Tired from the plane trip and city tour, we woke up early the next morning for our Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour. After a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, our guides Ate Divine and Kuya Eric picked us up for the two-hour drive to Sabang, the jump-off point to one of Palawan’s most famous attractions.
Along the way, they shared stories about Puerto Princesa, including the annual Love Affair with Nature held every Valentine’s Day. Couples tie the knot in a mass wedding officiated by the mayor, then plant trees together—a beautiful symbol of love and care for the environment.
Klook.comHalfway through the drive, we stopped for snacks and a quick break. From that spot, we could see in the distance the Tres Marias, a trio of cone-shaped islands. Passing through the northern part of the city, we even saw a jeepney packed to the brim—passengers on the roof and hanging off the sides—proof of how lively and resourceful transportation is in this part of Palawan.
Gateway to the Underground River Tour
After almost two hours, we finally reached Sabang Port, the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are two ways to reach the cave entrance: a 15-minute motorized pump boat ride or a two-hour trek via the Monkey Trail. With limited time, we took the boat.
Soon, we were boarding a paddle boat for the main highlight of the Underground River Tour. Life vests and helmets were a must before entering the cave. Our witty boatman, Kuya Rene, explained that visitors are only allowed to go 1.8 km inside. However, explorers with special permits can venture further into the 8-km-long river.
Inside, the darkness swallowed us except for the headlamp at the boat’s front. The cave revealed whimsical stalactite and stalagmite formations; The Last Supper, the Holy Nativity, fruits and vegetables like corn and banana blossoms, and even animal shapes resembling a tiger or crocodile. Some odd ones stood out, like a half-face of Jesus, “Sharon Stone,” and Kuya Rene’s favorite, the infamous inverted “Holy Shit.”
He also warned us to keep our mouths shut when looking up—after all, one could never be sure if the drops falling from above were just water or bat droppings.
Lunch, Beach, and Exotic Flavors
Back at Sabang Port, we were treated to a buffet lunch. Kuya Eli insisted on trying tamilok, or woodworm, which tasted like a briny oyster when dipped in vinegar. After eating, we relaxed on the fine sands of Sabang Beach. Swaying in hammocks under coconut trees, before meeting some resident animals like a python and a playful bearcat that loved posing for photos.
More Adventures: Karst Elephant Cave & Ugong Rock
On our way back to the city, we stopped by the Karst Elephant Cave. Still under construction, before heading to Ugong Rock Adventures in Barangay Tagabinet. The cave, standing 75 feet tall, got its name from the deep rumbling sound (“ugong”) it makes when tapped.
For ₱200, we tried spelunking through narrow rock passages, and for the more adventurous, there was also a 300-meter zipline ride for an extra ₱250. We skipped the zipline this time, choosing instead to savor the thrill of caving.
By the time we returned to Puerto Princesa for dinner by the seaside, we were exhausted but fulfilled. Our Underground River Tour had been more than just a cave visit. It was a journey through Palawan’s rich nature, culture, and adventures.
