Puerto Princesa: Underground River, Zipline, Paddleboat Tour

Exploring Puerto Princesa through this comprehensive full-day tour offers a wonderful mix of natural wonders and active experiences. For around $81 per person, you’ll visit the famous Underground River, enjoy a scenic zipline over Sabang’s coastline, and glide through lush mangrove forests on a paddleboat. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, making it an immersive yet manageable day trip.

What we love most is the combination of stunning scenery and hands-on activities—the thrill of ziplining high above the water, paired with the tranquility of a boat cruise through mangroves, makes for a well-rounded adventure. Also, the knowledgeable guides make all the difference, bringing to life the stories behind the sights and ensuring a smooth experience.

One thing to consider is the long transfer time—about 90 minutes each way from Puerto Princesa—so this is best for those prepared for a full day on the road. The tour is quite popular, which means some waiting or crowds, but the value and variety of experiences tend to outweigh those minor inconveniences.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced day of adventure and nature with a focus on unique sights and local culture. If you’re a curious explorer who appreciates expert guidance and is excited by a mix of activity, stunning landscapes, and delicious local cuisine, this trip should be on your list.

Key Points

• Includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch for a hassle-free day.
• Highlights the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guided boat tour.
• Offers a scenic zipline with views over Sabang’s coastline and mountains.
• Includes a paddleboat tour through mangrove forests, perfect for nature lovers.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience engaging.
• Long transfer times mean early start and full-day commitment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Puerto Princesa Tour

What’s Included and How It All Comes Together

This tour provides a solid package of transportation, entrance fees, and meals, which means you don’t need to worry about additional costs or logistics. Pickup is available from hotels within five kilometers of Puerto Princesa Airport, making it convenient if you’re staying nearby. The tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup around 10 minutes before your scheduled start, and wraps up around 10 hours later.

You’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned van, which keeps everyone comfortable during the 90-minute drive to Sabang. This drive is a chance to start soaking in the scenery, and the guides often share stories about the local area, adding context to what you’ll see.

The Underground River: A UNESCO Gem

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a major highlight and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once at Sabang, your guide will handle the paperwork to access the cave. Expect about 45 minutes inside the cave, riding in a motorboat for approximately 20 minutes to reach the entrance. Wearing a helmet and listening to the audio guide, you’ll explore stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers.

Many reviews highlight the immense beauty and geological wonder of the cave. One reviewer praised the guides inside, saying, “The women inside the cave were wonderful showing me where to hold, where to step and helping me every inch along the way.” The boat cruise offers a peaceful yet awe-inspiring experience, showing the cave’s grandeur from a unique perspective.

Scenic Safari: Zipline Over Sabang’s Coast

After the cave exploration, you’ll enjoy a local-style lunch on the beach, with options accommodating vegetarians. Then it’s time for the thrill of the Sabang X Zipline. Stretching over 800 meters, the zipline provides a gentle, scenic ride—not a high-speed adrenaline rush but more of a leisurely glide with breathtaking views of the mountains and coastline.

Many travelers find the views of the lush landscape and coastline worth the walk up to the zipline. One reviewer called the ride “fun” and recommended securing loose items beforehand, as no pouches are provided during the zipline. The experience is accessible, with a low-speed ride, making it suitable for most, including beginners.

More Great Tours Nearby

Paddleboat Tour through Mangroves

The finale includes a paddleboat tour through the mangrove forests, which offers a tranquil contrast to the adventurous parts of the day. Many guests appreciate this part for its relaxing pace and opportunity to spot wildlife like birds, snakes, and lizards. A guide often points out various trees and species, adding an educational touch.

Authentic Local Experience and Food

The lunch is typically served at one of the beachfront restaurants, featuring Filipino dishes, including vegetarian options. The reviews consistently mention the delicious food and abundant choice, making the meal a satisfying break. It’s an opportunity to savor traditional flavors amidst a scenic setting.

What’s Notable from Reviews

• The guides are often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. One reviewer noted, “Rowena kept us informed every step of the way,” highlighting the importance of a good guide.
• The long transfer times are a reality of this trip, but many consider the experience worth the effort.
• Some activities may be canceled or substituted (like zipline maintenance), but the staff generally communicates well and offers alternatives.
• The group size tends to be manageable, and the tour runs smoothly with attentive guides and drivers.

Practical Considerations

This tour is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues, given the physical nature of some activities and the mountain walk to the zipline. Be prepared for a moderate hike and some uneven terrain. Remember to bring ID, secure your belongings, and wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Price and Value

At $81, this tour offers excellent value for the diverse experiences included—covering iconic sights, active adventures, and cultural flavors. Many guests highlight that the guides’ expertise and the quality of the activities make the price well worth it. Plus, the all-inclusive nature simplifies planning and budgeting.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who love combining adventure with nature—whether you’re into scenery, wildlife, or active pursuits. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided insights and don’t mind a full day away from the city. It’s ideal for families (with older kids), couples, or solo explorers looking for a balanced taste of Puerto Princesa’s highlights.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is included within 5 kilometers of Puerto Princesa Airport, and guides will confirm your exact time via email.

How long is the transfer to Sabang?
The drive takes approximately 90 minutes each way, so expect a total of about 3 hours on the road.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?
Yes, the lunch is served at beachfront restaurants and offers vegetarian dishes alongside Filipino favorites.

What activities are included in the tour?
You’ll visit the Underground River, enjoy a boat tour inside the cave, zipline over Sabang’s coast, and paddle through mangroves—each activity included in the price.

Is the zipline suitable for everyone?
The zipline is a low-speed, scenic ride over the coastline, suitable for most people, but be sure to secure loose belongings before riding.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if plans change.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, activities are subject to favorable weather conditions, especially outdoor activities like ziplining and boat trips.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Princesa tour offers a well-rounded day of exploration and adventure in one of the Philippines’ most stunning regions. The combination of spectacular caves, scenic zipline rides, and tranquil mangrove cruises provides a memorable experience that balances natural beauty with active fun.

Travelers who value guidance from knowledgeable locals, enjoy diverse activities, and want a comprehensive introduction to Puerto Princesa’s natural wonders will find this tour very rewarding. The value for money is clear, with all major costs included, and the reviews consistently praise the professionalism of guides and the quality of the experience.

While it requires a full day and some physical activity, the authentic landscapes and expert storytelling make it a worthwhile investment for those eager to see the best of Palawan in one memorable trip.

Overall, if you’re after an engaging, well-organized adventure that showcases Puerto Princesa’s most iconic sights and natural beauty, this tour is a fantastic option. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of adrenaline and a lot of scenic tranquility.

You can check availability for your dates here: