From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Full-Day Trip

Experience the Wonders of Palawan: A Full-Day Tour of Puerto Princesa’s Underground River

Imagine floating through the world’s longest navigable underground river, surrounded by lush forest, and spotting monitor lizards and monkeys along the way. For around $49, this full-day tour offers a chance to see one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking natural wonders, plus enjoy some authentic local cuisine and optional adventures like ziplining. Led by knowledgeable guides, this trip is designed for travelers eager to connect with nature and experience Palawan’s extraordinary landscapes without breaking the bank.

What we really love about this tour is how smoothly it runs, with well-organized transportation and attentive guides ensuring we’re never left waiting. The lunch buffet, featuring Filipino favorites, hits the spot after a morning of exploring. Another highlight is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat—something truly special for nature lovers. The optional zipline adds a fun, adrenaline-filled touch, offering a bird’s-eye view of Ulugan Bay.

However, potential travelers should consider that waiting times can be long due to local regulations and logistics, especially at the entrance to the river. Plus, the tour involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces, which may not suit those with mobility issues. Still, if you’re comfortable with some short hikes and enjoy learning about ecosystems, this trip suits adventurous, curious travelers who want value, comfort, and authenticity all in one.

If you’re after a well-rounded day of natural beauty, cultural flavor, and light adventure, this tour is ideal. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a small-group atmosphere, as most reviews praise the personal touch of guides like Jeff, Weng, and Echo.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary with visits to the underground river, mangroves, and optional zipline.
Expert guides who provide engaging stories and helpful tips.
Delicious Filipino buffet lunch with a variety of dishes in Sabang.
Wildlife sightings including monitor lizards, monkeys, and snakes.
Flexible options for additional activities like the zipline or mangrove paddle boat.
Long waiting times at certain points, typical for popular attractions in Palawan.

Full Review: What to Expect from the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting early at around 7:00 AM, the tour includes hotel pickup within a 5-kilometer radius of Puerto Princesa. This efficient pick-up process is appreciated, especially since reviews mention the guides and drivers are punctual and courteous. The drive out to Sabang takes you through scenic countryside, and along the way, your guide shares engaging insights about Palawan and Puerto Princesa City itself, enriching the experience.

A key stop at Buenavista Viewpoint offers sweeping views of Ulugan Bay. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs before the main attraction. Arriving at Sabang Wharf around 8:00 AM, you’ll board a pump boat that whisks you across the water to the cave entrance. This boat ride is where you start to feel that sense of adventure—climbing aboard a small vessel, with the lush greenery of Palawan closing in around you.

At the cave’s mouth, you’ll hop onto a paddleboat, which navigates through the cave’s dark, fascinating passages. It’s a humbling reminder of nature’s power and beauty. The guide will narrate the story of the cave, pointing out features and wildlife, some of which are exclusive to Palawan’s ecosystem. Expect to see monitor lizards basking on rocks, monkeys foraging nearby, and maybe even some snakes—those are part of the thrill.

Unique Features and Highlights

The Underground River: It’s a jaw-dropping sight. The river’s immense chambers and stalactite formations are mesmerizing, and you’ll appreciate the effort to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site. Many reviews highlight how quiet and respectful the environment remains despite the crowds, a testament to the management’s efforts and the quiet reverence of visitors.

Wildlife Encounters: Guides are adept at pointing out flora and fauna. As one reviewer noted, “We saw monkeys and snakes in the mangroves, and the guides are very informative.” This adds a layer of educational value that appeals to nature enthusiasts.

Filipino Buffet Lunch: Back on land, a well-deserved buffet awaits in Sabang, offering local dishes that many travelers describe as “delicious,” with a range of options including fruits and meat-free choices. The quality and variety tend to surpass expectations for a tour lunch, making it worth the price.

Optional Activities: For those wanting extra adventure, you can opt for the Sabang X Zipline, which offers a flight over the sea, or a Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour. Reviews praise the zipline as “excellent,” adding a memorable adrenaline rush, while others enjoy the peaceful mangrove trip, spotting more wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is a major plus. The round-trip van and boat rides are smooth, and most reviews emphasize how well-organized the logistics are. Groups are typically small, with up to 13 people per van, creating an intimate atmosphere where guides can give personalized attention. This is particularly appreciated by travelers who value a relaxed, unhurried experience.

