Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of Palawan, is a protected area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. I was excited to take the kids to this famed Philippine natural wonder – it was magnificent.
Key Points:
• I appreciate how tourism is managed by limiting daily visitors and providing a multilingual audio tour with personal earphone.
• In the past, boatmen loudly pointed out formations; now, they quietly illuminate them, creating a more peaceful museum-like experience.
• It’s an educational natural wonder that every Filipino child should experience to truly appreciate the beauty of our country.
SABANG BEACH 
UNDERGROUND RIVER
We stayed at the best resort on Sabang Beach—Four Points by Sheraton—with the whole family. After an early breakfast, we conveniently walked to the main jump-off point for the Underground River tour.
Related Post: How this slow Palawan trip ruined family travel forever?! @fourpointspuertoprincesa
8:14 AM: Be sure to reserve your slot for the Underground River tour and hire a local guide for the best experience.
8:39 AM: After 30 minutes, we are off on the boat. The hotel rate is ₱3,000 for a boat for 10 pax with a local tour guide.
8:51 AM: The boat ride was short and smooth, with no traffic—one of the perks of being on the first trip of the day.
8:55 am: Entrance fee is around ₱800/person which include entrance fee, environmental fee, audio device and terminal fee.
8:57am:This is the last clean restroom stop before starting the Underground River tour.
9:02 am: There’s a short walk from the landing beach to the mouth of the river, where you’ll spot a marker commemorating the park’s recognition as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature!
9:04 AM: Everyone receives a personal audio device with plastic protection, a lanyard, and a disposable earpiece you can take home.
UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR
9:07 AM: Raphael and Yugi got front-row seats for the Underground River tour. Afterward, we found out the little one got scared—the cave was darker and eerier than expected.
There was no light inside the cave except for the strong flashlights used by the boatmen.
I love how they described the natural formations of stalactites as a vegetable garden.
The main highlight of the tour is the Cathedral, featuring a towering dome and a rock formation resembling an altar with the Holy Family.
You can’t miss this giant Roman candle casting an eerie glow over the cathedral.
Stalactites are icicle-shaped formations that hang from the ceiling of caves, formed by the dripping of mineral-rich water.
In contrast, stalagmites grow upward from the cave floor, built up by minerals deposited from dripping water above.
The face of Jesus greets you and offers a blessing on your underground river journey.
At last, light! Everything went smoothly, aside from the bottleneck at the cave’s entrance.
9:46am: The entire underground river cave museum tour took 40 minutes—well organized!
The entire experience was priceless, educational, and instilled a strong sense of Filipino pride.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour was a breathtaking and well-organized experience that blended natural beauty, education, and national pride. From the smooth boat ride to the serene cave journey guided by audio narration and respectful boatmen, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Highlights like the Cathedral chamber, natural rock formations, and the face of Jesus added depth and wonder. It’s a must-visit destination that every Filipino family should experience—an unforgettable reminder of the Philippines’ rich natural heritage.
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. Thank you to Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Princesa for the awesome Palawan Undergound River experience!
P.S. Thank you to our local tour guides for the entertaining experience!
The post Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – Priceless Family Experience (Photo Essay) appeared first on Awesome! – Our Awesome Planet.
