Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

4.6
·3k reviews·Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, this 8.2km underground river winds through a stunning limestone karst landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Fewer crowds, better weather

CrowdLow
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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Fewer crowds, better weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, this 8.2km underground river winds through a stunning limestone karst landscape.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"Visiting the Underground River in Puerto Princesa feels like stepping into a living miracle."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Ahead! :ticket:

Secure your underground river tour tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.

Waterproof Everything! :iphone:

Protect your electronics from moisture; a waterproof bag is a must.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Sabang Beach

Navigate a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature, marveling at colossal cave formations.

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Inside the cave

Witness nature's artistry with breathtaking rock formations sculpted over millennia.

Biodiversity of the Park

Biodiversity of the Park

Surrounding forest and cave

Explore a protected area teeming with diverse ecosystems, from mountains to the sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Book your underground river tour in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. Consider visiting during the dry season for the best weather conditions. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.

Prepare for the Elements

The journey to the river can involve boat rides and a jungle trail. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. A waterproof bag is essential for your belongings, and a light rain jacket is advisable, even in the dry season.

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @buddy.jeffz sobrang Ganda Dito 💯♥️ Best tourist spot in Palawan is Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park♥️🤙#palawan#foryoupage #fypシ #fyp
@madrona50
43.7K likes • 585.3K views

Book Ahead! :ticket:

Secure your underground river tour tickets in advance to guarantee your spot. Reddit

Waterproof Everything! :iphone:

Protect your electronics from moisture; a waterproof bag is a must. Reddit

Anyone else been here before?!!! 🇵🇭🏝️🐚🦀 #puertoprincesapalawanph #puertoprincesa #undergroundriver #undergroundriverpalawan🇵🇭 #palawan #angelinacertified #pinoytiktok #philippines
@angelina.pj
12.7K likes • 130.9K views
WHERE TO GO IN PUERTO PRINCESA? I GOT YOU! Di makukumpleto ang Puerto Princesa Trip niyo kapag di nyo ittey yung mga adventure activisties sa Mitra’s Ranch!! WHAT TO DO IN MITRA’S RANCH? ✅ Giant Slide ✅ ZIP BIKE ✅ ZIP LINE ✅ GIANT SWING So kayo, what do you recommend in Puerto Princesa, Palawan? #ForYourPride #Palawan #PuertoPrincesa #TravelPh
@danyaelll
11.6K likes • 496.9K views

Comfortable Footwear :athletic_shoe:

Wear comfortable shoes for the boat ride and any walking involved. Reddit

Embrace the Smell :bat:

Be prepared for a unique scent due to bat droppings; it's part of the natural experience. Reddit

What if gulatin mo sila 😱, magtravel ka sa Puerto Princesa Palawan during the rainy season. You just have to time it right, do research, check the weather forecast, and always have a plan B just in case of a rainy day adventure. ✈️ @flyairasia.ph ⛰️ Puerto Princesa Palawan 🏨 One Manalo Place Hotel Must-visit Places (Personal Recos) 📍Honda Bay 📍Underground River 📍Ka Inato Restaurant 📍100% Cafe Mot...
@edwardangeloc
10K likes • 420.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead! :ticket:

Secure your underground river tour tickets in advance to guarantee your spot. Reddit

Waterproof Everything! :iphone:

Protect your electronics from moisture; a waterproof bag is a must. Reddit

Comfortable Footwear :athletic_shoe:

Wear comfortable shoes for the boat ride and any walking involved. Reddit

Embrace the Smell :bat:

Be prepared for a unique scent due to bat droppings; it's part of the natural experience. Reddit

Listen to Your Guide :microphone:

Your guide shares fascinating stories and points out rock formations. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Puerto Princesa Underground River as an amazing and educational experience, highlighting its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New 7 Wonder of Nature. The sheer scale of the cave formations and the unique ecosystem are major draws. However, some reviewers mention that it can get crowded, and the distinct smell of bat droppings is noticeable.

"really amazing experience and educational. just so many people at the time we toured it. but everyone, our tour guide (she took my photo ♡) and boat tour operator were very pleasant. I'm more of a museum person but i recommend stopping by! just be wary of the smell (because of bat droppings) and crowds"

Shiro-san 29

"Features a navigable underground river that flows through a limestone karst mountain landscape, offering visitors a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

- Best Time to Visit: The dry season
- Tour Options: Guided boat tours usually last about 2-3 hours and include a paddle through the underground river, showcasing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife.
- Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring rain gear if needed.
- Book your tour in advance, as it’s a popular attraction.
- Bring your camera, but ensure it’s waterproof or kept safe during the boat ride."

Mali Gaia

"A fantastic experience and well worth the trip, the cave is enormous and the tour only shows a fraction of it but the rock structures are phenomenal and some of the larger chambers are over 80m tall.
The tour provides a listening device with an audiolog describing all the different parts of the cave and river.
10/10 would visit again"

Rory Pomroy-Miller (Rozza)

What People Like

Amazing natural wonder
Educational experience
Unique cave formations

What People Dislike

Crowded at times
Noticeable bat smell

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Most visitors travel from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang Beach, the jump-off point for the underground river tours. This typically involves a van or bus ride, which can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Sabang Beach, you'll take a short boat ride to the park entrance, followed by a jungle trail or another short boat ride to the river's mouth. TikTokReddit

The road to Sabang can be a bit rough in some sections, especially if you're prone to motion sickness. It's advisable to prepare for a bumpy ride. Reddit

Yes, many hotels and tour operators in Puerto Princesa offer packages that include transportation to and from the underground river. This is often the most convenient option. TikTok+1

The journey from Puerto Princesa City to the underground river typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, including the van/bus ride and the boat transfer. TikTok

Besides the standard boat transfer from Sabang Beach, some visitors opt for a jungle trail walk to reach the river's mouth, offering a more adventurous approach. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees and tour costs can vary. It's best to check the official tourism website or book through a reputable tour operator for the most up-to-date pricing. Packages often include permits, boat rentals, and environmental fees. TikTok

Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your slot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Tours typically run daily, but hours can be subject to weather conditions. It's advisable to confirm the schedule with your tour provider. TikTok

While generally accessible, the tour involves some walking and boat rides. Visitors with mobility issues or severe health conditions should consult with their doctor and the tour operator. Reddit

Standard tour packages usually include permits, environmental fees, boat rental, and a guided tour of the underground river. Some may also include transportation from Puerto Princesa City. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll board a paddle boat with a local guide who will navigate you through a portion of the 8.2 km underground river. Expect to see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and various rock formations. The tour lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. TikTokReddit

Yes, the cave is home to bats, and their presence contributes to the unique ecosystem and the smell of guano. Guides will point out bat colonies. Reddit

The park is a protected area with rich biodiversity. You might spot monkeys, monitor lizards, and various bird species in the surrounding forest. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to protect your camera from water. Using flash photography might be restricted to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Reddit

The entire experience, including travel to Sabang, the boat ride, and the cave tour, usually takes about half a day. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants and eateries at Sabang Beach where you can have meals before or after your tour. Options range from local Filipino dishes to simple snacks. TikTok

It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks before entering the park or at designated areas to maintain the cleanliness of the natural environment. Reddit

Puerto Princesa offers a variety of Filipino cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. You can find local eateries and more upscale restaurants in the city. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Use a waterproof camera or phone case. Be mindful of low light conditions inside the cave and consider a tripod if possible, though it might be difficult on the boat. Focus on capturing the scale of the formations. Reddit

Flash photography may be restricted to avoid disturbing the bats and other wildlife. Always check with your guide before using flash. Reddit

The massive cave chambers, the unique stalactites and stalagmites, and the entrance to the cave with the surrounding lush greenery are all highly photogenic. TikTok+1

Drone usage might be restricted within national parks. It's best to check local regulations before bringing a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Puerto Princesa Underground River offers an educational and awe-inspiring experience for families. The boat ride through the cave is generally safe and engaging for children, sparking their imagination with the unique rock formations. Guides often make the tour fun by pointing out shapes that resemble familiar objects or characters. TikTokReddit

Tips for families: Ensure children are comfortable with boat rides and enclosed spaces. Bring snacks and drinks, though consumption is best done before or after the cave tour. Consider booking a package that includes transportation for added convenience. The surrounding park also offers opportunities for spotting wildlife, which can be exciting for younger visitors. TikTok

adventurous Travelers

For those seeking a bit more adventure, consider the jungle trail option to reach the river's mouth instead of the standard boat transfer. This offers a more immersive experience in the park's lush environment. Reddit

While the underground river tour itself is the main draw, Puerto Princesa offers other activities like ziplining and giant slides at Mitra's Ranch, which can be combined with your visit for a more action-packed itinerary. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Natural Wonder: Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, a testament to its global significance. The star attraction is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world, stretching over 8 kilometers. While only about 1.5 kilometers is accessible to tourists, this section offers an awe-inspiring journey through a vast limestone karst landscape. Visitors are guided on paddle boats through the cave, marveling at colossal stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers sculpted by nature over millennia. TikTokReddit+2

The experience is not just about the geological formations; it's also an immersion into a unique ecosystem. The park is a protected area encompassing diverse habitats, from mountains to the sea, supporting a rich array of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for monkeys, monitor lizards, and various bird species in the surrounding forest. The cave itself is home to a significant bat population, contributing to its distinct atmosphere and the natural scent of guano. Reddit

Navigating the river requires a paddle boat, and local guides are instrumental in sharing fascinating insights about the cave's history, geology, and the shapes they see in the rock formations – often likened to vegetables, superheroes, or even faces. The entire excursion, from the journey to Sabang Beach to the return, typically takes about half a day, making it a manageable yet profoundly memorable adventure. TikTokReddit

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

To make the most of your visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your tour slots. The journey to the park involves travel from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang Beach, often via van or bus, which can be a bit bumpy. From Sabang, a short boat ride and a jungle trail lead to the river's mouth. TikTokReddit

Comfortable attire and footwear are essential, as you'll be on boats and potentially walking. Given the humid environment and potential for water spray, a waterproof bag for your belongings and a light rain jacket are wise precautions. While photography is allowed, be mindful of low-light conditions and the potential for water damage to your equipment. Some visitors recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone case. Reddit

Be prepared for the natural environment, including the distinct smell of bat guano within the cave. This is a natural part of the experience and a sign of the thriving ecosystem. Listening to your guide is key, as they provide valuable information and point out interesting features. The entire experience, including travel, usually takes around half a day, so plan accordingly. TikTokReddit