Puerto Princesa Underground River Tours

Journey into the Earth's longest navigable underground river—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature

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8-9 Hours
1 Languages
Small groups & Private options
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Experience the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

Venture deep into the limestone mountains of Palawan on a guided expedition through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a spectacular cave system with an 8.2-kilometer navigable river that winds through cathedral-like chambers before flowing directly into the South China Sea. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Sabang Wharf, followed by a motorized boat ride to the park entrance. Inside the cave, you'll transfer to a small paddle boat piloted by an expert boatman who navigates the pitch-black waters by searchlight, revealing massive stalactites, stalagmites, and thousands of bats hanging from the cavern ceilings. The park is a masterpiece of biodiversity, hosting monitor lizards, monkeys, and rare bird species in the surrounding old-growth forest.

4.9/5
Average Rating
25km
Navigable Length
UNESCO
World Heritage
1999
Inscribed

Why Book Through Our Platform

Guaranteed Permits

We secure the mandatory visitor permits in advance, saving you from the strict daily cap and 'No Permit, No Entry' policy

Trusted Local Operators

We partner exclusively with DOT-accredited operators who prioritize safety and environmental preservation

Hassle-Free Logistics

Enjoy seamless door-to-door service with hotel pickup, boat transfers, and buffet lunch all arranged for you

Verified Reviews

Read honest experiences from thousands of travelers who have booked and completed this specific tour

Best Price Guarantee

We compare rates from top providers to ensure you get the best deal on this bucket-list experience

Small Group Comfort

Avoid overcrowded buses with our curated small-group and private tour options

World's longest navigable underground river
8-hour guided nature excursion
Optional exhilarating sea zip line
Private tour options for cruise guests
Stunning Palawan natural scenery

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Permit Requirements
Government ID required
Daily visitor limits apply
Pre-booking essential
Physical Considerations
Not wheelchair accessible
Slippery wet surfaces
Motion sickness potential on transfer
What to Expect
Bats and guano smell
Dark enclosed spaces
Mandatory life vests and helmets
Logistics
1.5-2 hour van ride each way
Wait times at wharf possible
Weather-dependent boat crossings

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance for peak season dates
  • Ensure your name on the booking matches your ID exactly for permits
  • Choose a tour with hotel pickup for the most hassle-free experience

What to Bring

  • Valid ID (Passport/Gov ID)
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Waterproof bag/Dry bag
  • Change of clothes
  • Cash for tips/souvenirs
  • Camera

Best Seasons to Visit

Dry Season (November to May) is best for calm seas|Peak Season (December to March) requires early booking|Wet Season (June to October) has fewer crowds but higher risk of cancellation

What to Wear

Lightweight breathable clothing|Swimwear (if planning to swim at Sabang beach)|Aqua shoes or flip-flops|Hat and sunglasses

Planning

Historical Context

Designated a National Park in 1971|Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999|Voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012

Photography Tips

  • Use a high ISO setting inside the cave
  • Turn off flash to respect wildlife
  • Bring a GoPro with a floaty handle
  • Wide angle lens captures the scale best

Insider Tips

  • Bring a waterproof bag for your phone/camera
  • Sit at the front of the paddle boat for the best view
  • Use the restroom at the wharf before taking the boat to the park

Our Partners

  • In partnership with Viator and local DOT-accredited operators

Fun Facts

  • The river flows directly into the sea
  • The cave system contains a second floor of small waterfalls
  • Italian geologists discovered a fossil of a 20-million-year-old sea cow (sirenia) inside the cave

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). Late cancellations or no-shows are non-refundable.

Social Media

Share your experience: #PuertoPrincesaUndergroundRiver #Palawan #New7Wonders #UNESCO #PhilippinesTravel #TravelGoals #CaveAdventure

Explore More

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
UK • 2024-02-10

Absolutely breathtaking!

The cave formations are unlike anything I've ever seen. The audio guide was very informative and synced perfectly with the boatman's paddling. The van ride was a bit winding but worth it.

H
Hiroshi Tanaka
Japan • 2024-01-25

Great nature experience

Very well organized tour. The lunch at Sabang was delicious. The only downside was the wait at the wharf, but the guide explained it was due to coast guard clearance. The river itself is magical.

M
Maria Gonzalez
Spain • 2023-12-12

Must-do in Palawan

Do not miss this! Seeing the bats and the massive cathedral chambers was a highlight of our Philippines trip. Booking here was easy and they handled all the permits.

D
David Miller
USA • 2024-03-05

Long day but amazing

It's a full day trip with about 4 hours of travel total, but the scenery is beautiful. The cave is dark and humid but spectacular. Bring bug spray for the waiting area!

L
Li Wei
China • 2024-02-28

Professional service

Our guide was excellent and spoke good English. The pickup was on time and the van was comfortable. The underground river is a true wonder of nature.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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4.9/5
Free Cancellation
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