Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour: Package Inclusions, Price, Important Notes, Itinerary

While there is a high chance of obtaining a slot a day before your tour, we require booking at least 2 days in advance to guarantee your permit for your preferred tour date. If you are booking a tour that is scheduled to start within the next 24 hours, kindly reach out to us before proceeding with payment to ensure availability.

Please note that the government strictly enforces a Visitors Entry Permit (VEP) policy to protect and conserve the delicate ecosystem of the cave, ensuring its preservation while controlling and limiting the number of visitors allowed inside. A “No Permit, No Entry” policy is stricly implemented.

To allow us to proceed with processing your permit, please provide your complete name, age, and citizenship (and the same details for other tourists/guests) on the page you’ll be automatically redirected to after the payment confirmation page.

Please save our mobile number (+63 963 139 0000) to receive important updates, including tour cancellations. You can reach us via Viber, WhatsApp, or WeChat. Kindly send us your name so we can save your number for essential notifications. We also recommend installing one of these apps, as they are widely used by travel agencies and operators across Palawan.

Credit Card or Debit Card Payment

VISA, MasterCard,  JCB, American Express, Discover, China Union Pay

IMPORTANT NOTES

• This is a Joiners’ Tour Package, perfect for travelers who enjoy meeting new people, sharing experiences, and learning about different cultures along the journey. Many of our guests have made new acquaintances during the trip, connecting with fellow tourists who share similar travel plans in Palawan. Some have even teamed up to rent a van, allowing them to explore more destinations like San Vicente while saving on costs. Others have opted for private tours upon arrival in El Nido, enjoying a more personalized and flexible travel experience.
• More specifically, guests staying in hotels, resorts, or inns located along the main road in the following barangays may avail of the free hotel pickup and drop-off: Bagong Pag-Asa, Bagong Sikat, Bagong Silang, Bancao-Bancao, Irawan, Mandaragat, Maningning, Masikap, Masipag, Matahimik, Maunlad, Milagrosa, San Jose, San Manuel, San Miguel, San Pedro, Santa Lourdes, Santa Monica, Sicsican, Tagumpay, and Tanglaw.
• If your hotel is outside the designated covered area mentioned above, you will receive details of the pickup/drop-off point nearest to your hotel via WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat, or SMS (if you have a Philippine mobile number) one day before your tour. You may arrange transportation to the designated pickup/drop-off point with assistance from your hotel, as they often have connections with local drivers. If transportation proves challenging in the area where your hotel is located, you may coordinate with us for a pickup or drop-off arrangement. Please note, however, that this service will incur an additional fee, which will be determined by the driver.
• To avoid any potential misunderstandings or inconvenience, we recommend that you reach out to us via chat or message at least one day before your scheduled tour. This will allow you to confirm whether your hotel falls within the designated FREE pickup/drop-off zone. Verifying this information in advance ensures a smoother and hassle-free experience on the day of your tour.
• The hotel pickup typically starts approximately as early as 6:30 AM, and the van returns to the city around 4:00 PM.
• Be ready for your scheduled pickup to avoid cancellation. If your hotel includes free breakfast, make arrangements with your hotel receptionist to take your breakfast early so you’re prepared in time.
• Tourists without a local Philippine mobile number, are required to message us via Viber, WhatsApp, or WeChat at least a day in advance to ensure we are connected. Early communication helps ensure your designated driver can reach you for pickup.
• Upon arrival in Sabang, guests must settle payments promptly, as fees need to be processed before the actual tour begins.
• For verification purposes, guests must bring a valid ID on the day of their tour—foreign tourists must present their passport.
• Since you will be boarding a paddle boat and an outrigger boat and traveling by sea, we advise placing your passport in a sealed plastic pouch or similar protective container to keep it safe.
• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the entire trip to ensure their safety and well-being. This is particularly important during the boat transfer and the cave tour, where close supervision is essential to prevent any potential risks and ensure a smooth experience.
• It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing, as there is a chance of getting wet during the boat ride. Bringing an extra set of clothes is also recommended for your convenience.
• Guests must adhere to the park’s rules and regulations, follow the instructions provided by the boat captain and PPUR staff, and listen carefully to the guidance of your tour guide. For your safety, always wear a life vest while on board a boat and use the safety gear provided at the park at all times.
• This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and may include uneven surfaces, which could pose challenges for individuals with walking difficulties or those using a wheelchair. Additionally, boarding traditional outrigger boats and the boat for the cave tour may be challenging or potentially unsafe for those with limited mobility.
• While many seniors have thoroughly enjoyed this tour, it is not advisable for individuals with serious medical conditions to participate, as their safety and well-being are our top priorities.
• While it is not a frequent occurrence, the tour may be canceled by the coast guard or government authorities if sea, land or weather conditions are deemed unfavorable. Your safety is our top priority; however, we understand that your time as a tourist in Palawan is both limited and valuable. So, we will do our best to offer alternative tours that you can enjoy on the same day like Guided City Tour (₱800) and Firefly Watching with Dinner (₱1,600). If your schedule permits, you also have the option to reschedule your underground river tour.
• Although this is a tour package, the actual Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour offered herein begins at the park’s Reception Area and concludes upon departure from the site. While you may enjoy scenic landscapes and breathtaking views during both land and sea transfers, these transportation services are not part of the tour itself, as they are provided by independent operators. However, they have been seamlessly arranged (booked in your behalf), including your lunch, to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience—something that may be difficult to achieve through a DIY arrangement.
• Your booking is provisionally confirmed once we receive the ₱550 reservation/booking fee (₱450 if paid today). However, full confirmation is only granted after the remaining balance is paid in full.
• This is subject to D’Palawan Travel and Tours’ Terms of Use, Terms of Service, Disclaimer, Disclosure, Privacy Policy, and Refund Policy, including this Importnat Notes section. Please read the terms before making any payment or availing the package/service. Feel free to contact us if you need clarification on any of the provisions in our terms. We’re happy to assist you!

SAMPLE ITINERARY

This tour package does not follow a fixed itinerary, as various factors influence the schedule. The time you arrive in Sabang depends on how long it takes for the van to complete guest pickups. Additionally, upon arrival, you may find a queue, as some visitors may have arrived earlier.

Other elements, such as city traffic and ongoing roadwork, may also affect travel time. Under favorable conditions, the journey from the city to Sabang Wharf typically takes about an hour.

Your tour guide will promptly process your Eco Card with the Tourism Office upon reaching the wharf. After this, you will wait for your designated boat. The wait time may also be affected by the returning boat, which must first transport the previous group of tourists before it can fetch the next set.

Please note that the tour may take place in the morning or afternoon, depending on the queue.

One of the great things about Sabang is its charm as a local attraction, offering a glimpse into simple, peaceful, and laid-back local life. Whether your cave tour is scheduled in the early morning or later in the afternoon, Sabang provides a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring there’s something worthwhile for you to experience throughout the day.

Experienced tour agencies and operators often monitor the situation in Sabang while en route to the wharf. If they anticipate a later tour schedule, they may offer optional morning tours along the way to make your time more productive.

If your Subterranean River tour is scheduled early, you’ll have more time left in the day to explore. Optional tours may be available on the return journey to help you maximize your experience.

We understand that tourists primarily look forward to the Subterranean River cave tour. However, with the hour-long travel, early wake-up, and potential queues at the wharf, we recognize the importance of maximizing your day. To ensure a well-rounded experience, we offer optional tours that allow you to explore more attractions, making the most of your time in Palawan.

Since the tour schedule is fluid, factors such as the assigned boat schedule, queue times at the Sabang Wharf, and the time of departure for Sabang all play a role. While exact timings may vary, the general flow of the tour follows this structure:

• 6:30 AM – Start of hotel pickup
• Cave Tour, Buffet Lunch, Optional Tour
• 4:00 PM – Return to the city

Optional (Add-on) Tours available:

• Ugong Rock (top choice)
• Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour
• Hundred Caves