Puerto Princesa – a hidden underground river in the Philippines

Deep beneath the limestone karst formations of Palawan lies the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this river system winds through vast underground chambers, making it the longest navigable underground river in the world. If you’re wondering whether Puerto Princesa is worth visiting, this natural wonder alone makes a strong case. Here’s what you need to know before exploring the Palawan underground river.

Where is the Puerto Princesa underground river?

The Palawan underground river flows beneath the St. Paul Mountain Range, located on the mid-western coast of Palawan, Philippines. This vast cave system, formed over millions of years, was carved by water cutting through limestone, creating an intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and rock formations.

Stretching 15 miles (24km) beneath the mountains, the river eventually emerges near the South China Sea. While the full system remains unexplored, visitors can experience a portion of it by boat, gliding through eerie, cathedral-like caverns filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

This subterranean world is home to a unique ecosystem adapted to total darkness. While most of its inhabitants — giant spiders, crabs, and blind fish — stay hidden in the shadows, you’re more likely to spot bats and swallows, which nest in the cave’s upper reaches.

How to get to the Puerto Princesa underground river

The gateway to the Puerto Princesa Underground River is the small coastal village of Sabang, located about 40km (24 miles) north of Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan. You can visit on a day tour from the city or stay in Sabang, which has a mix of luxury resorts and budget-friendly beach huts along its scenic shoreline.

To protect the fragile ecosystem, all visitors need a permit to enter the underground river. While you can arrange this yourself, along with boat transport, booking a guided tour is much easier. Spots fill up fast, so it’s best to reserve at least a few days in advance to secure your visit.

When Is the best time to visit the Puerto Princesa underground river?

The best time to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this period, you’ll get calmer seas and clearer skies, making the boat ride to the cave entrance smooth and enjoyable.

What to consider before you go:

• Avoid the rainy season (June to October) – Heavy rains can lead to rough waters and occasional tour cancellations. If you visit during this time, be prepared for last-minute changes.
• Peak season (December to April) – Expect larger crowds, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week. Book your tour well in advance.
• Best months for fewer crowds (November or May) – These shoulder months offer good weather with slightly fewer tourists.

Since access to the Palawan underground river is limited per day, booking ahead — especially in peak months — is highly recommended.

Costs for a visit to the Palawan underground river

Visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River requires a permit and boat ride, with costs depending on whether you join a guided tour or arrange everything yourself.

• Guided tour (from Puerto Princesa City) – Around ₱2,000–2,500 ($35–45) per person. This typically includes transport, permits, boat fees, and lunch.
• DIY trip (from Sabang) – Expect to pay around ₱500 ($9) for the permit and ₱1,000 ($18) for a shared boat. Additional costs may include transport to Sabang and environmental fees.
• Private tour – Costs between ₱10,000–15,000 ($175–265). While this gives you a private car for the drive to Sabang, you’ll still have to share a boat to enter the river—so unless you really value the extra comfort, it’s probably not worth the splurge.

What to expect on your visit

Most Palawan underground river tours from Puerto Princesa include transport, permits, and often lunch. If you're starting from Sabang, the tour is shorter (and cheaper), but you may need to arrange a permit separately at the office on the wharf.

Once you're on the boat, expect a 45-minute ride through the cave. You'll be given a helmet and life jacket, both of which must be worn at all times. And a word of advice — when looking up at the towering rock formations, keep your mouth closed. The cave is home to thousands of bats, and they aren’t shy about dropping unwanted "souvenirs" from above.

Most tours come with an audio guide, packed with scientific facts about the cave system (and dramatic background music). But if you find yourself squinting at the rock walls trying to spot formations that supposedly look like famous landmarks, feel free to ditch the earphones and let your imagination take over.

Is Puerto Princesa worth a visit?

If you're planning your Philippines itinerary, a trip to the Palawan Underground River should be high on your list. Paddling through the darkness, with only the clicking of bats and the distant drip of water breaking the silence, feels like entering another world. You'll glide through towering rock chambers, past stalactites, and into the heart of the earth.

Most tours take you 2.5 miles (4km) along the river, but with a special permit booked in advance, you can explore up to 5 miles (8.2km). Beyond this point, boats can’t pass, and only a handful of visitors get to swim between the rock walls.

If you're not afraid of small, dark spaces, the deeper parts of the cave reward you with waterfalls cascading through stone crevices, a 20-million-year-old manatee fossil, and a hidden passageway leading to a massive chamber covered in shimmering crystals.

Even getting to the cave is part of the adventure. You’ll take a scenic 20-minute boat ride across the sea, passing towering limestone cliffs, before trekking through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — home to mischievous monkeys swinging through the canopy and giant monitor lizards slinking through the undergrowth.