Full-Day Puerto Princesa: Underground River, Ugong Cave, Zipline & Mangrove Paddle
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours (approx.)
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness; able to board small boats, climb short stone steps, and walk uneven cave floors.
Overview
Spend a private full day from Puerto Princesa exploring the Underground River, paddling mangroves, and tackling Ugong Rock’s zipline — a balanced day of geology, wildlife, and hands-on eco-tourism.
Full-Day Puerto Princesa: Underground River, Ugong Cave, Zipline & Mangrove Paddle
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You step off the air-conditioned van and the rainforest exhales — humid, green, alive. The road from Puerto Princesa unspools for roughly two hours, trading city chatter for a soundtrack of insects and distant surf. At Sabang, a small flotilla of bancas waits; their bows cut the mangrove shadows and carry you into a cavern where light becomes a thing you earn.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early
Start in the morning to avoid crowds at the Underground River and get calmer light for mangrove photos.
Protect electronics
Carry a small dry bag for phones and cameras — caves and boats are damp and splashes are common.
Wear grippy shoes
Closed-toe, quick-dry shoes with decent tread are best for cave floors and the short climb at Ugong Rock.
Bring cash
Small local vendors and tips for guides/boatmen are easier to pay with Philippine pesos; ATMs are limited in Sabang.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Long‑tailed macaque
- Monitor lizard (bayawak)
History
Ugong Rock and the cave networks were used historically by Tagbanua communities; the Underground River area is a UNESCO-listed park protecting karst landscapes and old-growth forest.
Conservation
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park enforces visitor limits and local mangrove tours support community-based conservation to reduce fishing pressure and protect nursery habitat.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dry bag (5–10L)
Protects camera, phone, and documents from splash and cave dampness.
Quick‑dry shoes
Closed-toe shoes with grip for cave walking, zipline platforms, and paddling access.
Insect repellent
Mangroves and forest edges can harbor mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk.
summer specific
Light rain shell
A packable shell helps during sudden tropical showers or the cool cave interior.
wet-season/fall specific