PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER: DIY Travel Guide (2026)

Puerto Princesa Underground River, How to go to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Puerto Princesa Underground River itinerary, detailed Puerto Princesa Underground River travel guide.

Sabang in Puerto Princesa’s tranquil shores tick all the boxes for a laid-back beach break. Tan-hungry bodies come here for its palm-fringed sands, treks through dense forest, paddle through mangrove forest, go on clifftop adventures, and zip above a scenic azure sea. But its most popular tourist spot is Puerto Princesa Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Most tourists going to the Puerto Princesa Underground River join group tours by local travel agencies. The tours usually costs from ₱2,200 ++ ($38+), which I think is reasonable because if you see the calculation below of how much it’ll cost per person to do the DIY Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour vs the shared tour package, the difference in the price is not that much. Because if you do the tour package, it already includes the lunch, tour guide, permits, and the transfer from your hotel to Sabang Port, where the boats that’ll take you to the Puerto Princesa Underground River are docked.

But, if you really want to do the DIY Puerto Underground River Tour, I suggest you stay in Sabang so you can also explore the area and experience the other tourist spots. See more details below.

1.PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER DIY TRAVEL

 How to do the Puerto Princesa Underground River on your own (DIY trip)? Here’s a detailed DIY travel guide.

 ✅MANILA TO PUERTO PRINCESA FLIGHTS: RESERVE HERE OR CHECK RATES HERE

WHERE TO GET THE PERMIT FOR THE PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER?

All guests visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River need to get a permit first. Visitors are limited to 900 per day to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site from overcrowding. Most of the permits go to the tours by travel agencies.

There are two locations where you can secure the permit.

1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Main Office

If you’re in Puerto Princesa, you can get your permit here, at least 1-2 days before your intended date of visit. It is beside Mendoza Park. You have to pay the fees at Sabang Port on your tour date.

• Puerto Princesa Subterrabean River National Park Main Office
• Address: Mendoza Building, New, Corner H. Mendoza St, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan
• GPS: 9°44’24.5″N 118°44’15.0″E
• Open Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• How to get there: Ride a tricycle. Tricycle fare starts at ₱12 ($0.21) to ₱14 ($0.24) for the 2km, depending on the price of gas.

2. Sabang Port/Boat Terminal

If you’re coming from El Nido, instead of going back to Puerto Princesa and then going back to Sabang Port again for the tour, you can get your permit directly from Sabang Port. Take note though that most travel agencies get permits from Sabang Port.

• Puerto Princesa Subterrabean River National Park Main Office
• Address: Cabayugan, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
• GPS: 10°11’50.6″N 118°53’34.6″E
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• How to get there: See directions below if coming from Puerto Princesa City. But if you’re coming from El Nido, ride a bus to Puerto Princesa. Get off at Salvacion junction. Then ride a van or jeepney to Sabang.

Important: Bring a valid ID, required for permit. Arrive early as slots are limited.

PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER PERMIT + FEES

✅PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER FEES + PERMIT: Here’s how much it’ll cost you to visit the Puerto Princesa River Underground River if you do it on your own (DIY), without tour package, about ₱1,085 ($24.69) per person.

Take note that if you do a DIY Puerto Princesa Tour, you have to arrange your own transportation to Sabang Port, where the boats that will take you to

HOW TO GET TO PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

Here’s how to get from Puerto Princesa to Puerto Princesa Underground River

1.Make your way to Irawan Eco-Terminal (Puerto Princesa Land Transportation Terminal).

It is now the main hub for all outbound travel, it’s no longer San Jose Terminal. It is located about 12 km from downtown Puerto Princesa, near the Crocodile Farm. Travel time is roughly 30 minutes.

 Here’s how to go to Irawan Eco-Terminal from Puerto Princesa city center:

 By Multi-cab

 Ride a multi-cab (jeepney-style vehicle) with Irawan Terminal signboard and on the side of the vehicle. You can find them along Rizal Avenue or the National Highway or outside Puerto Princesa Airport.

If you’re near Robinson’s Place Palawan, you can walk to the Caltex junction and hail a multi-cab there. Alternatively, you can also flag down an Irawan-bound multi-cab near SM City Puerto Princesa junction. Fare is roughly ₱30 ($0.42) and travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

I’ve tried commuting via multi-cab in Puerto Princesa to get to some tourist spots in Irawan a couple of years ago, and the multi-cab ride was pretty breezy/refreshing, as long as it’s not full. lol

By Tricycle

If you’re in groups, you can hire a tricycle from Puerto Princesa Airport or from downtown Puerto Princesa to Irawan Eco-Terminal. Special trip fare is roughly ₱230 ($4), good for 1-3 person. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

By Taxi

 You can also ride a taxi to Irawan Eco-Terminal from Puerto Princesa Airport or downtown Puerto Princesa. Yes, there are taxis in Puerto Princesa, but they are limited. There’s no Grab in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

2. At Irawan Eco-Terminal ride a van to Sabang Port.

You can take a passenger van en route to Sabang Port (Lexus), fare is roughly ₱450 ($8). There’s also a Cherry Bus to Sabang Port, but the first trip leaves very early, around 6:30 AM. Travel time is roughly 2-2.5 hours.

Alternatively, if you are a large group, you can just book a private van and share the costs. It’s more convenient and cheaper, as vans can accommodate up to 10-12 passengers.

✅Puerto Princesa to Sabang Private Van (good for 10-12 pax): RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

 3. At Sabang Port, show your Puerto Princesa Underground River permit and pay the fees.

Make sure you bring the papers for your permit and fees and pay them at Sabang Boat Terminal. Total fee is roughly ₱1,085 ($24.69) per person.  See the rates posted above. You will be provided a number for your boat and you can sit at the waiting area.

4. Get your hard hat, life jacket, and audio device.

5. Wait for your number to be called, before boarding your boat.

Waiting time may take 2-3 hours depending on the number of visitors. So best to be there early to avoid the group tours by local tour operators.

6. Once your number is called, ride the outrigger boat that will take you across the bay to the beach near the entrance to Puerto Princesa Underground River.

The view of the limestone hills here is reminiscent of El Nido.

7. Alight the outrigger boat and follow the path to the Puerto Princesa Underground River Entrance.

You will encounter monkeys here, so take care of your bags and things. Avoid displaying your sunglasses, food, etc. Avoid staring at them as they might see it as a challenge. If they approach you, stay calm and don’t grab your belongings or food aggressively.

There are also monitor lizards scattered near the path to the entrance of the Puerto Princesa Underground River. The species here are usually the Palawan water monitor (Varanus salvator marmoratus), a large subspecies of the Asian water monitor native to Palawan. They’re generally shy, calm and used to tourists and you can observe them from a distance, but still, they are wild animals.  Do not feed them, do not touch them, keep a respectful distance and avoid blocking their path.  Secure food and plastic bags as they associate bags with food.

Important: Avoid touching and getting too close to the monitor.  They produce mild venom but are not medically significant threat to human, however, their bite can hurt due to strong jaws and bacteria and will cause bleeding and swelling.

8. At the Puerto Princesa Underground River entrance, you need to ride a paddle boat to take you inside the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

 Make sure you are wearing your hard hat, life jacket and audio guide. The tour guide will not talk while inside, you have to listen to your audio guide. Avoid talking and keep your mouth closed to avoid bat guanos (droppings). Enjoy the tour that will take about 45 minutes.

Important: Bat guano can harbor a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) that causes Histoplasmosis, a respiratory infection contracted by inhaling spores from disturbed, dry droppings.

9. After the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, you can explore and photo op.

But please be considerate of the time of other joiners as you will be riding the same outrigger boat going back to Sabang port. The boatman will wait for you all before leaving.

10. Leave your hard hat, life jackets and audio device.

As far as I can remember you can take home the ear phone, but make sure to leave the audio device.

11. Ride the boat going back to Sabang Port.

 You can have your lunch or snacks at Sabang Port. Restaurants are available here.

12. Ride a van going back to Puerto Princesa or to your next destination, perhaps El Nido. Or try other activities in Sabang, see details below.

Overall, the DIY Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour may take about 2-3 hours, excluding waiting time.

2.PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER BY TOUR PACKAGE

The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Packages are reasonably-priced, especially the shared group tours. As I mentioned above, the tour package already includes permits, entrance fees, boat fees, transfer/transportation, tour guide, and lunch. Just make sure you have a copy of your Environmental Fee receipt so you can show it at Sabang Port.

You can book the shared Puerto Princesa Underground River group tour through the links below.

