Embark on an unforgettable journey to the renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This private full-day tour offers a seamless experience, from convenient airport pickup to a scenic boat ride and a paddleboat exploration of the stunning subterranean waterway. Enjoy the natural beauty, savor a traditional Filipino buffet, and discover opportunities for additional thrilling activities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking a unique adventure, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to uncover more.
Key Points
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The tour offers a full-day experience exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a New Seven Wonder of the World, in Palawan, Philippines.
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The 8-9 hour tour includes a paddleboat ride through the underground river, observation of local wildlife, and a traditional Filipino buffet lunch.
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The tour is available in multiple languages and includes hotel pickup, boat transfers, and entrance fees, with an optional environmental fee of ₱150.
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Restrictions apply for travelers with mobility impairments, and children under 13 can only join the Underground River portion of the tour.
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Additional adventure activities like zip-lining and mangrove kayaking are available for an extra cost to enhance the tour experience.
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Tour Overview
The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour is located in Palawan, Philippines.
This full-day tour lasts 8-9 hours and costs from ₱6,285 per group (up to 4 people).
The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Tagalog, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
Airport pickup is available, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour explores the Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with a paddleboat ride and an audio guide.
A traditional Filipino buffet lunch is included, and optional activities like zip lining and mangrove kayaking are available.
Highlights of the Experience
Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the highlight of this tour.
Visitors ride a paddle boat to the cave entrance, observing local wildlife like monitor lizards and monkeys along the way. An insightful audio guide is available in multiple languages, providing context and information about this natural wonder.
After the river cruise, guests enjoy a traditional Filipino buffet lunch.
Optional activities like zip-lining and mangrove kayaking are also available for those seeking additional adventure.
With comprehensive inclusions and pickup from downtown, this tour is an ideal choice for cruise ship travelers or those with limited time in Palawan.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a convenient pickup from the traveler’s downtown accommodation in Puerto Princesa. They’ll then travel for about an hour to reach the Sabang Wharf. From there, they’ll board a pump boat to the cave entrance. Once at the cave, they’ll take a paddleboat ride inside the Underground River, marveling at the natural wonders and observing local wildlife such as monitor lizards and monkeys. After the river exploration, they’ll return to the wharf for a traditional Filipino buffet lunch.
Itinerary |
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Pickup from downtown accommodation |
Travel to Sabang Wharf (approx. 1 hour) |
Board pump boat to the cave |
Paddleboat ride inside the Underground River |
Inclusions and Pricing
This tour includes a number of convenient amenities to make the experience seamless.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary boat transfers, are provided. Entrance fees, an informative audio guide, and a traditional Filipino buffet lunch are also included.
The tour comes with insurance and gratuities, while the on-site environmental fee of ₱150 is the only additional cost.
Pricing starts from ₱6,285 per group of up to 4 people, making it an affordable option.
The tour is available in multiple languages, catering to a diverse range of travelers.
Accessibility and Restrictions
Individuals with mobility impairments may find this tour challenging, as it involves traversing uneven terrain and boarding boats.
Children under 16 must have basic driving skills for ATV tours, while those under 13 can only join the Underground River portion.
Dietary restrictions should be communicated at the time of booking to ensure proper accommodations.
This tour is best suited for cruise ship travelers or those with limited time in the area.
Following the guide’s instructions is crucial to avoid any wildlife issues during the experience.
Traveler Reviews
Based on the 12 reviews, travelers seem to have a mixed but generally positive experience with the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour.
Many praise the tour guides, timely pickups, and the breathtaking beauty of the underground river.
However, some recommendations include wearing appropriate footwear and closely following guide instructions to avoid issues with local wildlife.
The tour’s overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 reflects these nuanced experiences.
For those with limited mobility, the tour may not be suitable.
Booking and Cancellation
Booking the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour is straightforward. You can easily reserve your spot online with flexible cancellation policies.
The tour offers:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Pickup included within 15 km of Puerto Princesa Airport, with airport pickup available.
- Availability in multiple languages, including English, Tagalog, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
- Ideal for cruise ship travelers or those with limited time, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.
This tour is a popular choice, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Additional Activities
Along With the core underground river experience, the tour offers several optional activities for visitors to further enhance their Palawan adventure.
Thrill-seekers can soar through the treetops on a zip line flight, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscapes.
For a more serene experience, guests can embark on a mangrove kayak tour, paddling through the tranquil waterways and observing the diverse flora and fauna.
These additional excursions provide travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of Palawan beyond the famous underground river.
Guests should inquire about availability and pricing for these optional activities when booking their tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, it’s important to follow the tour guide’s instructions and dispose of any waste properly to preserve the natural environment of the Underground River.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Paddleboat Ride?
According to the tour overview, the paddleboat ride inside the Underground River is part of the experience. However, the specific duration of the paddleboat ride is not explicitly stated in the provided information.
Are There Restrooms Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are restrooms available during the tour. The tour includes bathroom facilities at the Sabang Wharf and the Underground River entrance, allowing visitors to use the restrooms as needed throughout the experience.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Underground River?
Yes, visitors can take photographs inside the Puerto Princesa Underground River. However, they’ll need to use flash-free cameras to avoid disturbing the natural environment. Proper care should be taken to preserve the cave’s delicate ecosystem.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there may be an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider about the availability and cost of extending the tour beyond the standard 8-9 hours to explore the underground river further.
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Recap
Set out on a private full-day tour to Puerto Princesa’s renowned Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy a scenic boat ride, a paddleboat exploration of the stunning underground river, a traditional Filipino buffet lunch, and optional activities like zip-lining and mangrove kayaking. This adventure offers an unforgettable escape for nature lovers.