Puerto Princesa Underground River Trekking & Paddle Boat Tour

Rainforest hike, river cave, and a paddle boat ride inside one of the world's seven natural wonders

A full-day trek and paddle boat tour from Puerto Princesa that starts with hotel pickup and leads through the jungle to the mouth of the Underground River, where you board a shared paddle boat to explore up to 1.2 kilometers inside the UNESCO-listed cave. The day includes a scenic hike past monitor lizards, monkeys and birds; lunch and water; and an audio guide for the cave. The trek is steep and the heat is real. This suits travelers with solid fitness who want the full immersion, not a shorter version.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek and explore Underground River

• Pickup from downtown Puerto Princesa
• Travel to Sabang
• Trek through jungle trail
• Spot wildlife and scenic viewpoints
• Take paddle boat tour inside Underground River
• Enjoy lunch and snacks
• Relax or swim at Sabang Beach

The experience

The day starts with pickup from downtown Puerto Princesa and a drive to Sabang, where the trek begins. You walk the Jungle Trail through dense rainforest, spotting monitor lizards, monkeys and colorful birds along the way, with views of Sabang Beach and the mountains breaking through the canopy. The trail leads to the mouth of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Once you reach the river, you board a shared paddle boat and travel up to 1.2 kilometers into the cave system. An audio guide is provided, and the boat moves slowly enough to take in the limestone formations and the sheer scale of the cavern. After the cave, there's time to swim or walk on Sabang Beach if you want to cool off before heading back.

Lunch, bottled water and light snacks are included throughout the day. The full outing runs about 10 hours from pickup to return, and the air-conditioned vehicle means the drive itself is a break from the heat and the walking. You'll need a high level of fitness. The jungle is humid, the trek is uneven, and there's no shortcut to the river's mouth.

What’s included

• Private transportation from downtown Puerto Princesa to Sabang.
• the jungle trek on the Jungle Trail.
• shared paddle boat ride inside the cave for up to 1.2 kilometers.
• an audio guide for the cave.
• lunch, bottled water and light snacks.
• entry, environmental and parking fees.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Corazon Travel and Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from downtown means you don't need a car or a ride arranged separately, so this works whether you're staying in the city center or elsewhere without transport. The 10-hour day is built around the trek and the cave, not rushed stops, so you have time to move at the pace the jungle demands.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see inside the Underground River cave?

The paddle boat takes you up to 1.2 kilometers into the cave, where you'll see limestone formations and the scale of the cavern itself. An audio guide is provided to explain what you're looking at. The cave is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and is UNESCO-listed.

What wildlife might I spot on the jungle trek?

Monitor lizards, monkeys and colorful birds are common along the Jungle Trail. You'll also see exotic plants, giant vines and limestone formations as you walk through the rainforest canopy.

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?

Yes, pickup from downtown Puerto Princesa is included, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Sabang. If you're staying outside downtown, confirm your pickup location when you book.

Is there time to swim or relax after the cave?

Yes, after the paddle boat ride you can swim in the calm waters of Sabang Beach or walk along the shore before returning to Puerto Princesa. The beach is a quiet spot with golden sand and turquoise water.

What happens if I'm not fit enough for the jungle trek?

The operator recommends a high level of physical fitness for this tour. The jungle is humid, the trail is uneven, and there's no alternative route to the river. If you have concerns about your fitness, spinal health, cardiovascular health or are pregnant, contact the operator before booking.