The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is the reason many visitors fly into Puerto Princesa. The river runs for about eight kilometres through a limestone mountain and out into the sea, and visitors travel on unmotorised paddle boats about 1.5 kilometres upstream into the cave, a round trip of roughly 45 minutes with an audio guide. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the cave is known for its huge chambers, stalactites and swiftlets. Most visitors take a full-day tour from Puerto Princesa, which covers the drive to Sabang, the boat across to the cave entrance and lunch. The linked tour is a 6 to 9 hour UNESCO Underground River day tour, with 4.6 stars from 76 reviews.
Logistics make a day tour the easiest option. A permit is required for entry, and independent travellers need to obtain it in advance from a tour operator or the park office in Puerto Princesa, which a tour handles for you. The drive from the city to Sabang takes around two hours, followed by a short boat ride of 15 to 30 minutes from the pier to the cave entrance.
Tours often add extras such as a jungle trail or lunch, and some combine the cave with a zipline or mangrove paddle, so check the inclusions before choosing.
In the cave itself, an audio guide points out the rock formations while the boat glides along, and bats and swiftlets overhead explain the smell of guano. Keep your mouth closed when looking up. Crab-eating monkeys and monitor lizards roam near the entrance, so do not carry loose food. The audio guide may be an extra charge at the cave, and the 45-minute round trip is short compared with the day spent travelling.
The park can close in heavy rain or rough seas, and a boat crossing to the entrance can be cancelled. Ask your operator about the refund or reschedule policy. Alternatively, stay in Sabang for a more relaxed visit, which is why the Four Points hotel in this guide is so well placed. Bring a light rain jacket, sun cream, water shoes and a dry bag, and wear clothes that can get splashed.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, a short boat crossing and a 45-minute paddle-boat ride in the cave.
Best time
A dry-season morning from November to May, when the sea crossing is calmer and the park is more likely to be open.
How long
Six to nine hours door to door, with about 45 minutes in the cave.
Tips
Have your permit arranged through the tour, bring a light jacket and dry bag, and keep food hidden from monkeys.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Palawan's UNESCO World Heritage headline sight.
- Families
- Good for children who can sit calmly on a boat in the dark, with life jackets provided.
- Couples
- A memorable shared experience, and a natural pair with a night in Sabang.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the firefly river tour in the evening or a Honda Bay island day.
- Time needed
- One full day.
Good questions
Do I need a permit for the Underground River?+
Yes, entry requires a permit, which a day tour arranges for you. Independent travellers get one in advance from an operator or the park office.
How long is the boat ride in the cave?+
Paddle boats go about 1.5 kilometres upstream, a round trip of roughly 45 minutes with an audio guide. The cave is about eight kilometres long in total.
How far is the park from Puerto Princesa?+
The drive to Sabang takes around two hours, then a short boat ride to the cave entrance. Most visitors go on a full-day tour.
Can the park be closed?+
Yes, it often closes in heavy rain or rough seas. Check with your operator before you travel and ask about rescheduling.
What should I bring?+
Bring water, sun cream, a light rain jacket and water shoes, and wear clothes that can get splashed. Keep food hidden, as monkeys roam near the entrance.
