Puerto Princesa: Underground River Tour

Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must-do experience for those visiting the Philippines. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World offers a glimpse into a captivating subterranean world. From the scenic drive to the boat journey, visitors are immersed in the park’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. What awaits inside the cave, however, is truly awe-inspiring – a testament to the power of nature and a journey that will leave a lasting impression. Delve deeper into this unforgettable adventure and discover why it’s a highlight for many travelers.

Key Points

Explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Enjoy a guided tour with round-trip transfers, buffet lunch, and all necessary permits included in the $55.48 per person price.
Experience a 20-minute water transport to the underground river and a 45-minute guided sightseeing and gondola ride.
Tour is not recommended for pregnant women, claustrophobic individuals, or wheelchair users due to accessibility considerations.
Bring comfortable shoes, camera, and a zipped bag, as plastic bags are prohibited due to the presence of monkeys.

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Tour Overview

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is priced at $55.48 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.

This tour allows visitors to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the longest navigable underground river, and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour includes round-trip transfers from the hotel, an English-speaking guide, a multilingual audio guide, a buffet lunch, and all necessary permits and fees.

Itinerary Details

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Puerto Princesa, within 15 kilometers of the airport.

Next, you’ll be transferred by van to Sabang Wharf, a 1.5-hour journey. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided tour at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, followed by a 20-minute water transport to the underground river.

During the 45-minute guided sightseeing and gondola ride, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. After the tour, you’ll return to Sabang Wharf, enjoy a 1.5-hour break for lunch and free time, and then be transported back to Puerto Princesa.

Pickup and round-trip transfers from your hotel
Guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
45-minute guided sightseeing and gondola ride in the underground river
Buffet lunch and free time at Sabang Wharf

Inclusions Provided

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour includes an English-speaking guide and a multilingual audio guide available in several languages, including English, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Korean.

Round-trip transfers from the hotel, a buffet lunch, the Underground River Visitor Entry Permit, the Environmental Fee, and insurance provided by the operator are also included.

Guests will receive boat transfers with life vests as well.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

Recommended items to bring include comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water, and visitors are advised to avoid using plastic bags due to the presence of monkeys in the park.

Important Considerations

Certain visitors may not be well-suited for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

Comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended items.

Visitors should also bring a zipped bag, as plastic bags are prohibited due to the presence of monkeys in the national park.

These important considerations ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Not suitable for pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users
Recommended items: Comfortable shoes, camera, sunscreen, water
Bring a zipped bag; avoid plastic bags due to monkeys in the park
Certain visitors may face restrictions for this tour

Travel Experience

With the guided tours and round-trip transfers, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience on the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour.

They’ll have the opportunity to spot rare flora and fauna while birdwatching in the national park. The knowledgeable guide and multilingual audio guide provide valuable insights into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

After the guided boat tour of the underground river, travelers can savor a buffet lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of the national park.

The overall travel experience offers a well-organized, informative, and enjoyable exploration of this natural wonder.

Visiting the Park

After the enjoyable travel experience, visitors embark on the core component of the tour – exploring the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World offers a unique opportunity to witness the longest navigable underground river.

The tour includes:

A guided tour of the national park, providing insights into the region’s natural wonders.
A boat ride through the serene underground river, allowing visitors to marvel at the impressive cave formations.
Opportunities for birdwatching and observing the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Ample free time to soak in the beauty of the national park at one’s own pace.

Transfers and Transport

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from within 15 kilometers of the Puerto Princesa airport.

Travelers will then be transported via van to the Sabang Wharf, a journey that takes around 1.5 hours.

From the wharf, guests will board a water transport to reach the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a 20-minute journey.

After the guided tour and gondola ride through the underground river, the return trip follows the same route, with a 1.5-hour van transfer back to Puerto Princesa.

Throughout the tour, all transfers and transportation are provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience for participants.

Pricing and Booking

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is priced at $55.48 per person. The tour lasts 8 hours and provides access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the longest navigable underground river, and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, securing their spot without any upfront payment.

The tour includes round-trip transfers, a guided tour, a buffet lunch, and all necessary permits and fees.
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.
Recommended items include comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and a zipped bag.

Travelers can enjoy hassle-free travel, birdwatching, and learning about the Underground River.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Visitors per Day?

The tour has a daily visitor limit, but the exact number is not provided. Visitors should book in advance to secure their spot, as availability may be limited due to the protected nature of the underground river.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children of All Ages?

The tour is generally suitable for children, though not recommended for very young kids or those with special needs. Parents should consider their child’s abilities and comfort level before booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Into the Park?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. However, they’re advised to avoid plastic bags as there are monkeys in the area that may be attracted to them.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounted rates for students and seniors, though the specific discount percentage is not provided in the tour details. Visitors should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Guided Tour if Needed?

The tour duration is fixed at 45 minutes, but you can’t extend it. However, there’s free time during the tour where you can explore the national park further if you’d like to spend more time there.

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Recap

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. With round-trip transfers, a guided tour, and a delicious buffet lunch included, this 8-hour adventure provides an unforgettable experience amidst the park’s stunning cave formations and diverse wildlife. At $55.48 per person, it’s an exceptional value for travelers seeking to discover the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.