Underground River

5 Oct 2008

Welcome to the Underground River Our second day itinerary is to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site-Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, also known as the Underground River. We are six in the family and for this special tour, my dad rented a guide going to Sabang for Php 3,500 which includes hotel pick up and the land travel to and from Sabang beach.

The land travel from the city to Sabang beach took us approximately 2.5 hours. We traveled rough and bumpy roads but there have been road constructions going on. During our trip, Kuya Danny, our humble shy tour guide/driver stopped in a tiny house with a sari-sari store to inquire of the fresh catch crabs for lunch. It was because my dad wanted some fresh sea foods, he was maybe hungry and he could not forget the taste of food in Badjao Seafront Restaurant. We bought big crabs around Php 400 Kuya Danny was so kind and accommodating to suggest that we could have it cooked in Tribal Restaurant in Sabang (Php 150 cooking charge) and order some rice (Php 90 platter). It was just perfect for lunch, my parents coordinated with the restaurant owner on how they would cook and prepare the crabs and requested to serve it just perfect after our Underground River tour.

Meanwhile, Kuya Danny went in the park office to get a permit to visit the Underground River, booked for a boat to the river entrance. We paid Php 700 for the round trip boat rental from Sabang-Underground River-Sabang, terminal fee Php 40, Underground River entrance fee for adults is Php 150 each and around Php P100 for kids/students. It was budget friendly since it would cost us more if we would be availing group tour packages that would cost us Php 2500 each.

We waited for our turn to get in the boat, the park office has a numbering system per group making it more systematic. The boat requires 6 people only, so if you’ll be 7 in a group sorry the other one must be with another group completing 6 in a boat. We were cautioned not to bring in foods in plastics because monkeys love to get them.

On our way to the Underground River entrance, we were so amazed of the dazing sight of limestone. Our boatman told us that we are actually traveling in open seas, I just imagined the map. In few more minutes we arrived in the entrance. Awesome. Swimming is not allowed in the river entrance however, you may hike up and down to the Monkey trail to get to the beach and swim.

After the registration, we wore our life jackets and protected helmets then waited for our turn to ride in the small boats that would take us in the cave. It’s best to be there early as the line could really be long. Each boat has a battery-powered lamp in front, I took charge in holding it and assist the boat guide as he points to the formations and crack jokes.

Our boat man’s witty stories break the silence inside the cave. It was dark and cold inside, looking above there are bats (guano, or bat dung) hanging and sleeping. Their distinct smell was present all over the cave.

The Underground River is the longest searched underground river in the world. Approximately 8.2 kilometers have been discovered wherein, 4.3 kilometers are passable, but for the tourist it would only be limited to 1.5 kilometers equivalent to about 45 minutes tour. According to the tour guide if we go further it’s actually a dead end and a bit dangerous, and if you wish to explore more you’ll be needing a special permit to explore the rest of the river.

After taking some pictures at the entrance we got in our boat to Sabang as our tummies crave for the fresh crabs.

After lunch in Tribal Restaurant, we spent few hours swimming in Sabang beach had some shower for Php 10 in the restaurant’s c.r. and made our way back to the city. I fell asleep, I forgot to tell Kuya Danny to have a quick stopover at Viet Ville and get a quick bite in the Vietnamese Village.

Tags: cave, Palawan, puerto princesa, river, underground

47 Responses to Underground River

Cristina Rogando

April 30th, 2009 at 2:09 am

you mentioned, we can have the food cooked at Tribal Restaurant in Sabang… even your not booked at Puerto Pension?

Hope to hear from you…

Edz

May 1st, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Hi, yes, you may ask your travel agency/ tour guide to arrange that w/ the staff restaurant as soon as you arrive in Sabang & have your food cooked. I suggest you look for the chef/owner so you can describe the kind of “paluto” you want.

