Shared Underground River with Mangrove Paddle Boat & LUNCH

Planning a day trip to Puerto Princesa? This tour offers a fascinating mix of nature, culture, and adventure. For $58 per person, you’ll get to experience one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, paddle through vibrant mangrove forests, and enjoy a local buffet lunch. The whole journey takes around 8 hours, starting with a hotel pickup within 7 km of the airport, and includes some truly memorable sights.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the opportunity to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site in depth and the chance to see the local ecosystem up close via the mangrove paddle boat. The guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into both the natural environment and local cultural practices like Tamilok harvesting.

A possible downside? Some reviews suggest the mangrove tour can feel rushed, and others found the guide a bit over-the-top, which might affect how fully you enjoy the experience. Still, if you’re curious about nature and wildlife, and enjoy authentic local culture, this tour hits many of the right notes.

This experience is best suited for adventurers, eco-enthusiasts, and curious travelers who are comfortable with a moderate pace and want a comprehensive day in nature. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in wildlife, caves, and local food.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The underground river system is one of the longest in the world, offering a rare glimpse into a stunning natural phenomenon.
• Cultural experience: Tasting Tamilok, a local woodworm delicacy, adds an authentic cultural touch.
• Wildlife and ecosystem: The mangrove paddle boat offers a peaceful way to observe local flora and fauna.
• Guided tours: Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the environment and local practices, though some reviews mention rushing.
• Value for the price: The combination of transportation, guided tours, lunch, and unique activities offers good value.
• Potential for rushing: Some travelers felt the tour was a bit hurried, especially during the mangrove portion.

The Journey Begins: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

The tour kicks off with a hotel pick-up within 7 km of Puerto Princesa Airport, typically arranged the night before. This small detail is helpful—knowing your exact pickup time ahead of time ensures a stress-free start. The scenic 1.5-hour drive to Sabang Wharf takes you through lush countryside, giving a taste of the landscape you’ll later explore more intimately. It’s a good time to get familiar with your guide, who will accompany you throughout the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the UNESCO Underground River

The highlight of the day is visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a short wait at the dispatch area, you’ll board a motorized boat for a 20-30 minute ride to the river’s entrance. This part of the journey is straightforward but scenic, giving you a sense of anticipation.

Upon arriving, you’ll switch to a paddle boat for a 45-minute guided journey through the spectacular cave system. Here, you’ll marvel at impressive limestone formations—stalactites and stalagmites—that have taken thousands of years to shape. The guide will offer insights into the flora, fauna, and geological features of the caves. Expect to see some wildlife like bats, and possibly other creatures hidden in the darkness, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

We loved the way the cave’s natural formations seem almost otherworldly, with shimmering stalactites hanging from the ceiling and strange shapes carved by water over millennia. This is a true highlight for anyone interested in geology, photography, or simply awe-inspiring scenery.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

After the cave tour, you’ll break for a buffet lunch at a nearby eatery. The included meal is a good opportunity to sample local Filipino cuisine—a hearty, satisfying way to refuel for the afternoon. Many travelers find the lunch a welcome pause, especially after the morning’s activity.

Exploring Mangroves by Paddle Boat

Post-lunch, the tour takes a quieter turn with a mangrove paddle boat adventure. Led by a community guide, you’ll glide through the serene mangrove forest, a vital part of Palawan’s ecosystem.

The guide will share insights into how mangroves protect coastlines, support biodiversity, and sustain local livelihoods. As you drift through the roots and channels, keep an eye out for monkeys, lizards, and various birdlife—the mangroves are teeming with life.

A unique feature of this part of the tour is the Tamilok demonstration—a traditional harvesting process where branches are cut open to retrieve the woodworm delicacy. If you’re feeling brave, you may even try Tamilok, often served with vinegar.

We enjoyed the peacefulness of the paddle boat and the chance to see a less-visited side of Puerto Princesa’s environment. The guide’s storytelling adds depth to the experience, though some reviews mention the tour feeling hurried.

Final Return and Drop-off

By late afternoon, you’ll head back to your hotel, with an expected arrival time between 4 and 5 PM. It’s a full day, but one packed with sights, tastes, and insights that many find well worth the price.

While the price point of $58 is reasonable given what’s included, the value really lies in the diversity of experiences. Visiting a UNESCO site, sampling Tamilok, and paddling through mangroves in one day makes for an engaging, eco-focused adventure.

The guides are generally well-informed, providing educational insights that deepen your appreciation. The scenery—from the limestone formations inside the cave to the tranquil mangrove waterways—is undeniably stunning and photograph-worthy.

However, some travelers note that timing can be tight, especially during the mangrove portion, which might feel rushed. If you prefer a leisurely pace with plenty of time to soak in the environment, this could be a minor disappointment.

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy learning about ecosystems and experiencing local culture firsthand. It’s suited to those comfortable with moderate activity levels—think some walking, paddling, and a bit of exploration. Families with children who are not easily scared of dark caves will also find it suitable, though parents should note the guidance about infants and young children.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive day that combines nature, culture, and adventure without leaving Puerto Princesa, this tour hits many high points. Just keep in mind the potential for a hurried experience if you’re after a very relaxed tempo.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup is provided from hotels within 7 km of Puerto Princesa Airport. The exact time is communicated the night before.

How long is the drive to Sabang Wharf? The scenic drive takes about 1.5 hours, offering views of the countryside en route.

What is the duration of the underground river tour? The guided cave journey lasts roughly 45 minutes, after a brief boat ride to the entrance.

Is lunch included? Yes, a buffet lunch at a local restaurant is part of the package, giving you a chance to try Filipino dishes.

Can I try Tamilok? Absolutely. The tour includes a demonstration of Tamilok harvesting, and you can taste the woodworm if you’re brave enough.

What wildlife might I see? Expect to spot monkeys, lizards, and numerous bird species in the mangrove forest. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the environment is teeming with life.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, as long as they are not afraid of dark caves. Parental supervision is required.

What if the weather is bad? The tour operates in most weather, but severe conditions could lead to rescheduling or refunds.

How do I pay? You reserve now and pay later, with full flexibility and no upfront cost.

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Palawan’s natural wonders—from the impressive underground river to the peaceful mangroves—and it balances adventure with cultural insight. The guided tours are generally well-received for their informative nature, though some reviews suggest the need for a slightly more relaxed pace.

The value for money is solid, considering the included transportation, guides, lunch, and unique activities like Tamilok tasting. If you’re eager to explore Puerto Princesa’s ecosystems and want an authentic, educational, and scenic day, this tour is a good choice.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more leisurely experience with no rush, you might want to consider how tight the schedule feels, especially during the mangrove segment. Overall, it’s an adventure that offers a real taste of Palawan’s natural beauty and cultural quirks—perfect for curious, active travelers eager to learn and explore beyond the usual sights.

To sum it up, this tour is best suited for active travelers who appreciate ecology, geology, and local culture. It delivers a well-rounded experience that’s both educational and memorable, provided you’re comfortable with a full, sometimes brisk day. The combination of UNESCO-protected caves, mangrove ecosystems, and delicious local food makes it a worthwhile addition to your Puerto Princesa itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: