Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Location: The park is in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island of Palawan, about 80 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa.

Opening hours: The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The underground river tour operates from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission rate: 

1. The park charges an entrance fee of 500 php for adults and 400 php for children. 
2. Underground river tour: 250 php for adults and 150 php for children.

Reason for visit: Experience the charm of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; ideal for outdoor lovers

Introduction of the Park

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area in the Philippines that features a spectacular limestone karst landscape and an underground river that flows directly into the sea. The park is in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island of Palawan, about 80 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and voted as a New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. It also became a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2012.

The park's main attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is more than 24 kilometers long and contains an 8.2-kilometer-long underground section of the Cabayugan River. The river winds through the cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea, and is navigable by boat up to 4.3 kilometers from the sea. The cave includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers, including the 360-meter-long Italian's Chamber, which is one of the largest cave rooms in the world. The lower portion of the river, up to six kilometers from the sea, is subject to tidal influences, making it a unique natural phenomenon.

The park also contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem, which provides significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The park protects the most intact and noteworthy forests within the Palawan Biogeographic Province, which is considered as one of the most biologically diverse regions in Southeast Asia.

Best activities in the park

Take a boat tour of the underground river. This is the most popular and iconic activity in the park, as it allows you to experience the beauty and wonder of the subterranean river and its cave system. You will board a small paddle boat with a guide, who will point out the various rock formations and wildlife along the way. The boat tour lasts for about 45 minutes and covers 1.5 kilometers inside the cave. You will need to wear a helmet and a life vest, and bring a flashlight and a waterproof camera. You will also need to secure a permit in advance, as the number of visitors per day is limited to 1,200. 

Booking: 
You can go there and book it directly, but first you need the permit from Puerto Peincesa environment office. Therefore, it is advisable book a tour package with a travel agency. Booking a tour package will save you time and hassle, as the travel agency will arrange everything for you, including transportation, boat ride, entrance fee, and lunch.

Dress code: 
Comfortable waterproof shoes or slippers are recommended as you may need to wade on board. Please do not pack your belongings in plastic bags, as you may encounter monkeys in the park who snatch food from the plastic.

It is recommended that you prepare some bacterial protective masks or face masks, because the cave is dark and humid, and there are wild animals such as bats, wearing masks can prevent the spread of disease.

Explore the forest trails and the mangrove forest. The park has several hiking trails that lead to different attractions, such as the Lion's Cave, the Monkey Trail, the Jungle Trail, and the Ugong Rock. These trails offer opportunities to see the diverse flora and fauna of the park, as well as to learn about the local culture and history. The mangrove forest, which is located near the mouth of the underground river, is also a must-see for nature lovers. It is a vital ecosystem that supports many marine and terrestrial species, as well as serves as a natural buffer against storms and erosion. You can join a guided tour that will take you on a paddle boat through the mangrove forest, where you can observe the different types of mangroves and the wildlife that inhabit them.

Tip: Be sure to use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially if you are going to hike in the morning. Some of the mosquitoes in this forest transmit malaria.

Experience the zipline and the spelunking adventure. The zipline is a thrilling ride that lets you soar over the forest canopy and enjoy the panoramic view of the park and the sea. The zipline has two options: a 550-meter long zipline that ends at the Sabang Beach, or a 380-meter long zipline that ends at the Sabang X Zipline Park. The spelunking adventure is a challenging activity that involves exploring the deeper and darker parts of the cave system. You can choose from different levels of difficulty, depending on their skills and preferences. The spelunking adventure requires proper equipment and guidance, and is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or have health problems.

Enjoy your beach time after the underground river tour. The park has several beaches that offer pristine sand and clear water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or relaxing. The most popular beach is the Sabang Beach, which is the main jump-off point for the underground river tour. It is a long and wide beach that has several resorts, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Other beaches that visitors can check out are the Sabang X Beach, the Daluyon Beach, and the Sheridan Beach.

How to get there

The park is mostly accessed through road trips to the seaside village of Sabang from where one of the many Bangkas (Kayaks) take visitors to the park. You can either join a group tour or arrange your own transportation. A group tour usually includes round-trip transfers from Puerto Princesa, lunch, and permits.