Palawan destination

Underground River (Sabang)

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Sabang, west coast

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the one Palawan trip you cannot turn up for on the day. The park limits how many people go in, so the permit comes first and the transfer is built around it.

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Read the permit planning guide

The cave entrance of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, framed by jungle-covered limestone.

What you should know before you book

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.
It was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012, which is a large part of why demand outstrips the daily cap.
The park is reached from Sabang on Palawan’s west coast, overland from Puerto Princesa; from Sabang wharf a boat runs along the coast to the beach at the cave entrance.
Entry runs on a daily visitor cap, so permits are arranged in advance rather than bought at the gate.
The underground river flows directly into the sea, and the cave is home to large bat and swiftlet colonies — part of why access is controlled.

We publish facts, not fares. Prices depend on the vehicle or boat, your group size, waiting time and the season, so every trip is quoted individually — free and with no obligation.

What we can quote for Underground River (Sabang)

Private return transfers between Puerto Princesa and Sabang
Help confirming what park permit availability looks like for your dates
Day trips combining Sabang with the mangrove paddle tour or Ugong Rock
Onward transfers from Sabang to Port Barton or El Nido rather than doubling back
Private vehicles sized for families and groups with luggage

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Underground River (Sabang): common questions

Can I just turn up at the Underground River on the day?

No. Entry runs on a daily visitor cap, so permits are arranged in advance rather than bought at the gate. It is the one Palawan trip where the paperwork sets the date and the transfer is planned around it.

How do you actually reach the Underground River?

Overland from Puerto Princesa to Sabang on Palawan’s west coast, then a boat from Sabang wharf along the coast to the beach at the cave entrance. The road leg is the part we quote as a private return transfer.

Is the Underground River a UNESCO site?

Yes. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, and it was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012 — a large part of why demand outstrips the daily cap.

Can I combine Sabang with anything else?

Yes. A Sabang day can take in the mangrove paddle tour or Ugong Rock, and rather than doubling back to Puerto Princesa you can continue north from Sabang to Port Barton or El Nido in the same vehicle.

Anything specific to your dates, group or pickup point is answered on the quote — that is where the actual vehicle, timing and fixed all-in price come from.

Ask us on the quote form

Puerto Princesa airport transfersWhere almost every Palawan trip starts — and where the long drives north begin.Port BartonA quiet fishing village on Pagdanan Bay, on the same road that continues on to El Nido.Puerto Princesa to SabangThe west-coast road transfer for an Underground River visit or Sabang stay.