
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, this 8.2km underground river winds through a stunning limestone karst landscape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better weather

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, this 8.2km underground river winds through a stunning limestone karst landscape.
"Visiting the Underground River in Puerto Princesa feels like stepping into a living miracle."
Book Ahead! :ticket:
Secure your underground river tour tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.
Waterproof Everything! :iphone:
Protect your electronics from moisture; a waterproof bag is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puerto Princesa Underground River
Sabang Beach
Navigate a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature, marveling at colossal cave formations.

Stalactites and Stalagmites
Inside the cave
Witness nature's artistry with breathtaking rock formations sculpted over millennia.

Biodiversity of the Park
Surrounding forest and cave
Explore a protected area teeming with diverse ecosystems, from mountains to the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead! :ticket:
Secure your underground river tour tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.
Waterproof Everything! :iphone:
Protect your electronics from moisture; a waterproof bag is a must.
Comfortable Footwear :athletic_shoe:
Wear comfortable shoes for the boat ride and any walking involved.
Embrace the Smell :bat:
Be prepared for a unique scent due to bat droppings; it's part of the natural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead! :ticket:
Secure your underground river tour tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.
Waterproof Everything! :iphone:
Protect your electronics from moisture; a waterproof bag is a must.
Comfortable Footwear :athletic_shoe:
Wear comfortable shoes for the boat ride and any walking involved.
Embrace the Smell :bat:
Be prepared for a unique scent due to bat droppings; it's part of the natural experience.
Listen to Your Guide :microphone:
Your guide shares fascinating stories and points out rock formations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Puerto Princesa Underground River as an amazing and educational experience, highlighting its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New 7 Wonder of Nature. The sheer scale of the cave formations and the unique ecosystem are major draws. However, some reviewers mention that it can get crowded, and the distinct smell of bat droppings is noticeable.
"really amazing experience and educational. just so many people at the time we toured it. but everyone, our tour guide (she took my photo ♡) and boat tour operator were very pleasant. I'm more of a museum person but i recommend stopping by! just be wary of the smell (because of bat droppings) and crowds"
Shiro-san 29
"Features a navigable underground river that flows through a limestone karst mountain landscape, offering visitors a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season
- Tour Options: Guided boat tours usually last about 2-3 hours and include a paddle through the underground river, showcasing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife.
- Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring rain gear if needed.
- Book your tour in advance, as it’s a popular attraction.
- Bring your camera, but ensure it’s waterproof or kept safe during the boat ride."
Mali Gaia
"A fantastic experience and well worth the trip, the cave is enormous and the tour only shows a fraction of it but the rock structures are phenomenal and some of the larger chambers are over 80m tall.
The tour provides a listening device with an audiolog describing all the different parts of the cave and river.
10/10 would visit again"
Rory Pomroy-Miller (Rozza)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors travel from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang Beach, the jump-off point for the underground river tours. This typically involves a van or bus ride, which can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. From Sabang Beach, you'll take a short boat ride to the park entrance, followed by a jungle trail or another short boat ride to the river's mouth.
The road to Sabang can be a bit rough in some sections, especially if you're prone to motion sickness. It's advisable to prepare for a bumpy ride.
Yes, many hotels and tour operators in Puerto Princesa offer packages that include transportation to and from the underground river. This is often the most convenient option.
The journey from Puerto Princesa City to the underground river typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, including the van/bus ride and the boat transfer.
Besides the standard boat transfer from Sabang Beach, some visitors opt for a jungle trail walk to reach the river's mouth, offering a more adventurous approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees and tour costs can vary. It's best to check the official tourism website or book through a reputable tour operator for the most up-to-date pricing. Packages often include permits, boat rentals, and environmental fees.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your slot and avoid disappointment.
Tours typically run daily, but hours can be subject to weather conditions. It's advisable to confirm the schedule with your tour provider.
While generally accessible, the tour involves some walking and boat rides. Visitors with mobility issues or severe health conditions should consult with their doctor and the tour operator.
Standard tour packages usually include permits, environmental fees, boat rental, and a guided tour of the underground river. Some may also include transportation from Puerto Princesa City.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll board a paddle boat with a local guide who will navigate you through a portion of the 8.2 km underground river. Expect to see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and various rock formations. The tour lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, the cave is home to bats, and their presence contributes to the unique ecosystem and the smell of guano. Guides will point out bat colonies.
The park is a protected area with rich biodiversity. You might spot monkeys, monitor lizards, and various bird species in the surrounding forest.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to protect your camera from water. Using flash photography might be restricted to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
The entire experience, including travel to Sabang, the boat ride, and the cave tour, usually takes about half a day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and eateries at Sabang Beach where you can have meals before or after your tour. Options range from local Filipino dishes to simple snacks.
It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks before entering the park or at designated areas to maintain the cleanliness of the natural environment.
Puerto Princesa offers a variety of Filipino cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. You can find local eateries and more upscale restaurants in the city.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a waterproof camera or phone case. Be mindful of low light conditions inside the cave and consider a tripod if possible, though it might be difficult on the boat. Focus on capturing the scale of the formations.
Flash photography may be restricted to avoid disturbing the bats and other wildlife. Always check with your guide before using flash.
The massive cave chambers, the unique stalactites and stalagmites, and the entrance to the cave with the surrounding lush greenery are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage might be restricted within national parks. It's best to check local regulations before bringing a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Ensure children are comfortable with boat rides and enclosed spaces. Bring snacks and drinks, though consumption is best done before or after the cave tour. Consider booking a package that includes transportation for added convenience. The surrounding park also offers opportunities for spotting wildlife, which can be exciting for younger visitors.
adventurous Travelers
While the underground river tour itself is the main draw, Puerto Princesa offers other activities like ziplining and giant slides at Mitra's Ranch, which can be combined with your visit for a more action-packed itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Wonder: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The experience is not just about the geological formations; it's also an immersion into a unique ecosystem. The park is a protected area encompassing diverse habitats, from mountains to the sea, supporting a rich array of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for monkeys, monitor lizards, and various bird species in the surrounding forest. The cave itself is home to a significant bat population, contributing to its distinct atmosphere and the natural scent of guano.
Navigating the river requires a paddle boat, and local guides are instrumental in sharing fascinating insights about the cave's history, geology, and the shapes they see in the rock formations – often likened to vegetables, superheroes, or even faces. The entire excursion, from the journey to Sabang Beach to the return, typically takes about half a day, making it a manageable yet profoundly memorable adventure.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Comfortable attire and footwear are essential, as you'll be on boats and potentially walking. Given the humid environment and potential for water spray, a waterproof bag for your belongings and a light rain jacket are wise precautions. While photography is allowed, be mindful of low-light conditions and the potential for water damage to your equipment. Some visitors recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone case.
Be prepared for the natural environment, including the distinct smell of bat guano within the cave. This is a natural part of the experience and a sign of the thriving ecosystem. Listening to your guide is key, as they provide valuable information and point out interesting features. The entire experience, including travel, usually takes around half a day, so plan accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit