Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride

If you’re after a full day packed with adventure, natural beauty, and authentic local flavors, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride is an experience worth considering. Priced at just $59 per person, this tour combines the awe-inspiring wonder of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature with adrenaline-pumping zip lining over the sea, all wrapped up in a well-organized package. From the moment we hear about it, the promise of visiting a UNESCO-listed site and trying local delicacies makes it stand out.

What really caught our attention was the balanced mix of activities—caving, boat rides, a Filipino lunch, and a zipline—offering diverse ways to enjoy Palawan’s stunning scenery. Plus, with hotel pickup included, the day starts smoothly without the hassle of arranging transport. One possible drawback? The journey involves a 90-minute drive and some hiking, so it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of physical fitness. Overall, it’s perfect for those who seek adventure combined with cultural insights, making it ideal for families, solo travelers, or groups eager to explore Palawan’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines underground river exploration, zip lining, and local cuisine in a single day.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup simplifies logistics and maximizes your time.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Kuya Jeff, affectionately called Mr. Moon, add lively, informative commentary.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Sampling tamilok adds a unique cultural touch.
• Value for Money: At $59, it offers a comprehensive adventure with all necessary fees included.
• Group Atmosphere: Small-group size fosters camaraderie and personalized attention.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting the Day

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickup at 7:00 am in downtown Puerto Princesa. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you away on the 90-minute drive to Sabang Beach, during which your guide—often noted for their knowledge and energetic presence—sets the tone for the day. As one reviewer pointed out, Kuya Jeff (Mr. Moon) prepared everyone for what to expect, blending information and humor seamlessly. The drive itself is an opportunity to get excited about what’s to come, with scenic views of Palawan’s lush landscape along the way.

Arriving at Sabang Beach

Once at Sabang, the logistics are quickly managed: paperwork is processed, and safety gear—life vests and helmets—are handed out. This is crucial, especially for the underground river portion, and the guides are attentive to safety, reassuring first-timers. You’ll board a motorboat to the park, which is about a 15-minute ride over calm waters, offering your first glimpse of the area’s untouched beauty.

Entering the Underground River

The highlight of the day is entering the world-famous Underground River. The guided paddle boat trip inside the cave lasts roughly 45 minutes, during which you’ll marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites that create otherworldly formations. An audio device in multiple languages enriches the experience, providing insights into the cave’s features and history. Reviewers mention how the guides’ knowledge enhances the experience, often describing the cave as “amazing” and “a must-see.” One said, “Mr. Moon was fantastic at explaining everything clearly, making it even more memorable.”

Lunch at Sabang Beach

Post-cave, the group heads to a local restaurant for a delicious Filipino lunch. Your guide arranges the meal, which includes local delicacies, giving a taste of Palawan’s culinary culture. Don’t miss the chance to try tamilok, a woodworm taken from mangrove bark—an authentic, if slightly adventurous, local snack. Reviewers note that the food is quite satisfying, and sampling tamilok adds a fun, cultural twist to the day.

Sabang X Zip Line Adventure

The final adventure segment is the Sabang X Zip Line, an approximately 800-meter ride over the sea. It involves a short hike, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised. From the zipline, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the beach, forest, and mountains, which make for perfect photos and great memories. The experience is praised for its spectacular views and smooth ride—a definite adrenaline rush that complements the day’s earlier calm exploration.

Return to Puerto Princesa

After the ziplining, you’ll head back to your hotel, generally arriving in the late afternoon. It’s a full, exhilarating day that offers a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and culture, all wrapped up in a manageable 8-hour window.

What the Tour Includes and Considerations

The fee of $59 per person covers almost everything—lunch, park entry, safety gear, boat transfers, and audio devices—making it an excellent value. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, allowing guides to give more personalized attention and share interesting tidbits. Notably, the tour includes a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, reassuring travelers who prefer flexibility.

However, there is an additional environmental fee of about $3, which you’ll need to pay on-site. Travelers with moderate physical fitness will enjoy the hike and boat rides most comfortably; those with mobility concerns might find some parts challenging.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer highlighted, “Mr. Moon was an amazing guide! He prepared us for what to expect and had great energy and knowledge.” This sentiment echoes across reviews praising the guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm. The same reviewer mentioned how the stunning views made the trip unforgettable, especially during the zipline, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Palawan’s lush scenery.

Another review shared that the cave exploration was well-organized, and safety was a priority, giving peace of mind to first-timers. The food, especially the unique inclusion of tamilok, was a highlight, adding an authentic local flavor to the experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes for the hike and zipline.
• Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the scenic views and cave interiors.
• Prepare for some physical activity, especially walking and boat rides.
• Arrive early for pickup to maximize your day.
• Consider bringing a light jacket for the boat ride or cooler cave environment.
• Pay the environmental fee of about $3 in cash, as it’s not included in the tour price.
• Book in advance—the tour is popular, often booked 16 days ahead.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Palawan’s natural splendors, perfectly suited for travelers craving a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The underground river remains central to the experience, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view into one of the world’s most stunning caves. The zipline adds a rush of adrenaline and fantastic photo opportunities, while the Filipino lunch provides a taste of local life.

The value is clear when considering the cost, which includes all entry fees, safety gear, and transport. The small-group format means you get more personalized attention, often leading to memorable interactions and insider tips from guides like Kuya Jeff.

This experience shines brightest for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy a physically active day, but also for travelers looking for a well-rounded, hassle-free tour that covers top highlights with minimal stress.

The Sum Up

Choosing the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour + Sabang X Zip Line Ride means opting for an adventure that balances awe-inspiring scenery with adrenaline-pumping activities. With expert guides, seamless logistics, and authentic local experiences, it delivers genuine value for your time and money. The day’s highlights—especially the underground river and zipline—are sure to be the memories you cherish from Palawan.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to witness one of nature’s greatest wonders, combined with a splash of thrill and local flavor. It’s a solid pick for solo explorers, couples, families, or groups who want to make the most of their Palawan visit without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup from your hotel in downtown Puerto Princesa is included, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long does the entire tour last? The entire experience takes around 8 hours, from pickup to return, so you can plan your day accordingly.

What should I wear for the zipline and cave tour? Wear comfortable, breathable clothes, and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and ziplining.

Are safety gear and equipment provided? Yes, all safety gear, including life vests and helmets, are provided and maintained to ensure safety during activities.

Can I cancel the tour if I change my mind? Absolutely, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers? Moderate physical fitness is recommended, but children or older travelers comfortable with walking and some activity should be fine.

What’s included in the price? The tour price covers lunch, park entry fees, boat transfers, safety gear, audio devices, and parking/waterfront fees.

Are there any additional costs? Yes, an environmental fee of about $3 applies and must be paid on-site, not included in the tour price.

To sum it up, the Puerto Princesa Underground River + Sabang X Zip Line Tour offers an authentic, fun, and value-packed day for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. With expertly guided excursions, stunning scenery, and local flavors, it’s a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Palawan’s captivating charm.