Private Puerto Princesa Underground River, Ugong Cave & zipline

Exploring the natural beauty surrounding Puerto Princesa doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For just $120 per person, this private, full-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into some of the Philippines’ most iconic sites—the UNESCO-listed Underground River, the adventurous Ugong Cave, and an exhilarating zipline ride. Conducted with a small group, the tour lasts about 8 hours, making it a manageable way to see some of Palawan’s highlights without feeling rushed.

What we really like about this experience is how seamlessly it combines scenic serenity and adrenaline-pumping adventure. The inclusion of hotel transfers within Puerto Princesa means you can relax and focus on enjoying the day. Plus, the tour supports sustainable tourism initiatives at Ugong, giving your trip an extra layer of meaningfulness.

A possible consideration is the sea voyage to the underground river, which can be choppy depending on weather conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day that covers both natural wonders and fun activities—and who appreciate guided insights and the convenience of all-included pricing. It’s ideal for those looking to maximize their time in Puerto Princesa without the hassle of organizing multiple transport or entry tickets.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package offers convenience and value, including entrance fees, lunch, boat rides, and transfers.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with engaging commentary and local insights.
• The tour combines scenic natural beauty with adventure activities like caving and ziplining, appealing to a broad range of travelers.
• Support for sustainable tourism at Ugong adds an ethical aspect to your visit.
• The small-group format ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Be prepared for a winding road to the underground river, which might be a concern for those prone to motion sickness.

A Close Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey starts from World Holiday Travel and Tours’ office in Puerto Princesa, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel—assuming you’re staying within the city proper. This convenient pickup means you won’t have to worry about organizing transport early in the day, especially if you’re jet-lagged or simply want a stress-free start.

The first major stop is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the longest navigable rivers of its kind. You’ll spend around five hours exploring, which includes a boat ride through the river’s dark, awe-inspiring caverns. This is undoubtedly the highlight for most visitors—seeing the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and experiencing the eerie quiet of the underground chambers.

Following this, you’ll head to Ugong Rock, a community-based project that combines caving, spelunking, and a zipline adventure. The short one-hour visit here is packed with both exploration and excitement. The zipline offers a chance to soar over the jungle canopy, while the caves are perfect for those who want a hands-on experience with local tourism that benefits the community.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Two features stand out. First, the seamless integration of different attractions in one day makes for an incredibly efficient experience. You won’t need to coordinate multiple tickets or transportation; everything is included and organized. Second, the guide’s role is highly valued, with reviews praising guides like Mal for being engaged and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience with stories and insights.

Plus, the tour’s support of sustainable tourism practices at Ugong adds an ethical dimension—it’s about enjoying nature responsibly, helping local communities thrive, and leaving a positive footprint.

Transportation and Comfort

Traveling in an air-conditioned minivan, you’ll appreciate the comfort and cooling after some of the more physically demanding parts of the day. The drive to the underground river involves a winding, sometimes bumpy road, which some travelers (especially those prone to motion sickness) might find challenging. It’s wise to bring motion sickness medication if needed.

The Value Proposition

At $120, this tour packs in quite a bit—entrance fees, boat rides, lunch, transportation, and guide services—all included. When you consider the cost of individual tickets and organizing your own transport, this is a good deal. Plus, the small-group format means you’ll get a more personalized experience than a crowded bus tour.

In-Depth Look at the Highlights

Puerto Princesa Underground River

This site is the star of the show. The tour takes you through a labyrinth of caverns filled with unique formations and offers a glimpse into the underground ecosystem. The boat ride is smooth but can be a bit bumpy in the open sea, as some reviews mention. The five-hour time allotment is enough to explore without feeling rushed, giving ample opportunity for photos and marveling at the natural architecture.

One reviewer, Michael D, commented on how our guide Mal kept us engaged, making the experience more memorable. The caves themselves are impressive and atmospheric, with natural formations that seem almost surreal.

Ugong Cave & Zipline

The Ugong experience is a favorite for adventure lovers. The short but impactful visit combines caving and ziplining, allowing you to explore the underground chambers and then soar over the lush landscape. The community-based approach supports local livelihoods, and many travelers appreciate knowing their visit helps sustain the area.

According to reviews, guides here are informative and friendly, making sure everyone stays safe and enjoys the thrill. The zipline is particularly popular, offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding jungle.

Logistics and Practicalities

The hotel pickup and drop-off service within Puerto Princesa city is included, making logistics easy. If you stay outside the city, an additional fee applies, so it’s worth confirming your pickup point when booking.

The lunch included is a good opportunity to try local flavors and recharge before the afternoon activities. Since gratuities are optional, consider tipping guides if you feel they enhanced your day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Palawan who want an efficient, all-in-one day trip. It’s also great for adventure-seekers who enjoy caving and ziplining, as well as nature lovers eager to see one of the world’s most iconic natural sites. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides** make it suitable for travelers who appreciate a bit of local storytelling and personalized attention.

Families with children who meet the age requirements for adventure activities will find it manageable, especially with an attentive guide. It’s also suited for those interested in supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, as part of the tour’s proceeds benefit community projects.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Palawan’s natural marvels, mixing awe-inspiring sights with adventure and community support. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to maximize their day without the stress of planning every detail. The price reflects the convenience, inclusiveness, and quality of guides—making it a good value for a memorable experience.

The combination of scenic beauty and active fun makes this a versatile option, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. Just remember to prepare for the sea trip and your camera, because you’ll want to remember those moments forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Puerto Princesa are included, along with transportation by air-conditioned minivan throughout the day.

What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What do I need to bring?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for caving and outdoor activities, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Motion sickness medication might help during the sea trip to the underground river.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a lunch is included in the tour price, giving you a chance to try local dishes and recharge.

Can children join this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Check specific age restrictions if you’re traveling with very young kids.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to motion sickness?
The boat ride to the underground river involves some choppy sea, so if you’re susceptible, consider bringing medication or discussing alternatives with the guide.

What is the most popular part of the tour?
Many find the underground river itself to be the highlight, especially the impressive cavern formations and the serene boat ride.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked about 51 days ahead, owing to its popularity and limited availability of spots.

In choosing this tour, you gain a balanced, authentic, and exciting day exploring some of Puerto Princesa’s best treasures. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it promises a memorable mix of nature, adventure, and community that captures the spirit of Palawan.