Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

National park · Puerto Princesa City ·

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

National park · Puerto Princesa City ·

Underground river boat cruise through limestone caves, UNESCO site

Information

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Get directions

@cntraveler

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The Best Islands in the World: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards | Condé Nast Traveler

"I found the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River to be a standout natural attraction in Palawan: it stretches over five miles and offers a dramatic underground boat cruise beneath striking rock-formation ceilings." - Caitlin Morton

https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-20/top-30-islands-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

@travelleisure

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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

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"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

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Best Things to Do in the Philippines

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

@silverkris

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10 of the world’s most amazing caves to explore - SilverKris

"Listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the 8.2-km Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is an underground waterway with striking cave formations, underground waterfalls and abundant wildlife; the best way to experience it is by boat tour, with an official tour (about 2,200 pesos / US$43 for adults) that includes transfers, guides, entry fees and a buffet lunch." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/ecotourism/worlds-most-amazing-caves-to-explore/

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Zofia S.

Google

Wow, that's just what I could say the views were stunning, breathtaking, and everything else. I really do recommend coming here especially that this cave is on UNESCO. There is only one thing that I could ley my eye on but I think that's to my guide, we had to wake up at 6:00 am but the boat that's sopose to pick us up like 20 min later came 2 hr later but asides that everything was astonishing.

Anna B.

Google

This is a good experience. It is quite touristy. We got a boat from the mainland to the island where the caves are. The island is full of wildlife which was a highlight for us. Lots of monkey and monitor lizards. The caves are beautiful with lots of bats flying around. You go into the cave on a small boat 9km in which takes around 25 minutes. Overall a nice experience but there are ALOT of people doing it

Kath A.

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.

Dino W.

Google

Meh… for something that’s supposed to be a new UNESCO natural wonder, it’s painfully average. The process goes like this: First, you get a ticket (or your tour guide does), then you wait at least an hour. Then you take a banca (traditional Filipino boat… beware: ear-splittingly loud and incredibly slow) to the next beach. There you’re given a helmet that you absolutely do not need (!), and you walk about 5 minutes to the cave entrance. Then you wait again, get into a paddle boat (with an audio guide), and drift a few hundred meters into the cave while being bombarded with endless superlatives about things that are, honestly, not that impressive at all. Luckily, the ordeal is over fairly quickly (after about 20 minutes). The return trip, of course, is once again on the deafening banca. Overall: lots of waiting, lots of noise, lots of hype — very little “wow.”

Avnish S.

Google

Firstly, you can do this tour yourself. On 09 December 2025, the cost of the permits in total for my wife and I was 1,470 PHP and for two boat rides was a total of 700 (we were quoted 710) PHP. Allow for 2.5 hours

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!

Shiro-san 2.

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