Some reviews mention waiting times at the port or in queues—an unavoidable aspect of such popular sites—but guides are quick to adapt. For example, one guide reorganized the day so guests could do other nearby activities while waiting, ensuring no time was wasted.

Practical Considerations

Given the nature of the tour, comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially since there’s moderate walking and some uneven surfaces. Water shoes are a must if you plan to enter the water at the cave, as your feet will get wet. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or heart problems because of the walking involved.

The environmental fee (Php 150) is an additional cost payable on-site, and the $120 transfer surcharge applies if your hotel is outside the free transfer zone. Keep in mind that children under 3 are not permitted, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed, ensuring safety for all ages.

Value for Money

At $49 per person, you get a full day of sightseeing, transportation, a guide, and lunch. Many reviews emphasize the good value of this package, especially considering the quality of wildlife sightings, the natural wonder of the river, and the optional adventure add-ons. Travelers particularly appreciate guides like Jeff, Weng, and Echo, who make the experience engaging and informative.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of feedback is glowing. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides—many mention how guides like Jed, Rich, and Shy made the experience memorable with their storytelling and friendliness. The scenery and the underground river itself are consistently described as “spectacular” and “impressive,” fulfilling the expectations of even seasoned travelers.

A recurring theme is the delicious buffet lunch, with many saying it exceeded their expectations. Plus, the optional zipline over Ulugan Bay is frequently highlighted as a fun, exhilarating way to cap off the day.

Some reviews point out minor inconveniences, like long wait times or the need to pack light due to limited space on boats, but these are generally seen as acceptable trade-offs for the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to see a UNESCO-listed site without hassle. It suits travelers who value small-group experiences and informative guides. It’s also great for families with children over 3, as long as they’re comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.

Those looking for a relaxing, well-organized day with opportunities for optional adventure—like ziplining or mangrove exploration—will find this tour hits the mark. If you’re a foodie, the Filipino buffet offers a satisfying local culinary experience. However, if you dislike waiting or have mobility challenges, you might want to plan for extra patience or consider alternative options.

The Sum Up

The From Puerto Princesa: Underground River Full-Day Trip offers a fantastic blend of natural wonder, wildlife viewing, authentic Filipino cuisine, and gentle adventure. It’s a well-organized, value-packed outing that brings you face-to-face with one of the Philippines’ most iconic landscapes, all led by guides who make the experience engaging and educational.

Travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of nature, culture, and light adventure will find this tour highly rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who want a hassle-free way to explore Palawan’s most famous attraction without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. Whether you’re marveling at the stalactites in the cave or zipping over the bay, this trip promises memories that will last.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup within a 5-kilometer radius of Puerto Princesa is included. If your hotel is further out, expect an additional transfer surcharge.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day experience, starting with pickup around 7:00 AM and returning after your activities and lunch, typically wrapping up in the late afternoon.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes and clothes, and water shoes if entering the water at the cave. Packing light is advisable, as space on boats is limited.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can choose to add the Sabang X Zipline or the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, both of which are highly recommended by past travelers.

What is the environmental fee?
An additional fee of Php 150 is payable at the site to support conservation efforts.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 3 years old are allowed, but it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or heart problems.

How many people are in a group?
Most tours are small, with groups of up to 13 people, which enhances the personalized experience.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Make sure to inform the tour operator beforehand so they can accommodate your needs during the buffet lunch.

Can I do this tour if I arrive via cruise ship?
No, the regular tours are not available for cruise ship passengers; please book the private option instead.

What makes this tour worth the price?
With transportation, a guide, lunch, and optional adventure activities included, it offers excellent value for a full day of exploration in Palawan’s stunning environment.

By choosing this tour, you’re signing up for more than just sightseeing—you’re stepping into the lush, lively world of Palawan’s most famous natural sites, guided by friendly experts, with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: