Melo Villareal
How to Plan Your Underground River Tour in Palawan
Since the Puerto Princesa Underground River became one of UNESCO’s New 7 Wonders of Nature, the site has drawn thousands of local and international tourists. It does help that there are new hotels and other types of accommodations in Puerto Princesa available to cater to the increasing number of visitors in the city. However, only a limited number of people are accommodated at the Underground River daily. So going here on a whim, without any tour plans, wouldn’t be a good idea.
For the best possible Underground River experience, you must carefully plan your trip by taking note of the following.
The ideal time to travel
When choosing a travel date, the weather is one of the most important factors. Puerto Princesa’s dry season is from January to April, while the wet season is from May to December. Scheduling your trip during the dry season is recommended, as the waves tend to be calmer, and there are fewer chances that your trip will be canceled due to inclement weather.
Doing your homework
A well-planned trip calls for plenty of research about your destination, which has been made easy thanks to the wealth of information on the web. Read blogs of fellow travelers who recently visited Palawan to get ideas on where to stay in Puerto Princesa, what to eat, what to bring, and what side trips you can take, among other things. Or check out reputable travel sites like Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, or Virtual Tourist for recommendations and reviews.
Preparing your budget
Traveling can be costly. That’s why it helps to set a budget for the main expenses of your trip, including airfare, accommodation, food, tour permits, entrance fees, and miscellaneous items like souvenirs. Some of these expenses are fixed, while others can be adjusted depending on how much you are comfortable spending on them.
Tour options
You can get a tour package or go DIY when visiting the Underground River. Package tours cost about P1,800 per person and include all expenses, from transportation and the lunch buffet to tour guide fees. If you plan your own tour instead, you can save as much as P600 to P900 as long as you’re resourceful and diligent.
The DIY route would be an excellent choice for those with a tight budget and extra time to put together their own tour. But if you’d like to keep things simple and convenient, go for the tour package. The package rate is standard, so you only need to find an accredited travel agency in the city.
Accommodations
Sabang and the city proper have many hotels, inns, and pension houses. Besides your budget, factor in your trip itinerary and tour schedule (as indicated on your permit) while choosing where to stay.
Booking your tickets
Once you have a travel plan and budget, you can finally book your flight!
Airfare may vary depending on the time of year. Since this will be one of your biggest trip expenses, compare airline prices to score the best deal.
Planning your trip to the Puerto Princesa Underground River need not be stressful. With these practical tips, you can put together your itinerary and budget fuss-free and look forward to an exciting and memorable tour.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Travel and Tour Packages
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour
- A day tour of this breathtaking location will take you through what is now named one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. After an early morning pick-up, you’ll drive to Sabang Wharf before transferring by boat to the Underground River National Park.
- The tour’s highlight remains the guided paddle boat, which will take you across the underground river.
- For around 45 minutes, you can explore this deep, cavernous river and see the rock formations that have captured the world’s imagination.
- Listen to your audio commentary or get insider knowledge from your boatman guide as he points out numerous fascinating features within the cave by torchlight.
Puerto Princesa Travel and Tour Packages
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Read:
- Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: A Unique Burial Ground in Laguna
- Ultimate List of the Best Hotels in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