Regards,

Ryshel

May 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am

Hi, I’ll have a trip to palawan on the 15th of jun with my 2 sisters. i don’t know where is the cheapest place to stay yet so i am looking. also the underground river tour trip. as i read ur blog looks to me that you wguys didn’t spend that much so im wondering if you still have the number for the travel agency who arraged your underground river tour. please reply or text me at 09179136773/09212813337…please reply asap! thanks!

joey

May 10th, 2009 at 4:27 am

I would love some local advice about my upcoming visit also.
I’m traveling to Cebu, and then from there my fiance and I will go to Coron Bay for diving for 4 days. Then, I want to take her on the underground river tour and to Puerto Princessa.
What is the most economical, logical way to arrange transportation from Coron and 2 nights lodging in PP to see the sites there?
Please respond to my email address
jazdrummer1@yahoo.com
Salamat!
joey

faith joy

May 19th, 2009 at 10:48 am

me and my friends will be going to puerto this june 13th… you have a tour guide right? can i have the mobile number of your guide? we are really looking for the cheapest posible means to enjoy puerto to the fullest…

May 20th, 2009 at 10:14 am

Hi faith, we actually rented a van, & the driver took care of all our concerns please visit the link below to help you out with the activities we had & to get his number. http://www.eatandrun.com.ph/travel/palawan/puerto-princesa

Thanks!

Michelle Atienza

August 11th, 2009 at 12:25 pm

do you any place to stay at Sabang Beach? is it advisable to stay there? thanks again

edmund r. acquioben

September 21st, 2009 at 8:46 pm

I was there on April 3, 2008. Kindly invite me should you visit that paradise again.

Julie

February 18th, 2010 at 12:19 pm

hi there. you mentioned in your blog that the van rental for underground trip would cost us 3500? i txted kuya danny and was informed that 3500 is for the first 4hours and we would be charged 300 per hour in excess of 4hrs. do you happen to remember pa ba on how long the trip would take us? thanks

Jeff

February 19th, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Hi Julie, can’t remember exactly how long the travel from the city to sabang beach, I have to check the timestamp of my photos, but its definitely more than 2 hours (1 way), the van have to wait for you and it is usually a whole day affair so its understandable for the van driver to charge extra.

Re: the child, i’m not too sure about that, but I think its your call, the underground river might not be very safe for your kid if you ask me.

KEVIN

March 17th, 2010 at 7:51 am

Hi! first kudos to this blog it is indeed helpful, I just have an inquiry though is there a huge possibility that the rates quoted in this blog would change during the peak season(summer) because we’re a group of 10 already negotiating for a tour package and based on this blog we would save more if we’ll do it the cowboy style but then again we’re worried that the rates might change once we’re there by MAY 14-17. Anyone who has any suggestions about this..please help us out…thanks

kala

March 29th, 2010 at 9:58 pm

hi can i have the cp no of kuYa dannY

mei

April 7th, 2010 at 5:53 am

hi!
just want to share.
we will be going to Puerto princesa this april 17. we availed of legend hotel’s promo. that is 3days 2 nights with breakfast (twin sharing) and a day tour to either HOnda Bay or Underground Cave. And it cost us PHp4,000 per person only. i think that would be cheaper. you may want to check the hotel’s site from time to time for the promo.

April 7th, 2010 at 5:56 am

i could probably give you some more info after our vacay trip this april.. i may need to check this site so i could give you an idea based on my upcoming trip.

aca

July 9th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

hi me and myboyfriend planning to visit underground river,can someone give me link/details for pakge tour for two..thanks

vans

July 25th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Hi Everyone,

I’m an operator of tourist van in Puerto Princesa Palawan and I have very affordable package group tours. Van Service costs including entrance/permit fees, boat fees, lunch at honda bay and underground, shed rentals, licensed tour guide, snorkeling fee) for city tour, underground river and honda bay as low as P3,500 per pax for minimum of 6. I also have list of hotels to choose from depending on your budget.

Please email me if interested at vanlds@yahoo.com or text me at 09228770507. I can also give discounts if your group is more than 6.

Thanks,
Vans

cherry

January 11th, 2011 at 5:29 pm

Hi, it was really very informative but I have some questions and I’m hoping that you could help. We are planning a trip to palawan this march but we didn’t took any tour packages and made our own itinerary. I was wondering if you could give us some helpful tips on where or who we could contact for a boat rental for the underground river tour

RICHELLE

January 13th, 2011 at 8:58 pm

hi miss cherry, what date po kau punta sa palawan at ilan po kau?? 2 lang po kasi kami ng bf ko na punta… march 15 to 17 po.. email me at ellehcir_ziram@yahoo.com

March 13th, 2011 at 11:59 am

hi cherry and richelle! first, i hope that your forthcoming vacation in palawan will go well and be enjoyable as it can be. i would also like to ask, if possible, can you give me details how your trip goes and some tips for cheap and clean accommodation as well as contacts for private van hiring? thanks, thanks!

