Puerto Princesa Underground River & Ugong Cave Zipline — Private Day Tour
Glide by boat into a UNESCO-listed underground river, scramble through Ugong Rock with local Batak and Tagbanua guides, and fly a zipline over karst ridges on this private day tour from Puerto Princesa. Practical tips and community insights prepare you for an immersive, conservation-minded day outdoors.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a dry bag
A small dry bag keeps phones and documents safe during the banca ride and short wet sections.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Trails and cave floors are slick—light hiking shoes or reef shoes provide traction for spelunking and shore walks.
Cash for park fees and tips
Have small Philippine pesos on hand for additional park charges, cooperative fees, and guide gratuities where cards aren’t accepted.
Start early to avoid crowds
Morning departures offer softer light for the cave trip and cooler temperatures for the zipline and short hikes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Mangrove boardwalks near Sabang with birdwatching opportunities
- •Local community stalls selling handwoven crafts by Tagbanua artisans
Wildlife
- •Philippine cockatoo (endangered)
- •Long-tailed macaque
Conservation Note
The site operates under protections for karst and mangrove ecosystems; visitors support community-based tourism initiatives that fund reforestation and sustainable livelihoods.
The Subterranean River sits on karst formed over millions of years; local Tagbanua and Batak peoples have long used the coastal forests and caves for subsistence and cultural practices.
What to Bring
Dry bag (10L)Essential
Protects electronics and documents from splashes during the banca trip.
Closed-toe water shoes or hiking shoesEssential
Provides grip on wet cave floors and uneven trail sections at Ugong Rock.
Insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin)Essential
Reduces bites during mangrove walks and shaded trail segments.
Light rain shell
Useful during sudden tropical showers, especially in the wet season.
Common Questions
How long is the boat trip through the underground river?
The guided boat portion through the cave is typically 40–60 minutes depending on group size and interpretive stops.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes—children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; biosafety and height/weight limits apply for the zipline operator.
Are cave sections wheelchair accessible?
No—the underground river and Ugong Rock involve uneven surfaces, low boat seats, and steps that are not wheelchair accessible.
Can I take photos inside the cave?
Photography is allowed but flash may be restricted in certain chambers to protect wildlife and fragile formations—follow your guide’s instructions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness: short boat ride, easy walking, low-impact scrambling for Ugong Rock and a brief zipline; not strenuous but requires balance.
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