Puerto Princesa’s Underground River begins as a coastal journey before disappearing beneath Palawan’s limestone landscape. From Sabang, the experience moves from sea to rainforest and finally underground, creating a gradual transition into one of the island’s most distinctive natural environments.
Inside the cave, a park-operated paddle boat passes through limestone chambers and natural formations shared by bats and swiftlets. The contrast between the forest outside and the dark river system below gives the experience much of its character.
Highlights
- From Sabang to the Cave: Guests travel from Sabang Wharf by motorized banca before continuing on foot through the surrounding forest towards the cave entrance.
- One Hour Underground: The cave experience takes place aboard a park-operated paddle boat for approximately one hour, with the boatman introducing the underground environment along the way.
- An 8.2 km River System: The underground river stretches approximately 8.2 km, with around 4.3 km navigable, revealing the scale of the river system beneath the limestone landscape.
- Cave & Forest Wildlife: Bats and swiftlets inhabit the cave, while long-tailed macaques and monitor lizards may also be encountered in the forest around the entrance.
- UNESCO World Heritage Setting: The Puerto Princesa Underground River forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Palawan’s most recognised natural attractions.
- Advance Arrangements Required: A Visitor Entry Permit is required, and the Underground River operates under a daily visitor-capacity system, making advance arrangements important.
After the underground experience, guests return to Sabang by banca and continue with lunch at a local restaurant, completing a journey that brings together coast, rainforest and cave in one experience.
