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Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Trip with Lunch

Palawan, PhilippinesAbout 9 hoursGuided in English

Paddle into the UNESCO-listed underground river at Sabang, a cave river beneath a limestone mountain, with transfers, permits and a buffet lunch arranged.

About 9 hoursExplore at your own pace
Small group in a shared van; private van on requestKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • A paddle-boat ride into the underground river
  • Cave chambers, stalactites and bats
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • The boat ride along Sabang's coast
  • Buffet lunch and hotel transfers

Full description

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world, winding for kilometres beneath the Saint Paul mountain range before it meets the sea. From Puerto Princesa City you drive about two hours north to Sabang, then take a short boat ride along the coast to the river’s mouth, where the jungle meets the beach.

From there, small paddle boats carry you into the cave, where the boatman’s lamp picks out towering chambers, stalactites, rock formations and roosting bats, with an audio guide explaining what you see. Back in Sabang, a buffet lunch is served before the drive back to the city.

Itinerary

  1. Pickup

    Leave Puerto Princesa City in the early morning for the drive to Sabang.

  2. Boat to the river

    Ride an outrigger boat along the coast to the river mouth.

  3. Underground river

    Paddle into the cave for a ride of about 45 minutes with an audio guide.

  4. Lunch and return

    Buffet lunch in Sabang, then the drive back to the city.

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa City
  • Air-conditioned shared van
  • Underground River permit and entrance fees
  • Boat transfer from Sabang and paddle-boat tour
  • Buffet lunch
  • Guide

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Optional activities in Sabang (zipline, mangrove paddle)
  • Tips for your guide and driver (optional)

Meeting point

Pickup from hotels in Puerto Princesa City (time confirmed with your quote)The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • Daily visitor numbers are capped by permit, so we need your full names and passport details when you book
  • The river can close in high tide, heavy rain or rough sea; we explain the options with your quote
  • Photography with flash is not allowed inside the cave
  • Monkeys and monitor lizards live near the river mouth: keep food out of sight

Frequently asked questions

Why do you need passport details?

The park issues permits by name for each visitor, so we need them to secure your slot.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The paddle-boat ride is calm, and life jackets and helmets are provided.

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