Group Underground River Tour, From Puerto Princesa W/ Lunch

The Group Underground River Tour from Puerto Princesa offers an unforgettable journey through a UNESCO World Heritage site. Priced at $60.11 per person, this 8-hour adventure provides a comprehensive package, including hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a delightful lunch. As you navigate the stunning Cabayugan River, you’ll be awestruck by the impressive geological formations and the magnificent Cathedral Chamber. But that’s not all – you’ll also have the chance to encounter the unique wildlife of Palawan, guided by a knowledgeable expert. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• 8-hour excursion through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cabayugan River and underground cave system, priced from $60.11 per person.
• Highlights include navigating the Cabayugan River, observing stunning geological formations, and exploring the massive Cathedral Chamber cave.
• Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and a live English and Tagalog-speaking guide.
• Suitable for most visitors, except pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, and requires valid passport/ID, camera, and cash.
• Mixed customer reviews with some issues noted regarding logistics, though praise for the natural beauty and guided experience.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Group Underground River Tour from Puerto Princesa offers an 8-hour excursion through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Priced from $60.11 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a provided lunch.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without immediate payment.

With a duration of 8 hours, this tour provides an immersive experience exploring the Cabayugan River and witnessing the stunning geological formations within the underground cave system.

Experience Highlights

As visitors explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, they’ll navigate the Cabayugan River surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Along the way, they’ll witness stunning geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, which have been shaped over centuries.

The highlight is the Cathedral Chamber, a massive cavern illuminated by the guides’ spotlights, allowing visitors to take in its impressive scale.

Throughout the tour, they’ll have the chance to encounter diverse wildlife, such as Palawan flying foxes and various aquatic species, providing a unique glimpse into the park’s rich ecosystem.

Tour Inclusions and Logistics

This group underground river tour from Puerto Princesa includes hotel pickup and drop-off as well as transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

Lunch is provided during the tour. A live tour guide is available throughout the experience, offering commentary in both English and Tagalog.

However, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments. Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID card, a camera, breathable clothing, and cash.

Availability for specific tour dates and language options should be checked in advance.

Important Information and What to Bring

For the group underground river tour, participants are advised to bring along a few essential items.

Firstly, it’s important to bring a valid passport or ID card, as these will be required for entry. A camera is also a must-have to capture the stunning geological formations and wildlife encountered along the way.

Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and exploration.

Finally, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for any additional expenses or purchases during the tour.

Participants should also check tour availability and language options prior to booking.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The group underground river tour has received a mixed set of reviews from customers. Based on 3 reviews, the overall rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

Some customers noted delays in pickup and communication issues, which caused dissatisfaction. However, many praised the beauty of the underground river and the attentiveness of the guide.

A few were unhappy with the trip length and felt the experience didn’t represent good value. The reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences, suggesting the tour has room for improvement in terms of logistics and customer satisfaction.

Getting to the Underground River

Reaching the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, home to the remarkable Underground River, begins with a group pickup from your hotel in Puerto Princesa.

The air-conditioned vehicle transports you to the park, where you’ll embark on a boat journey along the Cabayugan River. The scenic river route is flanked by towering limestone cliffs, setting the stage for your underground exploration.

• The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the Underground River’s entrance.

Upon arrival, you’ll be guided through the necessary registration and safety procedures before entering the cave system.

Your local tour guide will lead you through the captivating chambers, highlighting the stunning geological formations and diverse wildlife along the way.

Exploring the Cathedral Chamber

As visitors venture deeper into the Underground River, they’re greeted by the Cathedral Chamber – a vast, cathedral-like cavern that leaves onlookers awestruck.

Illuminated by the tour guide’s spotlights, the chamber reveals an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

The sheer size of the cavern, stretching over 60 meters high, is truly breathtaking.

Visitors can take in the stunning geological formations and pause to appreciate the serene ambiance of the underground environment.

The Cathedral Chamber stands as a testament to the remarkable natural wonders hidden within the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Encountering Palawan’s Diverse Wildlife

During the Underground River tour, visitors are likely to catch glimpses of Palawan’s diverse wildlife. The presence of the Palawan flying fox, a rare megabat species, is one of the highlights.

These impressive bats have a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters and can be spotted resting on the limestone cliffs. Plus, visitors may encounter various aquatic creatures, such as:

• Freshwater crabs
• Endemic shrimp species
• Diverse fish populations

These creatures thrive in the Cabayugan River and contribute to the richness of the Underground River ecosystem.

Observing this unique wildlife in their natural habitat is a captivating part of the tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Children on This Tour?

Yes, children are allowed on this tour. However, it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility impairments, as the tour involves navigating through the underground river and accessing areas that may pose challenges for them.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Travelers can book the tour as a solo or with any number of companions. The tour operates with both small and large groups.

Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Permits or Tickets?

No, no additional permits or tickets are required for this tour. The tour package includes all necessary entry fees and permits to access the Underground River within the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour does not specify any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. However, it’s recommended to inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs in advance to ensure they can accommodate you during the meal.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

According to the overview, the tour duration is set at 8 hours and the itinerary is pre-determined. There’s no mention of options to extend the tour or customize the itinerary. Customers should check with the tour provider for any available customization.

Recap

The Group Underground River Tour from Puerto Princesa offers an unforgettable adventure through a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can marvel at the stunning natural beauty, explore the Cathedral Chamber, and encounter Palawan’s diverse wildlife, all while enjoying convenient transportation, a delightful lunch, and expert guide insights. This immersive 8-hour experience is a must-do for anyone visiting the Philippines’ breathtaking Palawan region.