The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offers visitors an unparalleled journey through one of the world’s natural wonders. Situated within the UNESCO-protected Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, this adventure showcases Palawan’s stunning limestone formations and diverse wildlife. Guests can expect a seamless experience, from convenient hotel pickup to a guided paddle boat tour through the underground river. While the tour provides ample opportunities to take in the region’s breathtaking scenery, there’s more to uncover about this remarkable attraction that may pique one’s interest.
Key Points
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The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan offers a guided paddle boat experience through a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive limestone formations and diverse wildlife.
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The tour includes roundtrip van and boat transfers, a buffet lunch, and a licensed tour guide, with an environmental fee for adults and minors/seniors.
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The tour itinerary involves hotel pickup, a boat ride to the national park, the 45-60 minute guided paddle boat tour, and a return drive to Puerto Princesa.
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Participants are advised to bring recommended items like a change of clothes, sunscreen, and water, while prohibited items like intoxicated items and plastic bags are not allowed.
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The tour has received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from diverse travelers, with positive feedback and constructive comments for potential improvement.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan is priced from $43.46 per person.
The tour is valid for 1 day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.
The tour includes roundtrip van transfer, boat transfer with life vests, a guided paddle boat tour of the underground river, a buffet lunch, and licensed tour guide services.
Plus, visitors will need to pay an environmental fee of Php 150 for adults and Php 120 for those 18 and under or senior citizens.
Optional on-site activities, such as the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour and Sabang X Zipline, are available for an additional cost.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a hotel pickup between 6:30 – 7:00 AM in Puerto Princesa.
Guests then drive to Sabang Wharf, where they’ll board a boat for the transfer to the Underground River National Park.
The guided paddle boat tour through the underground river lasts 45-60 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the cave’s remarkable rock formations and natural wonders.
After the river tour, guests enjoy a buffet lunch at Cacaoyan Restaurant.
The tour concludes with the return drive to Puerto Princesa, arriving back at the hotels around 3:30 PM.
Inclusions and Optional Tours
The tour package includes roundtrip van transfers, boat transfers with life vests, the visitors entrance permit, and an audio device guide available in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Plus, a buffet lunch at either the Cacaoyan Restaurant or Gusto Grill is provided, along with licensed tour guide services.
| Optional Tours | Price |
|---|---|
| Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour | Php 350/person |
| Sabang X Zipline | Php 550 |
| Ugong Rock Adventure | Php 300 to Php 650 |
Guests can choose to participate in these optional activities during their visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park.
Preparation and Restrictions
Recommended for the tour are items such as a change of clothes, sunscreen, water, cash, a waterproof bag, and a passport or ID (a copy is accepted).
Visitors aren’t allowed to bring intoxicated items, plastic bags, use flash photography, or consume alcohol/drugs. Littering and nudity are also prohibited.
Guests must be ready for pickup by 6:30 AM. Swimming in the underground river isn’t permitted.
These guidelines ensure the safety and preservation of the natural wonder. Adhering to the rules enhances the overall experience and protects this iconic Filipino destination for future visitors to enjoy.
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour, based on reviews from a variety of traveler types including couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families.
One German traveler from January 2024 found the tour "Helpful?" and positively rated their experience.
While the overall feedback is strong, the tour could potentially improve based on constructive comments from past participants.
Boat Transfer and National Park
After being picked up from their hotels, travelers embark on a drive to the Sabang Wharf, where they board a boat transfer to the Underground River National Park.
The boat ride takes visitors directly to the park’s entrance, providing scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, they’ll receive life jackets and begin the guided paddle boat tour through the renowned underground river.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its impressive limestone cave formations and diverse wildlife. The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the river’s winding passageways and marvel at the natural wonders within.
Guided Paddle Boat Tour
The heart of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour is the guided paddle boat excursion through the UNESCO-recognized subterranean waterway.
Visitors board a paddle boat and journey into the cavernous river, admiring the remarkable limestone formations and observing the diverse wildlife that thrives within the cave system.
The tour lasts between 45-60 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the otherworldly atmosphere and learn about the river’s geological and ecological significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.
The paddle boat glides silently through the serene, underground river, offering a truly immersive and captivating experience that’s the highlight of this popular tour.
Buffet Lunch and Return Drive
Following the guided paddle boat tour through the captivating underground river, visitors are treated to a hearty buffet lunch at the Cacaoyan Restaurant.
The buffet offers a variety of Filipino and international dishes, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
After the satisfying meal, the group embarks on the return drive to Puerto Princesa, arriving at their hotels around 3:30 PM.
This convenient transportation service bookends the day, allowing travelers to focus on the amazing sights and experiences without worrying about logistics.
The tour’s efficient schedule and all-inclusive nature make it an ideal way to explore the renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River during a day trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can bring your own food and drinks, but the tour includes a buffet lunch at the Cacaoyan Restaurant. Bringing outside food and drinks is allowed, though the provided lunch is part of the tour package.
What Is the Age Limit for the Tour?
There is no explicit age limit for the tour. The tour is available to all ages, though visitors 18 and under or senior citizens receive a discounted environmental fee. Participants must be able to navigate the boat and guided tour safely.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?
The tour provides audio device guides available in English, Chinese, and Japanese, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience in their preferred language. This caters to the diverse nationalities that may participate in the tour.
Can I Extend My Stay at the Park?
Unfortunately, the tour does not offer the option to extend one’s stay at the park. The itinerary is structured as a single day trip with a fixed schedule and return time to the hotel in Puerto Princesa.
Are There Any Discounts or Deals Available?
There are no official discounts or deals advertised for the tour. However, some tour operators may offer package deals or combine it with other activities to provide savings. Travelers should inquire with their booking agent about any available discounts.
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Recap
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan offers an unforgettable adventure through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests enjoy a scenic boat ride, guided paddle boat tour, and a hearty buffet lunch, all while immersed in the natural beauty and cultural experiences of this unique destination. With convenient hotel pickup and a full day of activities, it’s an ideal way to explore one of the Philippines’ most stunning natural wonders.