Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself Guide in Palawan

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River or PPUR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the highlights of the island of Palawan in the Philippines. This Puerto Princesa Underground River tour do it yourself guide will assist you in making the most out of your trip without having to join an organised tour. 

Having been chosen as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the underground river emerges directly into the sea and is a popular excursion for foreigners and Filipinos alike who flock to Sabang to visit the complex cave system.

The National Park features spectacular karst landscapes, beautiful forests and diverse wildlife. The island of Palawan is also well-known for being home to El Nido, one of the Philippine’s most popular destinations. 

A mix of fresh and salty water at exit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself
Most tourists choose to visit the PPUR on a group tour, but by following this Puerto Princesa Underground River tour do it yourself guide you can explore the area independently, especially if you are traveling on a budget. If however, you would like to join a group tour, follow this link.

Related: Whilst you’re in the Philippines, check out our post about the best street foods!

The underground river is actually located in Sabang which is about 80 km away from Puerto Princesa. Prices for a standard day trip from Puerto Princesa to the PPUR, offered by several companies in Puerto Princesa, were rather expensive when considering that you only get to spend about 45 minutes inside the cave.

It is however very possible to do the whole thing independently by following this underground river Palawan blog post, rather than going with a group tour through an agency.

We always promote independent traveling, without the need of an organised tour, but if you have difficulty planning your own trip, or you are short on time, we suggest that you take a look at the trips by GetYourGuide, Viator and G Adventures.
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Check the latest accommodation prices in Sabang on Booking.com

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do it Yourself Guide in Six Simple Steps

  1. Get your permit at the Puerto Princesa Underground River office at the City Coliseum in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
  2. Get to Sabang
  3. Go to the Puerto Princesa Underground River tourist office in Sabang on the day of your trip
  4. Get on a boat to the Puerto Princesa Underground River
  5. Tour the cave system on your DIY underground river trip
  6. Make your way back

1. Get your permit at the Puerto Princesa Underground River office at the City Coliseum in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Check the opening hours of the office to ensure that they will be open during your visit. A trike ride from our hostel to the office cost us 50 PHP (about €0.80). We were the only people at the office on a Saturday morning and the permit was issued immediately, thus enabling us to start planning an underground river tour do it yourself trip for the following Monday .

No payment was made at this point but an estimate of the total price was given. The permit can also be issued at the Puerto Princesa Underground River office in Sabang, but we preferred to get it beforehand just to be sure of securing a place on the boat. If you’re on a backpacker budget, we really recommend staying at Balai Esperanza in Puerto Princesa.

Related: Heading further north after your trip? Follow our guide to spending 3 Days in El Nido

the lagoon at entrance to the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself





2. Get to Sabang 

In order to go to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, you first need to get to Sabang. We decided to stay in Sabang for a couple of days since we liked the vibe there, but you don’t have to do this even though we totally recommend it! Buses and minivans depart from Puerto Princesa to Sabang from the San Jose bus terminal.

We read that buses should leave at 7am, 9am and 12am, but we got on a relatively full bus at 9.30am which left at 11am. There were no vans to Sabang in sight. We really do advise you to go to the terminal as early as possible to check out the day’s schedule which seems to be “flexible” if you want your plan for an underground river tour do it yourself to work out!

The bus ride took about 3 hours. Many people on the bus seemed to be carrying the entire contents of their house including lots of live chickens! We were the only foreigners on the local bus which also seemed to double up as a transport vehicle making the entire experience rather amusing!

Different shops passed on goods to the bus driver which were strapped to the rooftop of the bus, until a very large variety of items such as aluminium rolls, metal poles and cardboard boxes formed a massive pyramid on the top of our bus which we carried for almost the entire journey. These were eventually dropped off to different people along the route to Sabang. The cost of the bus ride was 125 PHP each (about €3.00).

Related: Find out what we spent during our two months of traveling in the Philippines

a colorful banka at Sabang ready to take visitors to the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself

3. Go to the Puerto Princesa Underground River tourist office in Sabang on the day of your trip

If you opting for the underground river tour do it yourself, it is best to get to the tourist office as early as possible in order to avoid the large hordes of tourists from the group tours. We were there at 8am after having had a breakfast of crepes and sandwiches at a nearby shack. The people in the office will charge you the following fees:

  • Puerto Princesa Underground River entrance fee – 500 PHP (about €8.00)
  • Environmental fee – 150 PHP  (about €2.50)
  • Audio guide fee – 85 PHP (about €1.40)

You then need to go to the jetty right in front of the office where you will be asked whether you would like to share a boat or to book your own personal boat. The cost of going on the shared boat (6 people in total) is 187 PHP each (about €3.00). You should not have to wait for too long to make up the number of people for the boat to fill up and leave.

Related: Highlights of Coron

entrance to the Puerto Princesa Underground River - DIY underground river tour



Booking.com



Booking.com

4. Get on a boat to the Puerto Princesa Underground River

The motorised boat will take you to a beach where you need to get off and walk to an area where you are given the audio device and then shown to a bangka which is what will be used for the trip. The guy rowing the bangka also doubles up as your guide.

A remote beach in Sabang city featuring bankas, prior to entry at the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself

5. Tour the cave system on your DIY underground river trip

The bangka will take you inside the dark cave. The audio guide is very helpful in explaining the history and importance of the cave system and river, as well as describing various rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites.

Many of the formations have been compared to religious scenes or vegetables, both of which seem to be very important to Filipinos! Do be respectful and observe silence during the tour so as not to disturb the natural environment.

Conservation of the ecosystem of the underground river was given a lot of importance during the tour which we appreciated greatly. The tour only takes you along the first 4 km of the cave and is about 45 minutes long.

Related: Follow our guide to exploring the Rice Terraces of Banaue and Batad

Puerto Princesa Underground River showing a boat rowing gently - DIY Puerto Princesa tour

At the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself

6. Make your way back

Your boatman will be waiting for you at the beach to take you back to the jetty in Sabang to complete your DIY underground river tour. 

Entrance to the Puerto Princesa Underground River showing the cave sides





Price of the Underground River Tour Do It Yourself Option

The DIY Puerto Princesa underground river trip cost us 922 PHP (about €14.50) each excluding transport to Sabang. The bus from Puerto Princesa to Sabang cost 125 PHP (about €2.00) each, so a DIY underground river tour starting from Puerto Princesa to Sabang and going back using public transport, would cost less than half the price quoted by agencies for group tours.

The agency price also includes lunch and possibly some include other attractions such as zip-lining and jungle walk which we were not interested in doing this time round.. although they seemed like fun activities! 

entrance to the Puerto Princesa Underground River





Verdict of the Underground River Tour Do It Yourself Option

The trip from the jetty to the cave, the time inside the cave, and back took about 1.5 hours.

We have been to more beautiful caves than this one and we do feel that the price was rather steep, even when going on an underground river tour do it yourself, for such a trip.

Having said that, it is apparent that the cave and river’s importance do not lie solely in the aesthetics of the cave system and perhaps we could not appreciate its actual wonders fully.

With careful planning, it is possible to go to Sabang, do the tour and go back to Puerto Princesa on the same day but we preferred to stay in Sabang.

Related: Read about our experience in Buscalan

bankas upon entry to the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Tips for the Underground River Tour Do It Yourself Option

  • Wear flip-flops or other shoes which you do not mind wetting on the tour. You will need to get into knee deep water to get out of the motorised boat.
  • Do not wear long garments for the same reason as above.
  • You will be given a helmet on the tour. Be sure to keep it on, and do not open your mouth if looking up. The cave is full of bats which have no problems showering you with their poo.
  • Bring a waterproof camera.
  • We really recommend staying in Sabang for a couple of days, there is more to the village than just the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the area is packed with caves, beautiful beaches and jungle trails all of which can be visited. 

Related: A Walkable Day Tour of Manila City

Nikki and Michelle upon entry to the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Other Things to Do in Puerto Princesa

Island Hopping around Honda Bay

On a tour around Honda Bay you will probably get to visit Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island. Island hopping around Honda Bay is not as good or as beautiful as that around El Nido and Coron, but if you don’t intend heading north to those areas, it is worth while spending some time seeing the Palawan islands around Puerto Princesa.

Tours around Honda Bay can be booked here.

Zip-line from Ugong Rock

Package tours to the Puerto Princesa Underground River sometimes include a stop at Ugong Rock, but separate tours to Ugong Rock also exist. A tour would typically include a climb up to the top of the rock, and an adrenaline-filled zip-line experience back down.

Tours to Ugong Rock can be booked here.

Take a City Tour

A half of full-day city tour will take you all around the main sights of Puerto Princesa, including the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartle, and Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (the Crocodile Farm). Of course you can opt to visit most of the city sights independently if you have time.

City tours can be booked here.

Visit the Iwahig Prison

This rather intriguing experience will take you inside of a real prison for an insight into the day to day life of the inmates. When you are there, you can interact with some of the inmates who might open up and tell you their life stories and reasons for being in prison. You can even buy items made by the prisoners themselves!

Watch the Fireflies

A paddle canoe will take you along the river at night time where your guide will point out the trees lit by the glowing insects.

Fireflies tour can be booked here.

Where to stay in Puerto Princesa

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Balai Esperanza but if your budget is not that restricted or would like some pampering and luxury, consider a night’s stay at the Canvas Boutique Hotel. You can also choose from a wide range of accommodation on HostelworldBooking.com or Agoda.

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Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Do It Yourself - visit the Unesco World Heritage Site - A complete DIY guide inclusive of guidance on getting the required permits, to visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Sabang (also known as PPUR), a highlight of Palawan in the Philippines, and a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The DIY Guide to visiting the Puerto Princessa Underground River - A complete DIY guide inclusive of guidance on getting the required permits, to visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Sabang (also known as PPUR), a highlight of Palawan in the Philippines, and a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

30 Comments

  1. Laagan Kaayo
    29/04/2017

    Thank you for this! very helpful guide! we’re going in June. can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      01/05/2017

      Glad you found it helpful, feel free to send us a message if you need to ask any specific questions!

      Reply
  2. grant
    03/11/2017

    I’m staying at a hotel in sabang and will make my own way there, the hotel want 1600php for the tour, total rip off.
    where is the office in sabang to arrange the tour myself?

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      04/11/2017

      Hi Grant. You can’t go wrong, the office is the only large(ish) building in the center of the pier. You will need to purchase the permit besides the ticket. This can be done in the same office or in Puerto-Princessa if you’ll be passing by from there. Re boat ride, it is most budget friendly to share. All you need is wait at the pier for others, until you reach max boat capacity (it took us max. 5 minutes).

      Reply
  3. luis
    14/05/2018

    i am a filipino and will be going to palawan this june 5 – 9 with my wife and daughter, planning to DIY for underground river, checked with travel and tours and they charged P2,500 each.i see here that you are a foreigner and you were able to visit underground river with DIY. That’s WOW…Is it really easy to DIY for underground river? the price you spent is half the one they are charging.

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      22/05/2018

      Luis, we though it was very easy to visit the underground river independently, and way more affordable than joining an organised tour! If you follow the tips in the post, you should be able to do it too! 🙂

      Reply
    • des
      30/05/2018

      I amd my husband are planning DIY trip to underground river this june 7. thank u for the tips. we will be travelling tonpuerto this june 6 to 9

      Reply
  4. Jo
    26/05/2018

    We are 6 going to Puerto princesa, I am not too keen on boat rides. Is it difficult to get on and off the boats?

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      26/05/2018

      Hi Jo, I’d say that no, it not especially difficult to get on and off and you will definitely be helped by the guys manning the boats. I hope you have a great time! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Dexter
    14/06/2018

    Hello. Im asking if the price fare is still the same right now? Bcauz Im planning to go on DIY too. Thanks

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      15/06/2018

      Hi Dexter, we wouldn’t know if the price is exactly the same right now since we are no longer in the area although we are not aware of any changes. We suggest that you contact the PPUR office in Puerto Princesa or in Sabang to check the exact prices.

