
- A hotel pick-up and drop-off will bring you to and from your adventures safely and hassle-free!
What to Expect at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, also known as Puerto Princesa Underground River, is located around 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses a “mountain to sea” ecosystem with some of the most significant and intact old-growth forests in Asia, featuring the spectacular limestone karst landscape and the globally significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and threatened species of wildlife.
There are eight intact forest formations found in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: the beach forest, forest on ultramafic soil, forest on limestone soil, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, mangrove forest, montane forest, and riverine forest. The Palawan Moist Forest, recognized by the WWF's Global Report, is outstanding biodiversity containing the richest tree flora with high levels of regional and local endemism.
A day tour of this breathtaking location will take you through what is now named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After an early morning pick-up, you'll drive to Sabang Wharf before transferring by boat to the Palawan Underground River. This location is not merely the access to the river, it's also a famous birdwatching site and a haven for a plethora of plant species and some endemic wildlife in the Philippines.
The highlight of the tour remains as the guided paddle boat will take you across the spectacular cave system of the underground river to see the pristine natural beauty of rock formations. From stalagmites and stalactites shaped like vegetables, dinosaurs, Jesus, and more, to the thousands of swallows and bats that swoop about the tunnels, you're sure to be in awe of these natural resources throughout the trip. After this thrilling experience, you'll also enjoy a delicious picnic/packed lunch at Sabang Wharf, before being brought back to your hotel with the knowledge that you have just been to one of the finest wonders of the world.
Reviews
Reviews summaryOur Puerto Princesa Underground River tour with Wild Expeditions was an absolutely incredible experience! From the very beginning, our driver Kuya Japet and guide Sir. Kim were incredibly accommodating, funny and friendly. Gliding into the massive limestone caverns on the boat felt completely surreal. The audio guide was perfectly paced, pointing out the stunning formations, while the guide navigated the dark chambers. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Palawan, an absolute must-do!
Place was beautiful, the boatmen and tour guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. Van transfer was also very convenient. I think people also need to understand that it will be a private shared van with other tour members. Some others are marking this tour lower because they think it will be a private solo van.
We had a lot of fun on this tour. Special thanks to our tour guide Kim and driver Von. Kim explained everything to us - the history, what to expect, and shared some funny jokes here and there. He told us we must try the Palawan mangoes because we can’t get them anywhere else - only in Palawan. He also explained about the underground, and he’s so calm and knows exactly what he’s doing.
we liked it a lot. our driver was very much in time to pick us up, the van was new and clean. Our guide was nice and she shared a lot of knowledge about history of Philippines and Palawan. the food was really good buffet style.
Our guide and driver, Diana and Japet, were incredibly accommodating and took great care of us throughout the trip. It was also such a fun experience meeting new people especially since it was our first time joining a group tour.
its a good trip. the underground river is a worth to see place when you drop by puerto princesa. i enjoyed our tour guide marlon. he got a lot of information to share with us. this trip is recommended. and there is a free lunch buffet included which I enjoyed so much.
Super enjoyable! Our guide (I can't remember his name 😭) was very attentive. They were also very knowledgeable about the locations, even parts not included in the tour; they knew the answers. I would definitely come back.
Spent a lovely knowledgeable day. The cave was really interesting and the way they are protecting it, I love that. My hostel changed and tried several ways to update it on Klook but there was no way. I contacted the travel agency as well, they didn't reply too. Then the tour day the Guide was quite disappointed about why I didn't inform where I did my best to do it.
one word, MAGNIFICENT. It was truly in other worldy experience being inside the cave system, I was mesmerized and enchanted by the stalagmites and stalactites especially the high ceiling area in which maybe as high as 5 storey building. Ate Cynthis is the most knowledgeable and seasoned guide there is, she was able to get us there before the big crowd arrive since there was a cruise ship that’ll be prioritized in the line that day. She was kind, accommodating, and skillful having 10 years experience in the field. The driver was also safe and gentle with his driving us back n forth our hotels. I truly appreciate the sincere hospitality they gave us, they are so recommended in my opinion. Thank you Wild Expeditions, hope to tour with you again, next time with my fam :))
An absolutely excellent experience at the Puerto Princesa Underground River! Truly breathtaking to witness one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in person. The entire tour was well-organized, smooth, and enjoyable from start to finish. The Sabang Zipline was a fun and thrilling bonus that added extra excitement to the trip and offered stunning views along the way. Special mention to our very helpful and knowledgeable tour guide, Sir Marlo, who made the experience even more meaningful with his insights, professionalism, and warm personality. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Palawan—this is a must-see!
Good to know
Insider Tips:
- We 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
- Bring a bag that can be zipped up and leave any food items in the van. You may come across monkeys in the national park and they are always eager for a snack! Avoid bringing plastic bags as the monkeys associate them with food!
- Bring along insect repellant and sunscreen, and don't forget your camera!
- Agreements place legal ownership to the city government of Puerto Princesa so the City Mayor has the authority for all management decisions, including tourism management objectives set out for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, together with the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB).
- The boundaries of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park encompass the whole watershed of the underground river, protecting water quality and quantity, as well as securing the long-term sustainability of the outstanding natural values contained within the park.
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