Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park | Puerto Princesa

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It features an 8.2-kilometer underground river that flows through a spectacular limestone karst landscape directly into the sea.

Visual Characteristics

The park is defined by massive limestone cliffs, lush old-growth forests, and white sand beaches. The underground river cavern contains immense chambers-some up to 120 meters wide and 60 meters high-decorated with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Guided paddle boats navigate the dark, emerald-green waters, with guides using searchlights to reveal rock formations that resemble various shapes and figures.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.

Access: Located approximately 76–81 km northwest of Puerto Princesa City center.

Transport: * Van/Car: A 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the city to the seaside village of Sabang.

Boat: From Sabang Wharf, visitors take a 15–20 minute bangka (outrigger boat) ride to the national park entrance.

Entry: Requires a permit, which is strictly regulated and typically secured in advance via accredited tour operators. Visitors must present identification at the Sabang terminal.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in 1971 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It represents a complete "mountain-to-sea" ecosystem, protecting some of the most significant forests in Asia. The river itself, the Cabayugan River, disappears underground into the St. Paul Mountain Range before emerging into St. Paul Bay. The lower half of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influences.

Key Highlights & Activities

Underground River Tour: A 45-minute paddle boat tour through the first 1.5 km of the navigable river.

Wildlife Watching: The park is home to monkeys, monitor lizards, and over 165 bird species, including the Palawan peacock-pheasant.

Sabang X-Zipline: An 800-meter zipline over the sea near the park entrance.

Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour: An educational tour through the nearby Sabang mangrove forest.

Jungle Trekking: The Monkey Trail and Jungle Trail offer hiking opportunities through the karst forest.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The Sabang area serves as the staging point with hotels, restaurants, and a visitor center. The park entrance has basic facilities, including a baggage counter and restrooms. Audio guides are provided for the river tour to minimize noise pollution. 5G/4G coverage is available but can be intermittent in remote forest areas.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November to May): Ideal for calm sea conditions and clear skies.

Operating Hours: Tours typically run from 08:00 to 16:00.

Early Morning: Best to avoid the peak crowds that arrive from the city midday.

Rules

Wearing life vests and helmets is mandatory.

Strict "No Noise" policy inside the cave to avoid disturbing bat colonies.

Do not touch rock formations (oils from skin can damage them).

No littering or feeding wildlife, especially the resident monkeys.

Nearby Landmarks

Sabang Beach: Staging point for boat transfers.

Ugong Rock: 15 km Southeast (Spelunking and ziplining).

Sheridan Beach Resort: 0.5 km from Sabang Wharf.