Table of Contents
If you’re planning to visit the underground river in Palawan, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip in 2025.
Please read this article carefully. The underground river in Palawan is a very impressive attraction; however, there are some really important things you need to know before you arrange your trip. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know. Visiting the underground river in Palawan is not straightforward. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan a low-stress, fun, enjoyable, and successful trip.
BOOK IT ON KLOOK – Palawan Underground River Tour – Great Price & all the main bits included
Is it worth visiting the underground river in Palawan?
In short, yes, it is definitely worth visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan (also known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River). Visiting this spectacular cave was one of our top Palawan Highlights – we really loved this trip – and we think you will too!
The underground river in Palawan is a truly magnificent attraction. It is genuinely one of the most impressive cave systems we have seen. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World. As such, the underground river is arguably one of the most prominent and iconic attractions in Palawan. The underground columns, stalactites, and arches are truly magnificent, and the national park area itself is very beautiful with a wild, intrepid feel (you can actually see monkeys in the national park – be cautious around them because they have been known to pinch food and bags). If you’re staying in Puerto Princesa, we highly recommend a trip to the underground river.
What is the best way to see the Palawan underground river?
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is situated around 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa. The journey takes around 2 hours by bus.
It is not possible to just turn up and see this attraction independently. Before you visit, you need to obtain an entry permit, which can be a slow and awkward process. We are normally all about the independent adventures – but alas, we don’t recommend doing this one independently.
We recommend that you arrange a tour, which should include two-way transportation (with hotel pickup and drop-off), a guide, entry fees, a boat ride along the underground river, and an Underground River Visitor’s Entry Permit (URVEP). You might also need to pay an additional 150 pesos in environmental fees (this may or may not be included depending on your tour). Some tours also include food and drinks.
How long does it take to visit the underground river in Palawan?
We recommend allowing a full day in your itinerary if you are hoping to see the underground river in Palawan. The trips and tours generally take around 7 or 8 hours, including transportation and other stops and attractions along the way. Most tours and trips depart around 7:00 am (it is important to be ready at your allotted pickup time because they are quite punctual on this tour). The boat ride itself generally takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
How much does it cost to take a tour of the underground river in Palawan?
You can generally find private tours starting at around £130. A private tour can typically accommodate up to 10 people. Alternatively, you can join a group tour, which typically starts at around £26 per person. A good tour should include hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, lunch, drinks, a boat ride, a guide, and your visitor’s entry permit (it is difficult to get this yourself, so we do recommend booking a tour). There is also a kind of casual tipping culture in the Philippines. It is not essential to tip, but many people have a gentle hope and expectation that you will tip.
Is the underground river tour family-friendly?
Yes, the underground river tour is a fun, family-friendly activity. In most cases, children from 0 to 2 years old are free of charge. Children older than 2 years old generally need to pay adult prices for the tour. The boat ride is a fun and immersive experience, and they also provide life jackets. Kids do need to be carefully supervised throughout the tour. Taking a tour of the underground river is also a fantastic way to integrate some world schooling into your travel. It is a perfect opportunity to learn about geology, erosion, and Earth science. Find out more about exploring Palawan with kids.
STILL PLANNING YOUR TRIP? Don’t miss our Guide – Palawan Vs Cebu
