What To Expect
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, is located approximately 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park showcases a rare “mountain to sea” ecosystem with some of Asia’s most pristine old-growth forests. Its remarkable limestone karst landscapes and biodiverse habitats make it a globally significant sanctuary for conservation, housing numerous threatened wildlife species.
This lush park contains eight distinct forest formations: beach forest, ultramafic soil forest, limestone soil forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, mangrove forest, montane forest, and riverine forest. The Palawan Moist Forest, highlighted by WWF’s Global Report, is notable for its rich variety of tree species and unique regional and local endemic plants.
A day tour here begins with an early morning pick-up, followed by a drive to Sabang Wharf. From there, a boat transports you to the entrance of the renowned underground river, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This area, also a prime birdwatching spot, teems with native plant species and rare wildlife.
The main attraction is a guided paddle boat journey through the vast cave system of the subterranean river. You’ll marvel at impressive rock formations, including stalagmites and stalactites shaped like vegetables, dinosaurs, and even a likeness of Jesus. Thousands of swallows and bats fill the cave, enhancing the unique atmosphere. After this unforgettable experience, enjoy a picnic or packed lunch at Sabang Wharf before a comfortable ride back to your hotel, leaving you with memories of one of nature’s true wonders.
Puerto Princesa City
Sabang
6:30am – 8:00am, depending on your hotel location
Approx. 8 hours
Permits for the Underground River Tour are issued on a First-Come, First-Serve basis. Although our company regularly updates its inventory to reflect the availability of permits, it may advise fully-booked status anytime. Permit Fee is subject to change without prior notice due to any sudden changes implemented by the local government. Surcharge shall be collected onsite prior start of the tour.
Valid identification cards such as government issued ID and passport must be presented during registration for the tour. Please bring these documents with you for a worry-free visit.
Tours for the Underground River can be suspended and Visitor Entry Permits cancelled any day due to unfavorable meteorological conditions. In such case, the affected visitor may opt to rebook for the tour on a later date or seek a refund of the amount paid for the tour.
Child Rate: Age 0-5
The discounted rate for children applies to children up to 5 years old. The discounted rate is not available for children older than 5 years (adult rate applies).
Group Discount: 5%
If there are four or more people in your party, we are happy to offer you a group discount.
Additional information
The tour was lovely. Beautiful scenery, tour guide was amazing and the buffet lunch was tasty. My family loved this tour.
Very good organization, everything was fine.
Amazing tour, pick up on time, underground river is highly recommended, loved the scenery, simply breathtaking