The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers visitors a chance to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This captivating journey takes travelers through an 8.2 km subterranean river, showcasing stunning limestone formations and rich biodiversity. Beyond the scenic boat ride, the tour also includes a traditional Filipino buffet lunch. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – thrill-seekers can opt for additional activities like the Ugong Rock zipline. With a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, this tour promises to be an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Puerto Princesa. What secrets might this underground wonder hold?
Key Points
- The Puerto Princesa Underground River is an 8.2 km long underground waterway flowing to the sea, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders of Nature.
- The tour includes a 45-minute guided boat trip through the complex cave system, showcasing the scenic limestone landscape and diverse wildlife.
- The tour package includes van transportation, buffet lunch featuring Filipino cuisine, and coverage of all necessary fees and permits.
- Optional sidetrip to Ugong Rock adventure with a zipline experience is available, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s natural attractions.
- With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, the tour is known for its memorable experience, well-organized itinerary, and knowledgeable guides.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Highlights
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is a popular experience that takes visitors on a journey through an 8.2 km underground river flowing directly to the sea.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and voted one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012, the tour showcases a scenic limestone or karst landscape with complex cave systems.
Priced at Kč977 per person, the 9-hour tour includes a buffet lunch with Filipino cuisine and an optional sidetrip to the Ugong rock adventure with a zipline.
Highlights of the tour include a guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and various water transports.
Itinerary
Pickup from hotel or airport within the city proper begins the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, starting between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. After a 1.5-hour van ride to Sabang Wharf, visitors enjoy a 30-minute photo stop and sightseeing. The main attraction is the guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, lasting 45 minutes. Other water transport and a 1.5-hour buffet lunch follow before the return van ride to Puerto Princesa.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:00 AM | Pickup from hotel/airport |
| 1.5 hours | Van ride to Sabang Wharf |
| 30 minutes | Photo stop and sightseeing |
| 45 minutes | Guided tour of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park |
| 1.5 hours | Lunch |
Inclusions
Included in the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is van pickup and drop-off within the city proper.
A buffet lunch featuring Filipino cuisine is also provided. Visitors receive an entrance permit and access to a motorized boat with a life vest, as well as a paddle boat for use inside the cave.
Terminal and wharf fees, an audio device for the guided tour, and an environmental fee of 150 pesos per person are all covered.
Travelers should bring a change of clothes, sandals, a waterproof camera, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable attire, flip-flops, insect repellent, water shoes, and a valid ID card.
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund.
This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with heart problems or recent surgeries. Visitors should come prepared with the following:
- Change of clothes, sandals, and waterproof camera
- Biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and flip-flops
- Insect repellent, water shoes, and a valid ID card
The tour’s environment is delicate, so it’s important to follow guidelines and use biodegradable products.
With proper preparation and caution, travelers can safely enjoy the stunning Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Customer Ratings
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour has garnered an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.
Feedback from travelers highlights the tour’s helpfulness and satisfaction with the overall experience.
The tour’s strong rating suggests it delivers on its promises, providing a memorable and worthwhile adventure for visitors.
Travelers likely appreciate the well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and inclusion of key highlights like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed underground river.
The tour’s high customer satisfaction reflects its ability to exceed expectations and offer an exceptional experience in this natural wonder of the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Situated in the heart of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the Puerto Princesa Underground River captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring 8.2 km underground waterway.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders of Nature features:
- A complex cave system with stunning limestone or karst formations
- A boat tour that allows visitors to explore the river’s winding passages and observe diverse wildlife
- The unique opportunity to witness an underground river flowing directly into the sea
Recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and scientific importance, the Puerto Princesa Underground River offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Scenic Limestone Landscape
What makes the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour so captivating is the stunning limestone or karst landscape that surrounds it.
The area features a complex cave system carved out of ancient coral reefs and sedimentary rocks over millions of years. Towering limestone cliffs, sinkholes, and intricate rock formations create a dramatic and otherworldly environment.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park preserves this remarkable natural wonder.
Visitors can marvel at the park’s unique geological features during the guided boat tour through the underground river and on sightseeing stops along the way.
The scenic landscape is a major highlight of this remarkable ecotourism experience.
Buffet Lunch and Optional Sidetrip
After the guided tour of the underground river, visitors enjoy a delightful buffet lunch featuring a variety of Filipino cuisine.
The spread includes classic dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lumpia, providing a taste of the local culinary traditions.
Following the meal, travelers have the option to embark on the Ugong Rock adventure, which includes a thrilling zipline experience.
This optional sidetrip allows visitors to further enjoy the natural wonders of the region, offering a unique and adventurous addition to the tour.
- Buffet lunch with Filipino cuisine
- Optional Ugong Rock adventure with zipline
- Opportunity to further explore the region’s natural attractions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
According to the tour details, pets are not mentioned as being allowed on the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. The tour appears to be focused on human guests, and there’s no indication that animals can be brought along.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes a buffet lunch, and outside food and drinks are typically prohibited to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the underground river environment.
Is the Tour Wheelchair-Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair-accessible. The guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park involves traversing through rugged and uneven terrain, making it difficult for individuals with mobility challenges to fully participate in the experience.
What Languages Are Available for the Guided Tour?
The guided tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River is available in English and Filipino. Participants can request other language options, such as Spanish or Mandarin, though availability may vary.
Can I Extend My Stay at the National Park?
No, the tour does not allow visitors to extend their stay at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The guided tour is limited to 45 minutes inside the underground river.
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Recap
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers a captivating journey through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the stunning 8.2 km underground river, admire the limestone formations, and enjoy a delicious Filipino buffet lunch. With optional adventures like the Ugong Rock zipline, this tour combines natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it a must-do highlight of any trip to Puerto Princesa.