Puerto Princesa: Underground River, Zipline & Mangrove Tour

Summary

Puerto Princesa adventure with river caves, sea zipline and lush mangroves

You’ll ride a boat deep into Puerto Princesa’s famous underground river, soar above blue water on an 800-meter zipline, then float quietly through mangrove forests with a local guide. Includes hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa and a buffet lunch by the sea. Expect laughter, maybe some nerves—and moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about the zipline—figured I’d be more worried about bats in the cave. But there I was in Sabang, shoes full of sand, heart thumping as our guide (Rico, who joked he’d done it “maybe a hundred times”) clipped me in. The view from up there is wild: ocean below, mountains ahead, wind everywhere. My scream got lost in it all. I think someone cheered from the beach but honestly I was too busy trying not to swallow air.

After that rush, we regrouped for the Puerto Princesa underground river tour. The boatman handed out helmets and flashlights—mine smelled faintly of salt and plastic—and steered us into this cool darkness where everything echoed. Stalactites looked like melted candles. Rico pointed out rock shapes with names that made everyone laugh (there’s one shaped like a vegetable—I’ll let you guess). It’s weird how quiet it gets inside, except for water dripping and the occasional flutter overhead.

The last part was slow—a paddle through the mangrove forest. Sun filtered through tangled roots, and there was this earthy smell I can’t really describe but it stuck to my clothes. Our local guide explained how these trees protect the coast; she even spotted a snake curled on a branch (I missed it, probably for the best). Lunch was back in Sabang—buffet style, nothing fancy but after all that moving around I ate like three plates of rice and fish. Still think about that view from the zipline sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Underground river, mangrove, and zipline

• Visit Puerto Princesa Underground River
• Tour the mangrove forest
• Enjoy 800-meter zipline ride

Top questions

How long is the Puerto Princesa underground river?

It's considered one of the longest underground rivers in the world.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at most hotels in Puerto Princesa are included.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes entrance fees, lunch, air-conditioned transport, parking fees, and safety equipment for the zipline ride.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served at one of the restaurants in Sabang.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Can infants join this trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How long is the zipline ride?

The zipline ride covers 800 meters over sea views and mountains.

Do I need to bring special gear for the activities?

No special gear is needed; safety equipment is provided for the zipline.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Princesa, all entrance fees covered so you don’t have to worry about tickets, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between stops, safety gear for your zipline adventure over the sea, plus a hearty buffet lunch served right in Sabang before heading back home again.