Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Today I am going to share to all of you our experiences exploring the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. If you have a little one under three years old please do not bring them to this tour. This is something I need to mention because during our Palawan trip of course we bring our daughter with us who was only one and a half years old that time, I didn’t realize the underground river tour is not suitable for babies or toddlers, mainly because the cave was very dark, cold and scary for little ones. Any unnecessary moves can make the boat sank and it can be very dangerous.
“The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located about 50 kilometres (30 mi) north of the city centre of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The river is also called Puerto Princesa Underground River. The national park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The entrance to the subterranean river is a short hike from the town Sabang.”-
The cave includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers, including the 360-meter-long Italian’s Chamber with approximate 2.5 million square meters volume. It is one of the largest cave rooms in the world. The lower portion of the river up to 6 km from the sea, is subject to tidal influences. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River was reputed to be the world’s longest underground river.
We booked the underground river tour at the hotel where we stayed at. It was 1500 php per person including lunch. The tour was whole day and can be very tiring. We bring snacks, milk and some food for Rianna. The van picked us up at the hotel around 7am, and the adventure begins.
Along with other tourists we rode a boat to another island where the underground river was located. It wasn’t that far. I think about 10-15 minutes boat ride from the main island. The weather that time was sunny- rainy day.
We arrived at this beautiful white sandy island, and the photo shoot follows, of course! We then headed to the park where there are lots of monkeys and no one is allowed to display or eat food while in the park. There are few tables and chairs so sit while waiting for the tour guide who currently arrange the tour. After few minutes the tour guide told us to walk to the forest where the river was located.
About five minutes walk we arrived at the opening of the cave. It was a busy day, very hot and raining little. There are so many tourists waiting for their turn. There were few chairs to sit while waiting. We explored the place and enjoyed the ambiance. It was like a jungle, a forest actually full of big and long tress and green grasses. There were only 3 or so allowed boat to come inside, so we waited until our turn.
We do not buy Rianna her own life jacket, so we tried to put on the big one and the helmet as well. She was very pleased at first and she really liked it. But it was so big for her so we removed it later.
After more than an hour of waiting, it was finally our turn. We had a big problem with Rianna at first because she was very scared of the boat. She cried so hard and do not want to sit. The boat operator was very upset telling us that we could not go if the baby keeps crying because it’s very dangerous, and can be very disturbing with other boat passengers. We could not postpone this tour so I tried my best to comfort Rianna and make her stop crying, which thankfully she did. I was very worried how scary it was for her to be at the cave, cold and dark. She cannot move otherwise we all fall down in the water. But she was a clever girl. The whole 40 minutes boat trip she just closed her eyes and pretending she was asleep. I felt so pity for my little girl, and also proud that she was able to behave. The tour was very memorable. I tried to concentrate and enjoy at the same time making sure I hold Rianna tightly and not letting her move even a little.
Inside the cave was cold and very dark. The tourist who sits in front of the boat was the ones who hold the flashlight. My sister sat behind us and brought the camera, but she was not able to take photos inside the cave, somehow, the camera didn’t work that time. The boat operator, who was also the tour guide, was very good at explaining all the details. He explained how the rock formed, its shape and how it all started many many years ago. It was truly like a magic when you were under that cave. So many shape of rocks that you cannot believe they exist. You cannot open your mouth while in there because there are so many bats there and they said the bats peed. The water that comes from above is not safe, so its better to close your mouth the whole trip.
Some photos taken after the tour. My little Rianna looks very tired and pity. She was so behaved the whole trip and she never cried. I know she was scared, I can feel it while holding her. She was a good girl and she understands she need to behave for the sake of everybody. Our tour was great and we are all very happy. I am so thankful I was able to explore the Underground River, one of the top tourists attraction in the Philippines. You must go there too, you will not regret it.
I had never used to visit this tour but after visiting your blog I am planning my visit there after completing my day trips from amsterdam with my frinds. You had a great experience and I must keep these points in my mind while take this tour. Any suggestion for my trip would be much appreciated there.