✅ Underground River Tour: BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE OR CHECK RATES HERE

OTHER TOURIT SPOTS IN SABANG

 If you’re doing a DIY Tour of Puerto Princesa Underground River, you can include the following tourist spots in your itinerary. Alternatively, you can also book combined tours, which includes other things to do in Sabang, like the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, Sabang Zipline or Ugong Rock Formations. Check the tour rates through the links below.

SABANG MANGROVE PADDLE BOAT TOUR

A coomunity-managed paddle boat experience through the mangrove forest in Sitio Sabang, part of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park area. You’ll sit in a traditional paddle boat with a local boatman/guide helping steer and float slowly along calm waterways fringed by mangroves, spotting wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and monitor lizards, while learning about the ecology of the mangrove forest and conservation efforts. If you’re lucky, the guides can also find a tamilok for you. Just give them tip.

✅ UNDERGROUND RIVER + MANGROVE: RESERVE HERE 

PRICE & BOOKING

Standard Paddle Boat Tour Price: Roughly ₱350 ($6) per person.

Booking: You can book this tour on site in Sabang  – especially if you are already doing the Underground River Tour or arrange it through tour operators as part of a package with other activities (like zipline, Underground River, & Ugong Rock). Some combo tours are being offered by local tour operators, see link above.

Tips Before You Go: This paddle boat tour supports community-based sustainable tourism in Brgy. Cabayugan, so your participation helps locals manage and preserve this mangrove area.

SABANG ZIPLINE

Nestled in the coastal village of Sabang in Puerto Princesa, the Sabang X Zipline offers one of the most exhilarating seaside adventures in Palawan. Famous for its breath-snatching over-water ride, this zipline stretches roughly 800 meters across the lazuline waters of Sabang Bay, giving riders panoramic views of mountains, lush forests, and the sparkling West Philippine Sea. Designed with safety and accessibility in mind, the zipline is suitable for both adventurer enthusiasts and first-time riders.

✅ Sabang X-Zipline: RESERVE HERE

✅ UNDERGROUND RIVER, ZIPLINE + MANGROVE FOREST: RESERVE HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• Sabang X Zipline
• Address: Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa
• GPS: 10°11’56.3″N 118°54’29.2″E
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Zipline Fees: ₱550 ($9.48), extra ₱200 ($3.45) if Superman position

SABANG BEACH

A scenic tropical beach on the western coast of Palawan, best known as the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It’s about a 75 km (2 hours) drive from central Puerto Princesa along paved roads.

Sabang Beach is a long stretch of sandy shoreline facing the West Philippine Sea, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks. The beach is generally relaxed and not overcrowded, with restaurants, small shops, massage huts, and beachfront lounges.  It has a beautiful natural views, framed by palm trees, and mountains, making it a peaceful place to chill or watch the sunset.

There’s no entrance fee in Sabang Beach. Best time to visit is during dry season (January to May). There are eateries, basic restrooms, and small convenience stores near the beach, ATMs and medical facilities are limited, so plan ahead.

IMPORTANT: Water currents can be strong at times, so swimming with caution is advised.

UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

Ugong Rock is a 75-foot tall limestone karst formation where visitors can explore caves (spelunking) and enjoy zipline rides with views of the surrounding forests, rice fields, and karst mountains. The name “ugong” comes from the gong-like echoing sounds the rocks make inside the cave passages. Ugong Rock is a great half-day or add-on activity when exploring the Underground River or Sabang area. It’s ideal if you enjoy adventure sports, nature and outdoor challenges during your visit to Palawan. Best time to do this is morning, after your Underground River tour so you’ll have plenty of time for caving/climbing + zipline before closing,

Prices are usually paid on site in Philippine Peso (cash). Here’s the standard activity fees per person:

• Caving – ₱200 ($3.45)
• Sitting Zipline – ₱250 ($4.31)
• Superman Zipline ₱350 ($6)
• Caving + Sitting Zipline – ₱450 ($7.75)
• Caving + Superman Zipline – ₱550 ($9.48)

Important: You generally must do the caving and climbing first, and then zipline down (going back).

✅ UNDERGROUND RIVER + UGONG ROCK: BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• Ugong Rock Adventure
• Address: Purok Pagkakaisa, Brgy. Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa
• GPS: 10°05’13.1″N 118°51’16.9″E
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR ITINERARY

Planning a DIY trip to the Puerto Princesa Underground River is very doable and can save you money. Here’s a step by step itinerary to help you organize your trip smoothly.

