Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

National park · Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

National park · Puerto Princesa City

3

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park by null

Highlights

Underground river cave tours with stunning rock formations  

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Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Get directions

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Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Get directions

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Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 31, 2025

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Our Readers' Favorite Islands in Asia of 2025

"A UNESCO World Heritage Site centered on an impressive underground river that winds through an intricate cave system, offering a dramatic, sheltered natural spectacle and serving as a flagship conservation area that underscores the region's biodiversity and appeal to nature-focused visitors." - John Wogan John Wogan John Wogan is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure and a contributing writer at T: The New York Times Style Magazine. He was previously a senior editor at Condé Nast Traveler and a travel features editor at Goop.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-islands-asia-11736178
View Postcard for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
@afar

"Puerto Princesa Underground River Puerto Princesa Underground River is set in a protected area of the St. Paul Mountain Range in Palawan. It’s a five-mile stretch of the Cabayugan River that runs through a huge limestone cave and directly into the West Philippine Sea near Sabang village (the bottom half of the river is tidal). Announced as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012, it's hard to fully envision unless you experience it for yourself. Reservations are required for the tours, which enter the underground river on a small boat. The boatman manually paddles you in as the light fades, the water becomes pitch-black, and you almost lose sight of the person beside you. The boatman will then start flashing his tiny light on the stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations you pass. The tour takes about 45 minutes and covers only a mile or so of the river (the inner portion is closed to the public)."

The Best Things to Do in the Philippines
View Postcard for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
@afar

"Puerto Princesa Underground River Puerto Princesa Underground River is set in a protected area of the St. Paul Mountain Range in Palawan. It’s a five-mile stretch of the Cabayugan River that runs through a huge limestone cave and directly into the West Philippine Sea near Sabang village (the bottom half of the river is tidal). Announced as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012, it's hard to fully envision unless you experience it for yourself. Reservations are required for the tours, which enter the underground river on a small boat. The boatman manually paddles you in as the light fades, the water becomes pitch-black, and you almost lose sight of the person beside you. The boatman will then start flashing his tiny light on the stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations you pass. The tour takes about 45 minutes and covers only a mile or so of the river (the inner portion is closed to the public)."

Wood grain pattern
The Best Things to Do in the Philippines
View Postcard for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Kath Alfonso

Google
A living, breathing museum of nature's art 😍 It is indeed one of the Wonders of the World. The process to get here is very organized and safe. Boats from piers have designated numbers and are written on each life vest so you won't board a wrong boat. They will give you a helmet before walking inside the forest that will lead you to the Underground river. They also provide audio guides as it is prohibited to create loud sounds inside the cave because it will disrupt the ecosystem there. Beware of 2 things though: 1. The resident monkeys roaming the area. They can get aggressive and persistent. 2. The bat droppings inside the cave. They can contain harmful bacteria that will cause diseases. Overall, it was an excellent experience 👌 the balance of preservation and tourism is very evident.

Dami S

Google
My friend and I went there. It was a fun experience. Beautiful cave. If you are planning to visit, be careful with travel agents. Pick carefully and check their reviews before giving them your business. I made a mistake and was ripped off. Cost for this trip alone through agency was 2700 pesos and 150 for environmental fee. Total 2850 pesos. Includes underground river, transportation, and lunch.

Shiro-san 29

Google
really amazing experience and educational. just so many people at the time we toured it. but everyone, our tour guide (she took my photo ♡) and boat tour operator were very pleasant. I'm more of a museum person but i recommend stopping by! just be wary of the smell (because of bat droppings) and crowds

Mali Gaia

Google
Features a navigable underground river that flows through a limestone karst mountain landscape, offering visitors a unique and awe-inspiring experience. - **Best Time to Visit:** The dry season - **Tour Options:** Guided boat tours usually last about 2-3 hours and include a paddle through the underground river, showcasing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife. - **Tips:** - Wear comfortable clothing and bring rain gear if needed. - Book your tour in advance, as it’s a popular attraction. - Bring your camera, but ensure it’s waterproof or kept safe during the boat ride.

Rory Pomroy-Miller (Rozza)

Google
A fantastic experience and well worth the trip, the cave is enormous and the tour only shows a fraction of it but the rock structures are phenomenal and some of the larger chambers are over 80m tall. The tour provides a listening device with an audiolog describing all the different parts of the cave and river. 10/10 would visit again

Дмитрий К

Google
Visiting the Underground River in Puerto Princesa feels like stepping into a living miracle. The cave is mysterious, enchanting, and truly breathtaking — no wonder it’s a UNESCO Wonder of Nature! The most unforgettable moment? Seeing a massive mountain of bat guano inside, literally the size of a ten-story building. Nature is raw, wild, and beautiful here. An absolute must-see!

Linda Española

Google
The underground river is amazing, a stunning part of nature, a mesmerising place to visit, don't miss your chance to visit once in your lifetime. Highly recommended for family, friends, couples or singles. The people are very friendly and helpful.

Dennis L

Google
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss in Palawan, it’s this. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, home to the world-famous Underground River, is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1999) and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (voted in 2012)—and it deserves the title. The river itself stretches over 8 kilometers, making it one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. Only about 1.5 km is open to tourists, but that’s more than enough to take in the eerie beauty of the limestone cave formations, cathedral-like chambers, and occasional bats flying overhead. The ride is quiet except for your guide, who will likely point out fun rock shapes (expect references to vegetables, superheroes, and maybe even a “face of Jesus”). The surrounding park is a protected area, covering over 22,000 hectares of forest, mountains, and rich biodiversity. It’s one of the few places in the Philippines where you can find both limestone karst landscapes and a full range of ecosystems—from mountain to sea. To get there, you usually take a boat from Sabang Beach, then register before boarding a paddle boat into the cave. There’s also a short jungle trail option for the more adventurous. Be warned: the boat rides depend on the weather, and the road to Sabang can be a bit rough in some spots—especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. Quick Historical Note: The underground river was known to locals long before it gained global recognition. Scientific exploration began in the 20th century, and serious conservation efforts took off when it was declared a national park in 1971. It’s now one of the most strictly protected areas in the country. Final Thoughts: The entire experience takes half a day, but it’s worth every minute. Between the otherworldly cave, the biodiversity of the park, and the sheer uniqueness of the place, it’s easily a top natural attraction in the Philippines. Bring a waterproof bag, patience (especially during peak season), and a sense of wonder.