We spent our first day in Palawan by touring the city proper of Puerto Princesa. On our second day, we explored the famous Underground River (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park) located at Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. By the way, in case you do not know, the Underground River is one of the world's new 7 wonders of nature. :)
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| Underground River Tour |
Related: Puerto Princesa, Palawan Day 1 of 3: City Tour (Itinerary and Budget)
We availed the package worth Php 1500 offered to us by the owner of the hotel where we stayed. Kuya Jeson (the tricycle driver who toured us around Puerto Princesa city proper), offered us a cheaper rate, but sadly, the travel agency already got us a permit. Anyway, if you want to know Kuya Jeson's contact number, head over to the link above.
I've read from several blog posts that it's best if you avail a package for the Underground River tour to avoid the hassle of securing permits and commuting.
Inclusion of the package are as follows:
At 6:30 AM, we were fetched by our tour guide from the hotel. My travel buddy and I joined a group of foreigners from different countries. It was a different experience because we got to interact with people with diverse cultures, which we thought was really interesting.
The travel time going to Sabang port is roughly 2 hours. We were warned by the tour guide that the long and winding road that we will take is not so friendly to passengers with motion sickness. Good thing we did not have a problem with it at all.
We availed the package worth Php 1500 offered to us by the owner of the hotel where we stayed. Kuya Jeson (the tricycle driver who toured us around Puerto Princesa city proper), offered us a cheaper rate, but sadly, the travel agency already got us a permit. Anyway, if you want to know Kuya Jeson's contact number, head over to the link above.
I've read from several blog posts that it's best if you avail a package for the Underground River tour to avoid the hassle of securing permits and commuting.
Inclusion of the package are as follows:
- Round-trip, Air-con Van Transfer (2 hours each way)
- Complimentary Buffet lunch
- Motorized Boat Transfer
- All Entrance Fees & Permits
- DOT Licensed English-speaking Tour Guide
- 45 minute Canoe Tour of the Underground River
- Audio Device Fee
Heading to Sabang Port
At 6:30 AM, we were fetched by our tour guide from the hotel. My travel buddy and I joined a group of foreigners from different countries. It was a different experience because we got to interact with people with diverse cultures, which we thought was really interesting.
The travel time going to Sabang port is roughly 2 hours. We were warned by the tour guide that the long and winding road that we will take is not so friendly to passengers with motion sickness. Good thing we did not have a problem with it at all.
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| Sabang Port |
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| We rode a motorized boat that lead us to the Underground River. |
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| This is where the boat dropped us off. |
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| Hello it's me taking advantage of the beautiful view! |
Walking to the Cave's Entrance
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| "Welcome to Underground River" signage |
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| From the place where we were dropped off, it will just take about 2-3 minutes of walk to reach the entrance of the cave. |
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| Underground River's Registration Area |
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| Upon registration, the Underground River's staff will hand you a multi-lingual audio device that you are required to wear during the entire tour. This is part of Puerto Princesa's government's effort to the maintain the cave for future generations. |
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| Read it! |
Underground River
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| Here's our view of the cave while we were waiting for our turn. |
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| Did not waste my time and immediately took the chance to take a photo at this area |
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| Group of friends who just finished their Underground River tour |
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| Now it's our turn, yay! |
Here are some photos inside the cave
There are no lights inside the cave, that's why we were not able to capture too much photos. The boat paddler guy that will be assigned to your group has his own flashlight which he will point to notable spots inside the cave from time to time. (see our Underground River tour video below). |
| One of my favorite shots, the weeping face of Jesus Christ rock formation. |
Underground River Tour Video
End of our Underground River Tour
Our most favorite part of the tour is the "Cathedral" where you will see rock formations of the Virgin Mary, Belen, Three Kings and The Last Supper. The entire tour felt so magical! I was speechless! |
| Selfie with our tour guide |
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| And another one! |