Sample Puerto Princesa Underground River DIY Itinerary. Make sure you secure a permit before your scheduled trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO PRINCESA

Here’s a clear breakdown of where to stay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan so you can pick the vibe that fits your trip best.

1.City Center – Best for first time visitors and urban convenience. Perfect if you want a lively area with restaurants, shops, transport options , yours and nightlife all within walking distance or short tricycle ride, Most city tours and pickups start here too.

2.Sabang (Outside City) – Nature and Underground River Access – If your top priority is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, staying in Sabang Village (about 2-2.5 hours from the city) places you near the beach and forest trails. This area is more nature-focused rather than city centered. Plus, there are many local guesthouses and beach cottages for simpler stays.

*Booking Tip: Don’t be so loyal on 1 booking site, even if coupons are offered. I just found out that some lesser known booking sites are cheaper even without promo codes. If you want to save a few bucks, compare the room rates first.  You can check the rates on each links I provided below, make sure when comparing rates, you put the same dates (room rates also depend on the availability and season). Then, make sure to check after the taxes are added because some booking sites charge higher taxes and fees. So, even if their room rates appear to be the cheapest, once the tax and fees are added, their total price is actually higher than those with higher room rates but lower tax & fees.

✅ SOLOAGODA – CLAIM CODE HERE Agoda Discount Code (up to 10% off, 5x use)

So, yes, always check how much it’ll actually cost once the tax and other fees are added.  If you find this travel guide helpful, you can support me by booking through the links I provided below. :).

But of course, if you’re already used to booking on your preferred platform, then by all means, use it.  You may have been using that platform because of their after sales service.

RESORTS/GUESTHOUSE IN SABANG

If you want an ideal Puerto Princesa relaxed holiday, stay near beach areas or resorts with ocean views or forest views.

Best for: Nature lovers, couples, long stays, and those who want to explore jungle trails and beaches.

• Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
• Location: Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

*Stayed at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort during my last trip to Puerto Princesa. See photo above. It was a pleasant and comfortable stay with beach-front access.  Plus, this resort is an award-winning eco-friendly and DOT-accredited resort.

• Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Princesa
• Location: Brgy. Cabayugan, Sabang
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• Amigos Digue Pension House
• Location: Brgy. Cabayugan, Sabang
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• Kamalay Pension House
• Location: Brgy. Cabayugan, Sabang
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE 

• Arkadia Beach Resort
• Location: Brgy. Cabayugan, Sabang
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

Travel Tip: If you stay overnight in Sabang (the village near the river), many accommodations can help you process the permit locally, reducing hassle on the day of your tour.

HOTELS IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY CENTER

• Aziza Paradise Hotel
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• COMPARE RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

•  Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• CHECK RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

• Bambu Suites Palawan
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• Holiday Suites Business District
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• COMPARE RATES HERE  OR RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

• Go Hotels Palawan
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• COMPARE RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE 

• RedDoorz Plus Near Rizal Junction
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• COMPARE RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• RedDoorz Plus Near Rizal Junction
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• COMPARE RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

• Mojo Hostel Palawan
• Location: Downtown Puerto Princesa
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE

TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• Secure the Puerto Princesa Underground River permit in advance especially during peak season (April – May) as slots can sell out quickly and are limited daily.
• Travel agencies and tour packages often includes permits, transport, boat fees, entrance fees, lunch, and guides.
• Wear comfortable clothes (light, breathable clothes) as weather is humid and  tropical.  Wear rubber shoes if you’re doing the Ugong Rock which involves climbing.
• Bring waterproof gear and dry bags for electronic gadgets as splashes may happen on the boat.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and cash, some areas have limited ATMs and signal. Stack up on cash as smaller vendors and activities often don’t accept cards.
• If sea conditions are rough, the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour may be delayed.
• Wear insect repellent for the mangrove/jungle activities.
• Respect quiet and avoid touching fragile stalactites/stalagmites as oil on our hands can damage formations.
• Flash photography is often discouraged inside the cave to protect wildlife and avoid disturbing the bats.
• Watch your bags and food as monkeys near Sabang and the Puerto Princesa Underground River are known to snatch food and belongings.
• Pack snacks and water for your journey – the trip out and back can take most of your day.

ALSO READ:

PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY + EXPENSES  (2026)

DIY SABANG MANGROVE FOREST PADDLE BOAT TOUR (2026)