Things to Do in Puerto Princesa

A new Seven Wonders of Nature, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Puerto Princesa Underground River flows through a limestone cave system before spilling into the South China Sea. A paddle through this eerie ecosystem, filled with otherworldly cave formations and chattering bats, is one of the Philippines’ most unforgettable experiences.

The Underground River, situated within Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on Palawan, is an easy day trip from the city of Puerto Princesa. Take a guided boat ride along one of the world’s longest underground rivers, beginning at Sabang Wharf near the mouth of the cave. The rock formations within, considered among the most complex in the world, are illuminated only by flashlight beams. Some tours also include a stop at Ugong Rock for optional ziplining or spelunking.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is 90 minutes away from the city of Puerto Princesa by road. It’s a 15-minute boat ride from Sabang village to reach the entrance of the cave. Most visitors arrive by guided tour; alternatively several public buses run from the San Jose bus terminal to Sabang.

Boat trips can be cancelled due to rain and poor weather, so it’s best to visit the cave system during the dry season (January to April). This natural wonder is one of Palawan’s most popular attractions, so it’s a good idea to arrange your tour before arriving on the island, particularly during the peak season (December to May).

While the river is the area’s star attraction, the surrounding national park supports impressive biodiversity, including some 800 plant species, 195 bird species, 19 reptile species, and 30 mammal species. While some of these critters are hard to spot, visitors commonly see some of the eight species of bat living within the park and its cave system.

Sabang is a small fishing village on the western coast of Palawan. It is dominated by a long, wide stretch of white beach, framed by mountains and lapped by calm waters. The main attraction here is the Underground River, an intriguing river system full of stalagmites that runs beneath the forested mountainside and is one of the Seven New Wonders of the Natural World.

Tours to the Underground River tend to leave from Puerto Princesa and return the same day, but if you have time to linger in Sabang, you’ll find there’s more to it than its most famous attraction. The beach itself is pristine and devoid of crowds, making it easy to spend hours simply relaxing and enjoying the views. Those looking for more action can take a mangrove paddle boat tour at the eastern end of town, fly the Sabang Zipline, go climbing, explore caves, or take a dip in the pools of the Sabang Falls.

Booking an Underground River tour independently involves obtaining permits and often long waiting times for boats. If only visiting Sabang for the Underground River, avoid this by booking a day tour from Puerto Princesa. Some tours include a paddle boat ride as part of the itinerary.