Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River: Palawan's Subterranean Boat Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks and steady boat seating.
Overview
Float into darkness on a slow boat ride through one of the world’s most spectacular cave systems. The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour pairs boat-led exploration of limestone caverns with coastal scenery and local culture in Sabang.
Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River: Palawan's Subterranean Boat Tour
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You push off from Sabang's molasses-colored sand just after dawn, the outboard purring under a sky that smells of salt and forest. The boat slices toward a dark throat in the limestone cliff — the cave mouth — and for a moment the world narrows to dripstone shadows and the slow, patient river that has been carving this place for millennia.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring non-slip shoes
Boardwalks and boat ramps can be wet and slippery; wear shoes with good traction.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
You’ll be exposed on the approach and at Sabang beach — choose reef-safe formulas to protect marine life.
Charge low-light cameras
Interior lighting is dim; set higher ISO and stabilize your camera for the best cave shots.
Plan for long pickup windows
Pickup covers many hotels and can take time—allow flexibility in your schedule for the full 9-hour tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bats (cave species)
- Monitor lizards
History
The PPUR sits in the St. Paul Mountain Range; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature for its geological significance.
Conservation
The park enforces visitor limits, guided-only cave access, and strict no-touch rules for formations; supporting local operators helps funding for conservation and community projects.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Non-slip water-resistant shoes
Provides traction on wet docks, boardwalks and boat ramps.
Lightweight rain jacket
Quick showers are common; a packable jacket keeps you dry between stops.
summer specific
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Mangroves and the approach to Sabang can be buggy, especially at dawn and dusk.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Protects electronics from spray and humid cave conditions while shooting low-light scenes.