Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking to appreciate the beauty of the Philippines’ natural wonders.
OVERVIEW MAP NEED TO KNOW STAY TIPS & HACKS GALLERY NEARBY
OVERVIEW
Tourists inside the cave.
Officially called Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is known for its stunning limestone karst mountain landscape and 8.2 kilometer underground river, 4.3 kilometers of which is navigable by a paddle boat only. The park boasts of its stalactites and stalagmites formations, and several large chambers, one of which is considered as one of the largest cave rooms in the world. It also has a rich flora and fauna making it an ideal habitat for biodiversity conservation. It has a variety of forest formations and is inhabited by almost a thousand plant species, about 250 bird species, 30 mammal species, 19 species of reptiles, and nine species of bats. Long-tailed macaques, the only primate in the area, can be found wandering around freely.
PPUR is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted as a New7Wonders of Nature.
Fast Facts
P100 ($2 USD) – minors 3 to 12 years old
P150 ($3 USD) – minors
P250 ($5 USD) – adult
P100 ($2 USD) – Senior Citizens and disabled
Palawan resident rates:
P175 ($3.5 USD) – adult
P75 ($1.5 USD) – minors (3 to 12 years old)
P100 ($2 USD) – minors
P3000 ($60 USD) – commercial video fee
No permit, no entrance policy is strictly enforced.
Children 2 years old and below are not allowed inside the cave.
Hiking shoes, drinking water and insect repellant are recommended.
Feeding or teasing the wildlife is strictly prohibited. Bringing a plastic bag is discouraged as the monkeys have the tendency to grab it thinking that it contains food.
You can find tour packages which include land transfer, boat transfer, buffet lunch, entrance fee, tour guide, and processing of permits.
MAP
This attraction is located on Palawan Island in Puerto Princesa City.
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NEED TO KNOW
How to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River?
Getting a complete tour package is the easiest and stress-free way to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River, however if you prefer to do it on your own, here’s the step-by-step guide to get there.
By Air
Step 1
Book a flight to Puerto Princesa City. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have multiple direct flights everyday from Manila to Puerto Princesa while one or two flights from Cebu.
Step 2
From the arrival area, walk to the gate of the airport and hail a tricycle that can take you to San Jose Terminal. Travel time is around 10 minutes and the fare is P120 ($2.4 USD) which can be split if you are in a group.
Step 3
At the terminal, you can ride a van, bus, or jeepney to Sabang.
Lexxus van leaves Puerto Princesa to Sabang at 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM while the Sabang to Puerto Princesa schedule is at 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Travel time is about two hours and the fare is P400 ($8 USD) per person.
Meanwhile, the schedule for bus departures are 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 NN, and 2:00 PM. Travel time is between two to three hours depending on the number of stopovers to pick up or drop off passengers along the way.
Step 4
Alight at Sabang and proceed to the information center/tourism office. Pay the permit fee of P250 ($5 USD), environmental fee of P150 ($3 USD), and terminal fee of P5 ($0.1 USD). Once everything is paid, proceed to the wharf and arrange your boat transfer to Sabang Beach, the entry point to the cave. Tourists enter the cave by batches so be patient and wait for your turn.
By Sea
Step 1
Take a boat from Manila to Puerto Princesa through 2Go Travel. Currently, there is only one trip per week. A ferry leaves Manila every Tuesday at 1:30 PM and arrives Puerto Princesa at 6:00 PM the next day. Take note that before arriving in Puerto Princesa, the ferry makes a stopover in Coron at 2:30 in the morning.
The fare ranges from P1790 ($35.80 USD) to P5550 ($111 USD) depending on the type of accommodation.
Step 2
Ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal.
Step 3
At the terminal, you can ride a van, bus, or jeepney to Sabang.
Lexxus van leaves Puerto Princesa to Sabang at 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM while the Sabang to Puerto Princesa schedule is at 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Travel time is about two hours and the fare is P400 ($8 USD) per person.
Meanwhile, the schedule for bus departures are 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 NN, and 2:00 PM. Travel time is between two to three hours depending on the number of stopovers to pick up or drop off passengers along the way.
Step 4
Alight at Sabang and proceed to the information center/tourism office. Pay the permit fee of P250 ($5 USD), environmental fee of P150 ($3 USD), and terminal fee of P5 ($0.1 USD). Once everything is paid, proceed to the wharf and arrange your boat transfer to Sabang Beach, the entry point to the cave. Tourists enter the cave by batches so be patient and wait for your turn.
Enjoy Puerto Princesa Underground River with a guide!
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Airport closest to Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Airport (IATA: PPS), the airport closest to Puerto Princesa Underground River, is located less than 75 kilometers away.
Find flights to Puerto Princesa Airport
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol is not allowed at this attraction.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this attraction to avoid crowds is early in the morning usually before 10:00 AM.
Closures
This attraction is open everyday except when the weather is bad.
Fees
Fees require payment in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at this attraction.
Food & Drink
Food and drinks from outside the attraction are not allowed at this attraction.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at this attraction.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed at this attraction.
Trash
Please dispose of your trash properly or take it with you. Don’t Trash the Philippines!
The Philippines are beautiful islands … let’s all ensure they remain this way.
WHERE TO STAY
The following are hotels nearby:
Find best places to stay near Puerto Princesa City
TIPS & HACKS
The following are recommended items for this experience:
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
CamelPack
I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.
Bluetooth Speaker
Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.
UV Shirt
UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.
Snorkel Gear
For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.
Adventure Camera
As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.
Aqua Shoes
When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
GALLERY
Photos
The following are some photos of this attraction.
Videos
The following is a video of this attraction.
NEARBY
The following are other points of interest nearby:
- Sabang Mangrove Forest
- Ugong Rock Adventures
- Karst Mountain Elephant Cave
- Sabang Beach
READ MORE: Puerto Princesa City Visitors Guide | Palawan Island Visitors Guide
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