March 17th, 2011 at 10:30 am

Hello au, we just got back from our trip last monday. It was really a wonderful experience, I hope you’ll take the trip soon ‘coz I assure you that you won’t regret it.

We decided to take the package tour, because we fond a cheaper package yet worthwhile. Our guide, kuya june took care of us realy well. I’m not sure if the package tour would work for you because it was cheaper because we traveled as a group. We spent more or less 8,500/pax and there were 8 of us. The package includes van rentals from puerto – el nido – sabang – puerto. hotel accomodations in el nido and puerto, boat transfers, permits and entrance fees, breakfast and lunch. If you want o contact him, just give me your email so I could give you his number. They have no website.

Accomodations:
el nido : marina garden resort
puerto : villa manuel resort (cheap but w/ pool)

gem betita

April 13th, 2011 at 2:13 pm

i’m gi-gem betita, a resident of Puerto Princesa. I’m also arranging tours but not related to any agency. If Mang Danny can’t accomodate you, you may also contact me. Here’s my number +63-928-524-5432, and email add, gi_gem28@yahoo.com

We have a van for hire. Accredited “gabay sa tourismo”. We can pick you up at the airport.

Here’s the basic rate for the van only:
(but I also arrange tours for reasonable price)

city tour php 1500 ( you can pay for the entrance fee at crocodile farm 40/ head, butterfly garden 25/head, iwahig penal farm no fee, weaving at sta monica no fee, mitra ranch no fee ) there’s a new attraction now, you can ride the zip line at mitra ranch for only php 350)

sabang tour php 3500 ( it has increased since the price of oil has increased, hindi na po 2,500)

el nido php 7000 ( drop only, but if you like puerto vise versa el nido php 10,000) el nido is a 6-7 hours ride from the city

estrella falls php 3500

hope I could be a great help to you!
I have tried to have a tour by commuting but its difficult and a lot of hassle can happen. Also its time consuming, if you keep on asking for directions.

empress cea

May 22nd, 2011 at 4:02 pm

hi! a friend and I will be going to palawan on june 16-23. maybe for those who will be in palawan on the said dates we could join groups for the tours. since most of us, as i can see, does not want to avail of the package tours..

edwin

July 9th, 2011 at 11:41 pm

hey…. baka may gus2 sumabay para mkatipid …. sept 15 thurs, 930am flight arrival sa puerto prinsesa, right away going to sabang undrgrnd river… we already booked on mang danny’s van for 3500 and 700/boat total of 4200/hati2x na tau dun 2 na kmi!!!!! if interested pls txt 09325127738, or email bestpak_24@yahoo.com. para mkatipid going to sabang beach///

July 13th, 2011 at 12:16 pm

compare sa 1500/per head na tour package…. khit 2 pa sana or more… para madami tau maghati sa bayad kay kuya danny…

raquel

July 18th, 2011 at 1:42 pm

Hi, me and my officem8s are scheduled on a 3d/2n trip on puerto princesa this sept. 30, baka me gustong sumabay? naghahanap kami ng super affordable ways para ma-enjoy namin lahat ng mga ourists destination ng palawan, pwede pong manghingi ng updated price lists sa mga entrance fees, van rentals, etc etc…thanks..pa-text po 09228593583

July 22nd, 2011 at 11:12 pm

sayang naman… sept 15 kmi pnta dyan sa palawan…. need din nmen ng ksabay eh!!!!!

momnisam

August 10th, 2011 at 2:18 pm

Hi Me, my hubby & niece (age 13) will be going to Palawan this Aug 19-21. I’m planning not to get a tour package as it quite expensive. anyone who is travelling to Palawan on these date so that we could join you to avail mang Danny’s service? We will be arriving at 9:30 and I plan to go to Underground river on the first day, honda bay on the second day & half day tour on the third as our flight back to manila is at 1pm.

hope to hear from you soon.

please send me an email @ emely_tamse@yahoo.com

August 12th, 2011 at 12:10 am

@ momnisam

we have tha same plan, undergrnd rver on 1stday, honda bay on 2nd day, and city tour on 3rd day… but tha prob. iz, we already booked on setp. 15 8:15am flight and arriving at ppncesa palawan at 9:30am…. anyone na same ng aming sched… we need compny to join us, para makatipid sana tau parepareho….

