Puerto Princesa and the Underground River in Palawan
Part of the Palawan travel guide — see every topic in All Palawan Guides.
Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan and the main air gateway to the island. Most visitors pass through on their way to El Nido, but the city has its own highlights. The most famous is the Underground River at Sabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This guide covers the river, island hopping in Honda Bay and other nature trips near the city.
The Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its river runs for several kilometres under a mountain of limestone before flowing into the sea. Visitors enter by small paddle boat, with a guide and a headlamp. Inside, you see large caves, rock formations and bats. The boat tour lasts about 45 minutes. The forest around the entrance is home to monkeys and monitor lizards. It is a calm, quiet trip and suitable for most ages.
Permits and getting to Sabang
The number of visitors to the Underground River is limited each day, so you need a permit booked in advance. Most people book a day tour from Puerto Princesa, which includes the permit, transport, lunch and the boat. The drive to Sabang takes about two hours each way. From Sabang wharf, a short boat ride takes you to the river entrance. You can also book the permit yourself through the city's tourism office. In the busy season, book several days ahead. Trips can be cancelled in bad weather.
Honda Bay island hopping
Honda Bay is a short drive north of the city. Day tours visit small islands and sandbars in the bay, such as Cowrie Island, Luli Island and Starfish Island. Luli Island is mostly sand at low tide and partly covered by water at high tide. The tours are relaxed, with swimming, snorkelling and lunch on the beach. The water is calm, so this trip is good for families and beginners. It is a good choice for your first or last day, when you do not want a long journey.
Mangroves and fireflies
Palawan has large areas of mangrove forest, which protect the coast and give shelter to young fish. Near Sabang, local community groups run paddle boat tours through the mangroves, with guides who explain the plants and wildlife. In the evening, firefly-watching tours run on rivers near Puerto Princesa. Small boats move quietly through the dark while thousands of fireflies light up the trees. Do not use flash photography, and keep noise low. These tours support local communities and are a gentle way to see nature.
Staying in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is a relaxed city with hotels for every budget, good restaurants and easy tricycle transport. The airport is close to the centre. Many visitors spend one or two nights here before taking a van or flight north to El Nido. If you want to stay near the Underground River, Sabang has a few beach resorts and simple guesthouses. Fresh seafood is easy to find in the city, and there are night markets and cafes. Allow at least one full day for the river trip.
Puerto Princesa and the Underground River at a glance
| Getting there | Flights to Puerto Princesa; Sabang is about two hours by road |
|---|---|
| Hours | Underground River tours run in the daytime; times depend on your permit |
| Cost | Day tours include permit and transport; prices vary by operator |
| Best time | December to May; trips may be cancelled in rough weather |
| Permit | Required for the Underground River; book days ahead in peak season |