Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

Language
English, Tagalog
Departure City
Puerto Princesa
Meeting Point
Airport / Hotel
Transportation
Public Transport (Mini-Van, Tourist Boat)
Guide
Live & Audio Guide
Meals
Lunch Meal
Minimum/Maximum Age
0-75
Tour Availability
Daily
Destinations
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Activities
Historical Tour, Walking
Trip Type
Shared Trip
Difficulty
Medium

Puerto Princesa Quick Getaway: Discover the Underground River

Step into a hidden world beneath the earth and discover the magic of the Puerto Princesa Underground River. From scenic coastal drives to a serene boat ride into a mystical cave, every moment is an adventure.

Be amazed by towering rock formations, echoing chambers, and the natural beauty of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a nature lover, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime

Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, recognized globally for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.
Scenic Boat Ride Inside the Cave Enjoy a peaceful paddle boat journey through a stunning cave system filled with impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers.
Lush Forest & Coastal Views Travel through beautiful landscapes—from tropical forests to the pristine shores of Sabang, offering relaxing and scenic surroundings.
Unique Wildlife Encounters Spot fascinating creatures like bats, swiftlets, and monitor lizards in their natural habitat, adding excitement to your adventure.

Hotel Pick-up :

Hotel Pick-up

06:30 – 08:30 AM | Hotel Pick-up (Puerto Princesa City)
Morning pick-up from your hotel. Meet your driver/guide and begin your journey to Sabang.
(Exact pick-up time will be confirmed by your guide the evening prior to the tour.)

2 hours

Travel to Sabang :

Travel to Sabang

07:30 – 9:00 AM | Travel to Sabang Wharf
Enjoy a scenic land transfer (approx. 1:45–2 hours) passing through countryside views, mountains, and coastal roads.

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Registration & Waiting Time
Arrival at Sabang Wharf. Processing of permits and queueing for boat assignment (waiting time may vary depending on volume of guests).

10:00 – 10:30 AM | Boat Transfer to Cave Entrance
Short boat ride to the Underground River National Park.

10:45 – 11:45 AM | Underground River Tour Proper
Board a paddle boat and explore the stunning cave system of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, featuring incredible rock formations and vast chambers.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a local buffet lunch at a restaurant in Sabang.

Return to the City :

Return to the City

2:00 – 03:00 PM | Free Time / Optional Activities
Relax or try optional add-ons (zipline, mangrove tour, etc.).

3:30 – 4:30 PM | Travel Back to Puerto Princesa
Return land transfer to the city – End of tour

2 hours

Know Before You Book – Underground River Shared Tour

Permit Requirements
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park requires advance permits. All guests must provide complete details (full name, nationality, date of birth) for processing. Entry is subject to approval and availability.

Shared Tour Setup
This is a shared tour, meaning you will join other guests during van transfers, boat rides, and the cave tour. Pickup Coverage & Time
Hotel pickup and drop-off are available within Puerto Princesa City proper only. Exact pickup time will be advised a day before the tour. Please be ready at least 10–15 minutes early.

Travel Duration
Travel time from the city to Sabang (jump-off point) is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Weather & Sea Conditions
The tour is weather-dependent. In cases of rough seas or safety concerns, the boat crossing or entire tour may be delayed, modified, or cancelled.

Physical Requirements
The tour involves boat transfers and some waiting time. It is generally easy, but may not be suitable for guests with serious mobility issues.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes and slippers/sandals
Valid ID (required for permit verification)
Dry bag / waterproof pouch
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Extra cash for personal expenses or optional activities

Prohibited / Restricted Items
For environmental protection, avoid bringing single-use plastics where possible. Follow all park regulations during the tour.

Optional Activities
Side trips such as zipline or mangrove tour are not included and may be arranged on-site with additional fees.

Meal Arrangement
Lunch is included. Dietary restrictions should be advised in advance but cannot be guaranteed.

Delays & Waiting Time
Due to high visitor volume, there may be waiting time for boat assignment and cave entry. Your patience is appreciated.

Booking & Participant Requirement
Shared tours require a minimum number of participants. If not met, you may be offered to reschedule, upgrade to private, or receive a refund.

Third-Party Operation
Tours and transfers are operated by accredited local partners. By booking, you acknowledge that operations are handled by these providers.

Remember: Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

Read Terms and Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

What’s included in the tour package?

Your package covers visit to the Underground River, meals, tour guide, boat and van transfers, entrance and environment fees.

What’s not included?

Airfare, Puerto Princesa accommodation, personal expenses, payment fees, and meals not listed in the itinerary.

How do I confirm my booking?

To confirm your booking, payment is required within 24 hours of receiving your booking email.

Once payment is made, kindly send us a copy or screenshot of your proof of payment to reservations@atxtravelph.com or reply directly to your booking confirmation email.

Your booking will be officially confirmed once the payment has been verified by our team.

Can I cancel or reschedule my trip?

Cancellations within 7 days before the tour are not allowed. Reschedules must be coordinated with your tour coordinator; additional fees may apply. See Cancellation Policy

What happens in case of bad weather?

If trips are canceled due to typhoons, rough seas, or other force majeure events, you may reschedule or receive a refund. See Cancellation Policy

What should I bring?

Bring sun protection, cash, waterproof camera.

Are there ATMs or mobile signal in Balabac?

No ATMs or banks — bring cash. Only Palawan Express and MLhuillier remittance centers are available. Mobile signal is limited to calls and texts.

What type of accommodations are provided?

Joiners stay in tents at Punta Sebaring and shared rooms in Balabac Town. Upgrades (AC rooms, nipa huts, geo domes) are available depending on availability.

Are meals included?

Yes — breakfast, lunches and dinners are included. Meals usually feature rice, seafood, meat, and vegetables.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

Guests should be physically fit and ready for a rustic adventure. Balabac is a developing destination with limited facilities and electricity.

How early should I arrive for the tour?

Pick-up in Puerto Princesa is between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. Return to PPS is around 2:00–3:00 PM on Day 3. Make sure your flight schedule fits this timing.

What are travelers expected to observe?

Respect local culture (many residents are Muslim), avoid revealing clothing in town, and practice responsible tourism — take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We currently don’t provide special meal arrangements. Our tours serve freshly prepared local dishes — typically rice, seafood, meats, grilled items, vegetables, and fruits. If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, we encourage you to bring your own food or snacks to ensure your comfort during the trip.

Read the full package terms and condition here https://atxtravelph.com/terms-and-conditions-puerto-princesatours/

Cancellation Policy

Operator-Initiated Cancellations:

ATX Travel & Tours reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any tour due to typhoons, rough seas, travel bans, unfavorable weather conditions, unforeseen events, or failure to meet the minimum number of participants required for the tour to proceed. In such cases, affected guests will be entitled to rebooking without charge or a full refund, subject to the circumstances and applicable policy.

Guest-Initiated Cancellations:

All cancellations or change requests must be submitted in writing. Applicable charges shall be based on the Cancellation Schedule and Fees Table provided below.

Force Majeure:

Refunds are allowed only if the event is canceled due to typhoons, rough seas, fires, travel bans, force majeure, or other unforeseen circumstances, subject to the existing cancellation and rebooking policy and in accordance with the Cancellation Schedule and Fees Table.

Cancellation Schedule and Fees Table

Cancellation / Timing	Refund	Rebooking
More than 7 days before trip	Refund allowed; 20% of the package Cancellation fee per person apply	Rebooking allowed; 10% of the package Rebooking fee plus price difference per person apply – subject to availability
7 days and less before trip	No refund allowed – Full payment required	No rebooking allowed – Full payment required
Travel advisory (within Puerto Princesa area only)	Full refund – if Advisories issued before the trip and no services used Partial refund – if the trip already started	Free rebooking if Advisories issued before trip and no services used – subject to availability
Operator-initiated cancellation (minimum traveler not met and other reason)	Full refund	Free rebooking – subject to availability