Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on earth. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and later voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this 8.2 km underground river winds through a stunning cave system before emptying directly into the South China Sea.

Your day begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Puerto Princesa. The drive to the Sabang jump-off point winds through lush jungle and takes roughly 90 minutes, with a short scenic boat ride across the bay. Once inside the national park, your licensed guide accompanies you on a paddle boat through the cathedral-like cave chambers — pointing out towering stalactites, bats by the thousands, and rock formations with fanciful names like the Quail, the Garden of Eden, and the Rockefeller. The cave tour lasts about 45 minutes inside, with highlights narrated in English.

After the underground river, lunch is served at a local restaurant before you explore the Sabang Beach mangrove walk and spot monitor lizards and macaques. The tour returns to Puerto Princesa in the late afternoon. All permits, boat fees, and national park entrance are included — simply bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and your sense of wonder. Book early: permit slots are strictly limited to protect the ecosystem.