Sabang Beach | Puerto Princesa

Sabang Beach is a scenic coastal area in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, serving as the main gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Visual Characteristics

The beach features a long stretch of coarse white to golden sand bordered by the turquoise waters of the West Philippine Sea. It is flanked by dramatic limestone karst mountains and dense tropical jungles. High waves are common, making it more visually dynamic than the calmer bays in the region. The shoreline is dotted with bangkas (outrigger boats) used for transporting tourists.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Access: Approximately 75–80 km northwest of the city center.

Transport: Accessible via a 1.5 to 2-hour drive by van or private vehicle from Puerto Princesa City. Public buses and jeepneys also service this route from the San Jose Terminal.

Entry: Access to the beach itself is free, but various fees (environmental, terminal) apply for those heading to the Underground River.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Sabang was originally a small fishing village that transformed into a major tourism hub following the global recognition of the Underground River. It remains an ecologically sensitive area, acting as a buffer zone for the protected national park. The surrounding forests are part of the St. Paul Mountain Range.

Key Highlights & Activities

Gateway to the Underground River: The primary staging point where visitors board boats to the cave entrance.

Sabang X-Zipline: An 800-meter zipline over the water, located at the end of the beach.

Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour: Located a short walk from the beach, offering a quiet tour of the local ecosystem.

Surfing: During the rainy season, the swells at Sabang attract local surfers.

Sunset Viewing: The beach faces west, offering unobstructed views of the sunset over the sea.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The area is developed with a range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury resorts like Sheridan Beach Resort. There are numerous beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and Filipino cuisine. Sabang Wharf, the central boat terminal, includes a tourist information center and public restrooms.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November to May): Provides the best sea conditions for boat transfers and clearer skies.

Early Morning: Ideal for those wanting to avoid the heat and the influx of day-trippers from the city center.

Rules

Swimming is discouraged in areas with high boat traffic or during red flag warnings (strong currents).

No littering on the shoreline.

Strict adherence to boat scheduling at the wharf for Underground River tours.

Nearby Landmarks

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: 15–20 minutes by boat.

Ugong Rock: 15 km Southeast.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa: Fronting the main beach area.