Underground River Full-Day Trip in Puerto Princesa – A Complete Guide

If you want to take a break from the everyday hectic of city life and experience the beauty of nature then we highly recommend taking a full-day trip to the underground river in Puerto Princesa, Philippines.

This full day trip to the underground river will provide you with a unique experience and make your holiday unforgettable. It is one of the most visited attractions in Palawan, with more than 800,000 visitors each year. We will be exploring the rich variety of flora and fauna in its caves, taking a boat ride through the limestone cliffs, and learning more about the local culture and history. So, let us take a look at what you can expect from your underground river full-day trip in Puerto Princesa.

What is an Underground River?

An underground river is simply a waterway that flows beneath the surface of the earth. These subterranean rivers have their sources from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water on the surface. The longest underground river is located in Mexico, the Ox Bel Ha. It stretches for about 297 miles (478 km). In Puerto Princesa, the underground river is located in the Cabayugan Cave. It stretches for 5.2 kilometers (3.2 miles) and flows out into the South China Sea.

The Stages of an Underground River Full-Day Tour

During your full-day tour to the underground river of Puerto Princesa, you will get to experience three stages:

Stage 1: Park Entry + Boat Ride

The tour starts with a boarding at Sabang Port where you will get an official ticket to enter the park. This will be followed by around half an hour boat ride which is one of the most exciting parts of the tour as you get to witness historic spots such as Balsahan Mangrove and Monkeys Island.

Stage 2: Entering the Underground River

Once you reach the entrance of the underground river, you will see massive limestone rocks framing the area. As you travel along, you’ll discover fascinating rock formations inside the cave that have been naturally sculpted by sea water over centuries. You will also get to witness interesting species such as bats from inside the cave. The maximum time alloted inside the cave is 45 minutes total. The boat will make stops at multiple points inside the cave so that you can capture breathtaking pictures and enjoy its surrounding view, while your guide tells you more about its history and formation.

Stage 3: Visiting Ugong Rock

The last stage of your tour will take you to Ugong Rock where you can try your hand at spelunking (caving). Here, enjoy exciting activities such as rappelling down and exploring the cave located right in the middle of the mountain. This activity is not mandatory, however, if you do choose to try it, be sure to bring comfortable shoes that can fit your feet snugly and don’t require socks and other accessories that can get in your way. After this stage, you will be again taken back to Sabang pier where you will be dropped off for your return trip.

Essential Things to Know Before Taking an Underground River Full-Day Trip in Puerto Princesa

• You must book your trip ahead by heading over to Get Your Guide. They have trips available for both solo travelers and groups.
• Pregnant women are not allowed to take this tour because of safety reasons.
• Since this is a full-day tour, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. If you decide to join the spelunking activity at Ugong Rock, we recommend wearing sturdy non-slippery shoes.
• You are required to bring your own bottles of drinking water as no food or drinks are served during the tour.
• No underwater cameras or video cameras are allowed inside the underground river.
• Lastly, be prepared for heavy rains during the boat ride because it is part of nature.

Underground River Full-Day Trip Cost

A full day trip to the underground river in Puerto Princesa starts with a reasonable $25 price tag (package may include snacks). However, some companies offer additional packages such as lunch or transfer from El Nido for around $35 – $50 a person. We recommend checking out various companies that offer this tour so that you can compare prices and services.

Conclusion: Who Should Take This Underground River Full-Day Trip?

Taking a full-day trip to the underground river in Puerto Princesa is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you feeling relaxed, educated about its history and formation, and amazed at its natural beauty. It is suitable for families, couples, solo adventurers, friends, kids, and everyone in between who just want to take a break from daily city life and reconnect with nature.

So what are you waiting for? Book your next adventure with GetYourGuide today for an incredible experience that you won’t forget anytime soon!