Underground River - Do-It-Yourself

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Palawan Underground River has been named as one of the New 7 wonders of the world, a UNESCO world heritage site because of it's uniqueness, beauty and grandeur. There is no question that Puerto Princesa Underground River is the most popular attraction in Palawan, it is also one of the Philippines' top tourist attraction.
The main attraction of Palawan in general is it's beautiful and mystique underground river, located in Sabang which is about 80 km away from Puerto Princesa City.  It is known to be the longest and most navigable underground river in Asia and second longest in the world. This 5 mile underground river boast of unique cave formations with unusually large chambers with domes at least 900 feet from the water level.



The river cave allows the tourist to see various and extraordinary landscape making the cavern a unique kind of natural phenomena. The park showcases a complete maountain-t-sea ecosystem which caters to all forms of wildlife. 

The local government of Palawan has imposed strict rules and regulations when visiting the famed underground river. Visiting the park have become difficult especially for solo travelers most of whom have a hard time getting permits to visit the underground river. Solo travelers are discouraged from visiting the underground river and it is preferred that they join or avail a tour package in order to ensure that they will be accommodated to see the site. The city government of Puerto Princesa has limit to the number of visitors that is allowed to go on an underground river tour. Without a permit you will not be allowed to go to the site. It is therefore advised to book your tour at least a week or a month before your intended date visit.. 


                                  
But if you opt to Do-it-yourself, here are the Guide in Six Steps:

1. Get your permit at Puerto Princesa Underground River office at the City Coliseum in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The office is located along Rizal Avenue. They are open on weekdays from 8AM to 4 PM and 8AM to 12NN on weekends

2. Get to Sabang. Buses and minivans depart Puerto Princesa to Sabang from San Jose Bus Terminal. Buses usually leave at 7AM, 9AM and 12NN. It is advised that you go to the terminal as early as posible. Bus ride is about 3 hours since it has many stop overs. Better go early. 

3 Go to the Puerto Princesa Underground Ricer tourist office in Sabang on the day of your tour trip. It is best to get to the tourist office as early as possible in order to avoid the large horders of tourist from the group tours You need to pay the following charges: Entrance Fee 500 pesos. Environmental Fee - 150 pesos. Audio guide fee - 85 pesos. 

4. Get on a boat to the Puerto Princesa Underground River. You then need to go to the jetty right in front of the office where you will be asked whether you like to share a boat or book your own personal boat. The motorized 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 banka which is what will be used for the trip. 

5. Tour the cave system on your DIY underground river trip. The banka 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. The guy rowing the banka also doubles up as your guide. 

6. Make your way back. Your boatman will be waiting fir you at the beach to take you back to the jetty in Sabang to complete your DIY underground tour



Underground River Tours can be cancelled at any time. Cancellations are usually due to bad weather condition so it would be best for you to schedule your trip during summer season. 




Tips for the traveler:

Wear only light clothing and bring a change of clothes as there is a good chance that you will get wet while on the way.

Also have with you sunscreen, sunglasses and hat to protect you from the heat of the sun 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 motorized boat.

You will be given helmet on the tour. Be sure to keep it on, and do not open your mouth when looking on top. The cave is full of bats which have no problems showering you their poo.

Bring a waterproof camera (if you have one).

Or bring a water proof bag for your jewelries and other important items to protect them from getting wet.

Never feed the animals or any other form of wildlife you encounter along the way.


Have a fun and meaningful DIY trip!!!



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