Exploring Puerto Princesa: Full-Day Trip to the Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a natural marvel that has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A full-day excursion to this spectacular natural wonder is a must-do while visiting Palawan and will undoubtedly leave you feeling awestruck.

What is the Underground River?

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located on the northern coast of Palawan in the south of the Philippines. The river, which is part of the Saint Paul Mountain Range, is well-known for being one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. Spanning 8.2 km, the river passes through large limestone caverns and fresh water cave systems before emerging into the South China Sea. The river’s depth can reach up to 80 meters with its total length estimated at around 24 kilometers underground. The oolitic limestone formations at the mouth of the river are breath-taking, exuding mysterious beauty and serving as a spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss. The park is oftentimes referred to as “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and is a respected haven for biodiversity as it is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna in its virgin rainforest.

What Can You Expect During the Tour?

The tour to this awe-inspiring nature site will take around eight hours depending on the boat you take and where you want to do your stopover. It’s usually done in a combination of land travel and river cruise, at least once all the way from Sabang, an enticing beach near Puerto Princesa, up to the park entrance, followed by a short ten-minute jungle walk before boarding a boat for the underground tour. The tour itself is quite slow and relaxing, taking around one hour to complete. You will pass through extraordinary nooks and crannies with interesting stalactites and stalagmites while your guide narrates tales of history, culture and trivia – some quite fascinating – before setting foot in one of the undiscovered chambers of this natural wonder.

Tips to Keep in Mind During the Tour

Prior to booking a full-day tour, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

• One should expect hot, humid weather during the tour so it’s best to bring along a towel for wiping away sweat as well as insect repellant for those pesky bugs that may taint your wonderful experience.
• Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that can allow you to hike along with ease through the jungle.
• As most tours provide food, you don’t need to worry about bringing along packed lunches unless you have specific dietary restrictions or prefer bringing your own.
• If you experience motion or sea sickness during the boat ride, be sure to bring along relevant medicines.

My Experience Exploring the Underground River

I recently had an opportunity to visit Puerto Princesa and was absolutely thrilled when I learned I get to experience the Underground River first hand. From the moment our tour guide welcomed us onboard until we reached our destination, I felt like I was inside an Indiana Jones movie, constantly finding something beautiful and enigmatic at every corner. Breathtaking, mysterious and romantic are how I would best describe this amazing experience. After leaving Sabang port and about two hours later, we were walking along lime stones through narrow passageways until we finally reached our destination – the Underground River! We were encompassed by stunning limestone karst rock formations throughout our river cruise, while several species of bats fluttered across our pathway making our experience even more magical. The boat ride lasted around an hour – long enough to take in as much breathtaking scenery as possible, but not too long that I’ll feel bored. Overall on my journey of exploration, I found out so much about nature and even got a chance to view unique species of birds, bats and insects not seen elsewhere in Palawan or in other parts of the Philippines – it was an experience I’ll never forget.

Book Your Underground River Tour Now!

Ready to go on your own adventure? Visit GetYourGuide, a trusted source for booking tours and activities for travelers around the world. With convenient online booking and payment options, travelers can book their full-day trip to the Puerto Princesa Underground River with ease and peace of mind. With well-trained guides, delicious meals included in some packages, and lasting memories that you’ll cherish long after your visit – what better way to explore this spectacular iconic site than with a full-day tour? So don’t wait any longer – with GetYourGuide, book your one-of-a-kind experience today!