The Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines, is a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and travelers alike. It is a part of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The underground river is one of the longest in the world, stretching for 24 km and flowing 8.2 km under the St. Paul Mountain Range.
Visitors can choose to go on a packaged tour or a DIY tour. A packaged tour, which is highly recommended, includes round-trip transfer, buffet lunch, boat transfer, entrance fee, permit, guide fee, and a 45-minute boat tour of the underground river. The pick-up time is usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m., and the drop-off time in Puerto Princesa City is 4-5 p.m.
It takes 2 hours to drive to Sabang Wharf from Puerto Princesa City and another 15 minutes to reach Sabang Beach, the entrance to the cave, by catamaran. The Puerto Princesa underground river tour is a whole-day experience, and visitors will have the chance to admire the beauty of stalagmites and stalactites that took thousands of years to form and to mix with the thousands of bats that inhabit the cave. The clear waters and stunning surroundings outside the cave contrast with the eerie yet intriguing atmosphere inside.
Before embarking on the tour, it is important to note that there is a daily limit on the number of permits issued to visitors to reduce the impact of tourism on the underground river. It is recommended to book a few days in advance, especially during peak season when the tour may be fully booked for a month. Children under 3 years old are not allowed on the tour for safety reasons.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature. Whether you choose a packaged tour or a DIY tour, you will be able to paddle your way through the underground river and marvel at the natural rock formations and wildlife. So don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of the world’s longest underground rivers and one of the New7Wonders of Nature.