Raquel

August 12th, 2011 at 10:10 am

Hi, might be a big help…try nyo din sa RAQ pension, at 4000/pax lahat na yun, city tour, under ground river, honda bay, accomodation with bfast & lunch, snacks & souvenir per tour…wala na kayong intindihin just to enjoy the trip…

August 16th, 2011 at 12:37 am

heyyy…. sept. 15, going to sabang, undrgrnd river….. mr jess already confirm na join sila…. we are already 4person, we need only 2person to join us going to undrgrnd river 3500 on van rental, 700 on boat rental, total of= 4200 hati2x na tayo dun, we alredy booked on mang danny’s van, sa mga gus2 makatipid, pls contact me 0932-512-77-38, mas tipid po sa 4200/all persons + 150/head entrance fee, compare sa 1500/head na tour package……
sched on: sept. 15, 2011
time: 9:30am
going to: sabang (underground river)
amount:4200 divided by all persons
assitional: 150pesos for entrance fee
need only: 2(two) persons to join us

yanni

October 19th, 2011 at 2:10 pm

me and my bf will go to palawan nov 8-18.still contacting tour packages. we will be staying in roxas and just go to PP sometime.i went there before but this time ill be spending 10 days both in roxas and PP.baka meron jan pupunta rin ng same dates…pitch in na lang po tayo

zai

November 18th, 2011 at 8:38 am

there are a lot of new hotels now and newly open pension houses.
It is much enjoyable to stay over night at Sabang Beach if you want to see the Underground River.
If you need assistance, I offer van rental and packages according to your needs. MOstly, I offer private tours.
Agency usually offers group tour.
Puerto Pension is one of the best place to stay but if it fully booked, I can always help you.
Its your money, its your choice on how you spent it but I can give you an unforgettable and safe tour.

November 18th, 2011 at 8:39 am

here’s my num 0907737441 0r 0916 -760-1548

cyruz

December 7th, 2011 at 7:47 pm

Hi, I would like to know if it’s a good option to stay in Puerto Princesa prior to El Nido?

How long it will take for the underground river tour?

Thanks

gimo

December 15th, 2011 at 7:29 pm

Ei guys..I just want to ask if there are changes for Mang Danny’s van rental service…how much now does it cost?, is it good for 1 day already? 6 of us will be going this month of january 2012 and we are still thinkin if we are going to avail mang danny’s services……

need your comment for those who went there…please……

peace!!..

December 15th, 2011 at 8:41 pm

hi everyone,

i still offer van rental options and tour packages for Palawan…please email me for your inquiries..UR Van rental includes free side trip to Ugong Rock & Mangrove Park..

Email me at enchanting_world_travel@yahoo.com

ma.fe castaneda

February 14th, 2012 at 2:25 am

my family is planning to visit puerto princesa on nov. 14-17, 2 adults (husband and myself), 3 teenagers (17,15 and 13) 2 kids (8&3)… no matter how tight the budget is we still like to encourage our children to explore the philippines. please sir van i read the comments i hope you could help us look for a transient house and tour around puerto princesa hope to hear from you soon.

vanessa 'vans'

February 14th, 2012 at 8:54 pm

Hi ma’am ma.fe,

Please send me your email add so I can send you different options. PM me at enchanting_world_travel@yahoo.com

Thanks.
Vans

den

February 26th, 2012 at 2:59 pm

hi van,

Together with my wife and an 11-year-old kid, we will be in puerto princesa on April 30, 2011. could you please arrange an underground river tour on our first day and honda bay island hopping tour on our second day? kindly e-mail me the details and prices at dengarcia22@yahoo.com. or call 09328922089. thanks.

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Aldalgisa

March 18th, 2012 at 4:39 am

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prices gate

March 18th, 2012 at 9:25 pm

I visit your site all the time. I love your articles and blogs

gem

March 25th, 2012 at 5:25 pm

there are new policies in the UR. send me a message on my email for info…gi_gem28@yahoo.com

naomie inot

May 6th, 2012 at 4:07 pm

hello..we will be going to explore puerto princesa this nov 17-20,2012…i found out that some travel agencies paid us P1,500.00/person which i think much more expensive..could you help us find it cheaper?we are 4persons and hopefully could tour puerto princesa’s best underground river..thanks..you could email me at naomyx2000@yahoo.com or txt me for an info..09322784162..

RINA

May 6th, 2012 at 4:26 pm

HI, Ms. Naomie we are willing to arrange your tour just text us 09393995273

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