Puerto Princesa Underground River Private Shore Excursion — Explore Palawan’s Subterranean River
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks and steady balance on boat and jetty.
Overview
Board a banca at Sabang and glide into a cave system that unfolds like a stone cathedral—this private shore excursion covers the first navigable kilometer of the world’s longest underground river. Expect van transfers, a mangrove boardwalk, an audio-guided cave boat tour, and an included lunch.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Private Shore Excursion — Explore Palawan’s Subterranean River
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You step off the van while a humid Pacific breeze rolls through stands of mangrove and limestone cliffs loom like folded pages of an old atlas. The road from Puerto Princesa narrows, the town’s noise falling away; within an hour you’re at Sabang, where long wooden bancas bob gently in a sheltered cove. Guides move with practiced calm — life jackets, a short orientation, then the slow slide of the boat toward a dark maw in the karst: the entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early-morning pick-up
Tours start very early; book transport and confirm pickup time to avoid missing the van (pick-up window typically 7:30–8:15 a.m.).
Bring grippy, quick-dry shoes
Docking and short rainforest boardwalks can be slippery—closed-toe shoes with traction are best.
Protect your camera and phone
Low light and spray make a waterproof pouch or dry bag essential for cameras and phones.
Respect cave formations
Do not touch stalactites or stalagmites; oils from skin halt mineral growth and damage formations permanently.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Philippine long-tailed macaque
- Monitor lizard (varanus)
History
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the park protects karst formations and coastal ecosystems; the Tagbanua people have traditional ties to the area.
Conservation
Visitor numbers and access are controlled via permits to protect fragile cave formations and mangrove habitats—follow guide instructions and use reef-safe sunscreen.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Non-slip closed-toe shoes
Keeps you secure on wet jetties and the mangrove boardwalk.
Waterproof phone/camera pouch
Protects electronics from spray inside the cave and on the banca.
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Quick protection against sudden tropical showers at the jetty or on the return drive.
rainy specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the van transfer and while waiting at Sabang.