Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park | The Experience
- Andi Dela Torre Griffiths
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
One of the things we looked forward to on our trip was the Subterranean River National Park tour. My husband and I have always wanted to see it, and thankfully, we had the opportunity to do so. It's such a beautiful place. I think "breathtaking" would be the best word to describe it.
This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site* recognized for having one of the most impressive cave systems and an 8.2-kilometer underground river.
*A UNESCO World Heritage Site refers to a place that holds a significant historical, scientific, or cultural value, as determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
💡 Did you know?
Puerto Princesa’s subterranean river is the longest navigable underground river in the world.
Today, I'm going to share how our experience went.
Booking Information & Transportation
We booked our tour through KKDay, and our package included two other activities: the Sabang X Zipline and the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour (I'll write about these next in a separate blog post). I highly recommend going for the 3-in-1 package if you want to make the most of your stay. It's efficient and already includes a lunch buffet at a local eatery.
The one we booked (via KKDay) was from Corazon Travel and Tours. Below is a link where you can book the activity.
Going to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Since we booked a package, our van transfers were already covered. Here’s what to expect if you do the same.
Your pick-up time would depend on the operator and your hotel location. In our case, we got up early because we were the first stop, and the call time was 7:30 AM. The tour guide arrived earlier than that and literally knocked on our door. We were surprised at first! But he said they do that to try and make sure no one gets left behind (he asked permission from the reception and presented his identification). After a small chit-chat, he asked for the activity QR code, collected the payment for the environmental fee, and then led us to the van. We then picked up the rest of the group and started our journey.
I forgot the name of the place, but there is one stopover where you can grab instant coffee, take photos, and look at the beautiful scenery from the viewing deck. You can also buy some snacks.
I suggest going to the toilet while you are here. Once you arrive at the port, you might not have enough time to go around.
From the Sabang Port, it takes around 20-30 minutes of sea travel to get to the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park.
The boat ride was relaxing and very therapeutic. Our trip felt chill because our tour group was composed of couples. All we could hear was the loud boat engine and the sound of the little waves from the waters (a satisfying combination, I'd say).
The Experience | What to Expect
Expect White sand, beautiful rock formations, and crystal-clear waters upon reaching the park.
The river flows directly into the sea. You can walk in the waters outside the cave if you want to feel its cool temperature, but please note that swimming is prohibited. Our guide emphasized this. He explained that doing so can affect their conservation efforts, especially with the high number of tourists.
Of course, we weren’t allowed to take photos using our mobile cameras with flash inside the cave, but I can describe some of the things we’ve seen (use your imagination).
Some of the formations we saw included a silhouette of a lady, the face of Jesus, vegetables, a massive candle, and a cathedral, among others. All of these were pretty recognizable, even in the dark (only our tour guide's flashlight was on). There were also plenty of bats.
It's not every day that we get the chance to explore a cave, so it was really worth it. On our way out, the scene looked straight out of a movie. Just look at the photo below. It's way more beautiful in real life.
Overall, we had a wonderful time, and I’m also glad the whole tour was hassle-free. I highly recommend this activity to those visiting Puerto Princesa. That would be all for today, guys. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
