Puerto Princesa Underground River
The cave system stretches for a total of 24km beneath the mountains. Visitors can explore a smaller portion – entering the cave from the point where the underground river reaches the sea.
I visited Puerto Princesa in June and it’s a wet season, therefore, we experienced some occasional heavy rains during our tour. It took over an hour for us to reach a stop before heading to Sabang Wharf. The zigzaggy and uneven terrain road will surely cause you car sickness (if you’re prone to it) but if you’re used to it then it’s a must to enjoy the amazing view of lush green trees, limestone mountains, and calm blue sea. Only a limited number of tourists are allowed to go inside the Underground River, therefore you’ll have to patiently wait for your group’s turn. We were given an option to either have a zipline ride in Sabang X Zipline or to try the Mangrove Paddle Boat Ride for a certain fee. Most of the people that are part of the tour chose to kill the time by opting for the Mangrove boat ride and some opted for both activities. You’ll appreciate the view of beautiful green mountains and green seawater during a sunny day but not much if it’s raining. Unfortunately, the sky at that time is weeping but I still appreciate a hazy view of the green mountains, it looked like some scenes from the movies. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park via boat.
Finally! We reached our destination and we’re excited to see the Underground River in reality. I’m happy that the sunlight returned! Once you arrived, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River welcomes you with powdery white sand, relaxing sea waves, and amazing picturesque that would make you wish to stay for a few hours instead of exploring the river. You can take photos first before your group heads to the checkpoint. You’ll see monkeys roaming around the area so ensure that you don’t have any food with you. It would be safer as well if you won’t wear any jewelry such as flashy gold earrings or necklaces as this could attract the primates. We were also told by our tour guide not to hold any plastic bags as the primates would think that you’re holding food.
You’ll walk a few meters from the coast to reach the checkpoint where one of the staff will hand you an audio device. From there, you can grab a headgear and life vest which are mandatory before riding a small boat. While on the boat, the guide will instruct you on how to use the audio device properly so you can listen to it at the right time while touring inside the Underground River.
Please expect the natural smell of bat poop as the underground river is home to countless bats. Aside from bats, endemic to the area are snakes, giant spiders, crabs, and several species of marine life. I would suggest looking below the water before entering or going out of the Underground River as you’ll notice big fishes swimming in and out of the cave. While inside the Underground River, it’s complete darkness that’s why your tour guide will light up the area with flashlight and will discuss the rock formations and what it looks like. You’ll learn so many things from the audio device and from your tour guide like the history of the Underground River, animals that are endemic in the area, how they manage a huge number of tourists, the deepest part of the river, etc. Some of the rock formations are in a form of mushrooms and the holy family (Jesus, Joseph, and Mary). Aside from it, you’ll also witness stalagmites and stalactites that were formed for thousands of years.
I got surprised when after the tour, the water level rises from the mini boat port! I prefer low tide so you can take photos in front of the Underground River.
To be honest, this could be one of the most breathtaking journeys I have ever had so far. The scenery was amazing, the sensation was extremely incredible.