Discovering the Wonders of Puerto Princesa's Underground River: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Welcome to the Underground River Travel Guide, your ultimate source of information on one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puerto Princesa. Discover everything you need to know about the breathtaking Underground River, from its history to practical tips for your visit.
UNDERGROUND RIVER
DESTINATIONS
Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days
Explore Puerto Princesa | 4 Days
Underground River Private Tour
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The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must-visit attraction in Palawan island. It boasts the world’s longest underground river, spanning over 8.2 kilometers and surrounded by stunning limestone karst mountain formations.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature,” the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife in its lush tropical forest.
Top things to do in Sabang
Discover the Mystical Beauty of the Underground River
As you embark on the cruise, you’ll be taken on an enchanting journey starting with a boat ride from Sabang village. Inside the cave, you’ll experience a mystical adventure, where stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, naturally sculpted over time, will be revealed to you.
Explore the Mangrove Forest
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the coastal mangrove forest with a peaceful 30-minute boat trip. Admire the lush vegetation and keep an eye out for native wildlife such as lizards, snakes, crabs, and monkeys in their natural habitat.
Jungle Trekking
Experience the lush tropical wilderness on the 5 km-long Jungle Trail, which can be walked back to Sabang village after visiting the underground river. The trail winds through overgrown forests and karst limestone formations, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for wild long-tailed macaques along the way.
Relax and Unwind at Sabang Beach
Indulge in a tranquil retreat by spending a night at the Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa or Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Sabang Beach. Nestled between towering mountain ranges and the crystal-clear waters of the West Philippines Sea, the beach offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
When to go to Underground river
The Underground River can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to travel is during the dry season, which runs from October to early June. The sea is typically calm during the months of April and May.
The Underground River may be temporarily closed to visitors in situations such as strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rainfall. The wet season occurs between June and September.
Getting to Underground River
Getting to the Underground River is easy with several transportation options available from nearby destinations.
Here’s how you can get to the Underground River from different places:
From El Nido
Public Transportation: Lexxus operates a daily shuttle van service from Sabang to El Nido, taking around 5-6 hours.
Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by booking a private van. Book Online
From Puerto Princesa
Public Transportation: Lexxus operates a daily shuttle van service from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, taking around 2 hours.
Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Puerto Princesa to Sabang is by booking a private van. Book Online
From Port Barton
Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Port Barton to the Underground river is by booking a private van. Book Online
Recommended Tours
Underground River
Underground River Private Tour
Where to stay:
When considering accommodation options in Puerto Princesa, there are several great options to choose from. If you prefer to stay in the city center and be close to restaurants, bars, and shopping malls, then the best hotels for you are those located near Rizal Avenue. However, if you’re looking to explore the Underground River area, then staying in accommodations along Sabang Beach would be your best bet. Sabang Beach is a beautiful, unspoiled beach that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.
If you’re traveling with your family and looking for a resort that has something for everyone, then the Astoria Palawan is a great choice. It’s located in San Rafael, which is a bit far from the city center, but the resort has its own waterpark that’s perfect for entertaining kids after a day of touring. Overall, there are many excellent accommodation options in Puerto Princesa that can cater to any type of traveler.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and peaceful retreat on Sabang Beach, the 5-star Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is a great choice. Situated right on the beachfront, the resort offers spacious and air-conditioned rooms with private balconies overlooking the pool, garden or mountains. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, personal safe, and en suite bathrooms with either a bathtub or shower. One of the resort’s main attractions is the 340-ft-long signature swimming pool, the largest of its kind in Palawan.
Currently closed for renovation
Another great option is the eco-friendly 4-star Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, offering luxurious beachfront cabanas. These cabanas feature contemporary native designs and are strategically designed to maximize natural light and airflow. With direct beach access, each cabana has its own private balcony, offering stunning views of Sabang Beach and the crystal-clear waters of the West Philippine Sea.
Astoria Palawan is a great option for visiting the Underground River, despite being about an hour’s drive away. The resort offers a serene and picturesque location surrounded by lush greenery and pristine beaches. The resort features a variety of accommodation options ranging from elegant rooms to spacious suites and villas, all tastefully designed with modern amenities and contemporary furnishings.