Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — Attraction in Puerto Princesa

The Underground River is truly an incredible experience! It’s a unique place that is very well taken care of. We stayed in Sabang at Dabdab Hotel, where our host booked this tour for us. It cost 2000 pesos, which I find quite cheap considering what an extraordinary experience it was. From the port in Sabang, we took a boat to the island where the entrance to the cave with the river is located. The ride took about 20 minutes, and we were given life jackets already on the boat. On the island, we received helmets and then walked for about 5 minutes along a path to the small boats that take you inside the cave. The path leads through the forest, but it is well maintained, flat, and easy. There are also restrooms on the island.

When boarding and leaving both boats, you have to step into the water, so I recommend wearing shorts and flip-flops or water shoes. Before entering the cave, you can see monkeys. Inside the cave, everyone gets headphones with an audio guide. The boat ride on the river inside the cave takes about 40 minutes. It is dark and quiet, with only the guide’s flashlight providing light as he paddles. There are lots of bats, and occasionally a few drops of water drip from the ceiling.

Altogether, the trip from Sabang and back took around 2.5 hours, including waiting for boats and for the other participants. Our visit was in August, and while reviews mention that in peak season the wait can be much longer, we barely had to...

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour is great for nature lovers and nature enthusiast... the tour is not a tour for you to have the Adrenalin Rush but thevtour is for you to understand more about nature amd the ecosystem... the tour is quite as possible and just enjoy nature in its raw form... the tour will pick you up to wherever hotel you are in Palawan usually between 6AM to 8AM pick up time... the earlier pick up time the better since usually their is a long wait in the Sabang Port going to the Subterranean River... you will be adviseevto wait for almost 2 hours sincevyour tour guide will still need to process your papers in the port that leaves you with four options, first you have the option to go Mangrove Paddle Boat Ride that is good for 1 hour, second you can try the Zipline, 3rd you can stay in the port where you can just go from one shop to another (but it's usally hot in there), 4th just do nothing or sleep, or just est the Ice Cream sold by an Ice Cream vendor near the Mangrove Paddle boat (bread plus ice cream is great)... going to the Subterranean Undervround River you are going to ride a boat and enjoy the blue waters along the way (adventurous if your tour is during 'habagat' seasons)... there are many rock formations inside the underground river, its dark in there, many bats, birds, and you should expect what is inside a dark cave... you should expect the smell inside that is part...

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan, Philippines, is a sight to behold, and one that cannot be adequately described in words alone. It is a marvel of nature that makes one question our place in the universe.

As you enter the cave system, the darkness consumes you, and the sound of the water gently lapping at the rocks echoes throughout. The stalactites and stalagmites form intricate patterns, shaped by millions of years of water and mineral interactions. It is a true testament to the power of natural forces.

As we floated along the river, our guide pointed out the various creatures that make their home in the cave. Bats flew overhead, and small crabs skittered along the riverbanks. The silence of the cave was only interrupted by the occasional drip of water or the murmur of awe from my fellow visitors.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is more than just a natural wonder, it is a symbol of the beauty and fragility of our planet. It is a reminder that we are but mere inhabitants of this earth and that we must do our part to protect and preserve its wonders for generations to come.

If you have the opportunity to visit the Philippines, I implore you to make the journey to Palawan and experience the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. It is a journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world and a deep sense of wonder at the forces...