Puerto Princesa's Underground River (Palawan)

Our 6-day Palawan trip started in Puerto Princesa. We did a city-tour on our first day and a visit to the Underground River on the second day :)

Known to be one of the 8 Wonders of Nature, Puerto Princesa's Subterranean Underground River has been attracting many local and foreign tourists.

Because it is situated in Sabang area of Puerto Princesa (around 1 1/2-2 hour van ride from the city), travel agencies has been growing like mushrooms in the city. They organize trips to the underground river daily and make your life a little easier in securing permits and transportation. They also provide buffet lunch and a tour guide.

View from one of the stopover

The view from the Sabang Port where you'll ride a boat to go to the main area of the Underground River

Planning to visit the Underground River? Here are some options for you:

Option 1) Ask your hotel if they offer a tour to the underground river. Usually they charge around P1500/person (inclusive of transportation to Sabang and buffet lunch).

Option 2) Look for a good travel agency in the town. I would recommend SMY Travel and Tours. Dean, our tour guide was helpful, witty and funny :) According to him, they are the only travel agency that gives sweet tarts for their guests. (And yeah, the tarts were really good!) P1500/person (inclusive of transportation to Sabang and buffet lunch).

Dean San Luis

0915-8141-630

smytravel@yahoo.com

Option 3) Go to the tourism office. Pay P175 for permit. Ask around town for transportation going to Sabang. From there, you have to show your permit in the tourism office near the port and get your number (for the boat). Can be a hassle  but you'll save a lot of money.

Almost all the boats look the same so remember the number of your boat. :)

Some important things to remember:

Don't go there during weekends. There will sure be a long line.

Don't expect too much. From the 13-kilometer underground river, you'll only see 1.5 kilometers of it. 

If you just bring camera phone/tablet, you'll not have good pictures.

Give tips to the boatmen and to the tour guide.

Eat tamilok ( a local delicacy-- it's not too bad) :)

(c) Pictures by Nemil

See our El Nido Trip here 
See our Coron Trip here

Budget Hotel in Puerto Princesa Palawan: Marianne Inn
Rating: 4/5
Good Location: Situated in the middle of the city proper, near Honda Bay
Affordable and good service: P1500/night (for 2 people) with private bath, Hot and Cold Shower, Aircon and TV
Mobile: 09175342138; 09297413367
www.marianne-palawan.com