Puerto Princesa City in 1 Day for Couples - Visit the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
In Collaboration with WORLD HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND TOURS . Updated on February 16, 2026.
Private shore excursion to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River). Includes hotel pick up (city center), licensed guide, government permits and fees, boat transfers, and lunch. Cave paddleboat covers the first navigable section of the underground river and its stalactite/stalagmite formations. Tours are subject to weather conditions. Please confirm pickup hotel or, if
This itinerary was created in collaboration with WORLD HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND TOURS , inspired by the tour Private Puerto Princesa Palawan Underground River shore excursion. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Paddleboat exploration of the cave's first navigable kilometer
- Scenic coastal drive to Sabang with lunch at Sabang Beach
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private shore excursion from Puerto Princesa city center to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Underground River) with paddleboat cave tour, included lunch, and return to city center. Schedule assumes a 07:30 start (hotel pick up) and finishes approximately 15:30. Pickup window for city-center hotels is typically 07:30–08:15; if your hotel is out of town notify us in advance (extra pickup charges apply).
Hotel pick-up (Puerto Princesa city center)
Meet your driver/guide for collection from your hotel in Puerto Princesa city center. Guide will confirm passenger names, check IDs and request signatures on the attendance sheet before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your hotel name and the preferred pickup spot (hotel lobby or main entrance) at least one day before the tour.
- Have a photo ID ready for the guide to verify and to sign the attendance sheet.
- Dress in light layers suitable for a morning coastal drive; bring a small daypack with essentials.
Scenic road transfer to Sabang Wharf
Drive from Puerto Princesa city center to the Sabang wharf area. The transfer follows a coastal and rural route; short comfort stops may be made en route if required.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 1.5–2 hour drive depending on traffic; use the restroom before boarding as stops are limited.
- Motion-sickness remedies (ginger candy or medication) are recommended if you are prone to car sickness.
- Keep cameras ready for coastal and countryside views during the drive; phone signal may be intermittent along sections of the road.
Wharf procedures & boarding
Arrival at Sabang wharf for government permit verification, short safety briefing, and boarding of the boat that will take you to the cave entrance. Permit and terminal fees are handled by the operator (included).
Tips from local experts:
- Have the same ID you presented at pickup ready for permit verification at the wharf.
- Wear non-slip shoes and be prepared for a short gangway or steps when boarding the boat.
- Large backpacks or heavy luggage should be left in the vehicle; bring a small bag with essentials for the boat and cave.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River boat & paddleboat cave tour
Short boat transfer to the underground river entrance followed by the paddleboat portion of the cave tour that covers approximately the first navigable kilometer of the river. Licensed guide provides commentary during the tour. Note: cave routes are low-light and require sitting in low boats; not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light waterproof jacket—the cave and coastal transfer can be damp and cool inside the cave.
- Carry only essential items (camera, phone, small waterproof pouch); space on the paddleboat is limited.
- Follow the guide’s safety instructions strictly when boarding and inside the boat; flash photography is sometimes restricted in sections of the cave.
Return to Sabang Wharf
Boat transfer back to Sabang wharf, disembark and return to the vehicle for the included lunch stop by the beach.
Tips from local experts:
- There may be a short wait at the wharf during boat rotations; keep small valuables secured.
- If you want photos of the beach area, have your camera ready as the boat approaches Sabang.
- Confirm with the guide where personal items left in the vehicle will be located after the boat return.
Lunch at Sabang / Sabang Beach
Included lunch at a restaurant near Sabang Beach after the cave visit. Time to relax briefly before the return drive to Puerto Princesa.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the guide of any dietary restrictions before the tour so the lunch stop can accommodate them where possible.
- Bring insect repellent for the short walk between wharf and beachfront eateries, especially during late morning to early afternoon.
- Keep small change for restroom or incidental purchases at the beachside venues; some small vendors may not accept cards.
Drive back to Puerto Princesa city center
Return road transfer to Puerto Princesa with a short comfort stop if needed. Drop-off at the original pickup hotel or agreed city-center location.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow phones and cameras to recharge if you plan to use them later—vehicle charging options vary by vehicle.
- Expect intermittent mobile signal on parts of the return drive; coordinate any onward plans with your guide beforehand.
- If returning to a cruise ship, notify the guide of the ship's scheduled departure time so drop-off can be timed appropriately.
Drop-off & tour end
Drop-off at your hotel in Puerto Princesa city center or an agreed central location. Tour concludes with the guide handling any final paperwork or questions.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your hotel room details or final meeting point ready to share with the driver for a smooth drop-off.
- Collect any personal items from the vehicle before departing; confirm any lost-and-found procedure with your guide.
- Allow a short grace period at the end of the tour for final questions or assistance from your guide.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Attraction, Meal |