      Reply
  6. Shane Ross
    28/07/2018

    Hi there! We’re scheduled to arrive at PPS airport around 11:30 AM on September 21, 2018 (Friday) and we want to go directly to the Underground River but on a DIY. Do you think we can make it given that we still need to secure a permit and travel to Sabang for 2 hours and wait for a boat ride to the river for our tour?

    We want to maximize our 3D2N stay as we plan to head to El Nido after the Underground River tour the same day.

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      28/07/2018

      Hi Shane, that sounds a little tight! There’s no guarantee that you’ll make it especially if you don’t find a local bus or van headed to Sabang as soon as you are done with getting the permit! It’s not impossible if you are lucky with transport, (though I’m not sure that the boat tours to the river keep running till late), but I wouldn’t depend on getting to the cave the same day you land. Also keep in mind that Sabang to El Nido is a 5-6 hour journey!

      Reply
  7. Stormy gaye
    13/11/2018

    Thanks a lot! I learned a lot from your blog. I look forward to my upcoming trip.

    Stormy

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      13/11/2018

      Hey Stormy! thanks for your kind feedback! enjoy your trip and do let us know how it went! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Fu
    09/12/2018

    I heard there are only a couple of slots available per day. I mean Underground River Permit.
    Do you think we can obtain the permit in the morning when the office is open. And go there on the same day?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      12/12/2018

      It is difficult to get the permit in Puerto Princesa and go to Sabang on the same day. You can try getting the permit in Sabang for the same day of your trip, but you’re right, they do fill up quickly.

      Reply
  9. Virgil
    25/01/2019

    I love you’re blog. I take note all the details DIY trip to PPS. I’m Filipino Canadian never been to that places but its first on my bucket list to visit in the phils. thinking this Oct. 2019
    thank’s a lot for this very helpful information you posted here on the internet.

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      25/01/2019

      We are so glad that you found the information useful! You will love Palawan! Have a good trip 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jethro Mamon
    07/02/2019

    Hi! I am planning to visit the underground river on the same day we land puerto princesa? But I am much concern with our luggages, Is there some place we can leave our things before riding the boat? Thanks

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      08/02/2019

      Hi Jethro, I’m afraid we’re sure about that. You mean the boat from Sabang right? Sabang is very small, but there are some guesthouses and hotels there. Perhaps you could arrange something with one of them?

      Reply
  11. Nelson
    08/04/2019

    Hi I am planning a DIY on a Sunday. Do the underground river tour and permit office operate on Sundays?

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      12/04/2019

      Hi Nelson. We think it is although we haven’t been on a Sunday.
      Enjoy the trip!

      Reply
  12. jovelyn blando
    09/05/2019

    hello please to ask if how much will cost us for the underground permit with entrance fee and environmental fee and boat fee

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      14/05/2019

      Hello 🙂 the details of the prices you asked for are all found in the post above, however they are from two years ago, so they might have changed a little! Enjoy PPUR!

      Reply
  13. Judith
    19/05/2019

    Hey there,

    Thank you for your tipps here!

    I have two questions: I didn’t inform myself well enough and I am already in Sabang. Do you think I can make it to the tour without the permission from Puerto Princesa, can I get the permission here?

    I have trouble finding accomodation in Sabang. Where do you recommend to go? I am staying alone, so a place in which to meet people would be great!

    <3

    Reply
    • Cheeky Passports
      19/05/2019

      Hi Judith, We think that you can get the permit in Sabang, though we didn’t do that ourselves. Things might have changed so best to ask at the office in Sabang! We stayed at Cafe Sabang during our time there. It was a good hostel, and we recommend it 🙂

      Reply
  14. The best things to do in Palawan, Philippines | Rebecca and the World
    19/06/2019

    […] If time is an issue and comfort a priority, a tour would definitely be the most efficient way of seeing the river, but a cheaper alternative for budget-conscious travellers who have more time to spare is to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River independently. […]

    Reply
  15. 8 Things to Know Before Visiting El Nido, Palawan – Wandering Wheatleys
    12/07/2019

    […] so you can keep yourself entertained in case of bad weather. Another option is to visit the Underground River but it’s a long day trip from El […]

    Reply

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