The Underground River, Permit and All

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River runs for kilometres beneath a limestone mountain inside a UNESCO-listed national park, and you see it the only way there is: by paddle boat, in the dark, with a guide. Entry is controlled by dated permits under a daily visitor cap, which is why nearly everyone books a tour — the permit, the wharf boat and the paperwork come with it.

Three Ways to Visit

The joining tour is the standard day out from the city, from around ₱2,850 per person: hotel pickup and drop-off, the air-conditioned round trip to Sabang, park entrance and environmental fees, the guided river cruise, an English-speaking guide and lunch at a local restaurant. Pickups run from 6:00 to 7:30 AM and the day takes about eight hours.

The private version is the same day with the vehicle and the schedule to yourselves — from around ₱16,000 for two guests and around ₱1,500 for each additional person, with pickup slots every half hour from 6:00 to 10:30 AM.

Or Make It Your Travel Day

Sabang sits off the same highway that carries you north, so the river does not have to cost you a day of its own. A private transfer with the tour built in collects you in one town, does the river at midday and delivers you to the next: Puerto Princesa to El Nido or El Nido to Puerto Princesa from around ₱21,500 for two, or Puerto Princesa to Port Barton from around ₱19,000. Your luggage stays with the driver. The full set is on the transfers with Underground River tour hub.

Good to Know

• Bring the valid ID whose name is on the booking — it is checked on the day.
• Children under 8 are not recommended for the river tour.
• The day tours are weather-dependent: if one is cancelled for poor weather you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. The transfer combos state their own terms on each listing.
• Because permits pin the date, book the river first and arrange the rest of your week around it.

How the permits and daily caps really work is covered in our guide to Sabang and the Underground River. Short on time in the city? See what else fits in 24 to 48 hours in Puerto Princesa, or browse every tour in Puerto Princesa.