Puerto Princesa : Underground River

One of the "7 Wonders Of The World", Puerto Princesa Underground River is another must-visit in PPS. From the city proper, it's less than 2hr drive away. I personally want to have my travel itinerary set as my "way" which is DIY, my time, my choice and my techniques, but due to a very limited time and the perks of being with friends to travel with, we opted to go for a tour.

"Wow" views everywhere!

Truly PALAWAN !

Pictures on our way to UR

We contacted Hadefe Tours (+639178496877) for our Underground River hassle-free experience. Our tour guide, Ate Cleo picked us up at 8am and after almost 3hrs (almost an hour wait time for our other tour companions), we reached Sabang Wharf where boats are stationed going to UR. It took us 20-15mins from Sabang to UR entrance.

From Sabang to the UR arrival spot

Welcome!

From the "Welcome" spot, we took less than 5mins walk to the paddle boats station and along the way, we smell the "special scent" from tenants of the cave, bats. Be aware that it's inevitable so get yourself ready! (You'll get used to it anyway :))

Entrance to the cave

Entrance to the cave

Visitors to UR has a limited number everyday and as expected, we're not the only wanderers on that day. We queued up and waited for 15-20mins and took our turn!

Here we come!! :)

The whole tour right when we stepped in to the paddle boat until we stepped out took 2hrs. Inside the cave without a flashlight coming out our boat was nothing but darkness so bringing your own big flashlight is recommended. We saw a lot of unbelievable rock formations - stalagmites and stalactites that made us forget not to keep our mouth open! :)

Stalactite- Dora The Explorer's bangs :)  

Stalactite and Stalagmite formed as one :) 

Another stalactite with either a fresh water, or bat's "flesh" water :)

Such beauty and undisputed view of the works of man's great Creature cannot be seem just inside of the cave, because the outside part of it has definitely something to say.

Water flowing inside the Underground River is a mixed of fresh and salt water, why? Take a look !

Yes! A sea ! The exact spot where the West Philippine Sea meets the Underground River !

From wild waves to calm water :)

In general, Puerto Princesa offers a LOT more than a week or a month of visit to see and experience it's natural beauty. Clean community, peaceful place and a romantic Romeo-And-Juliet scenery. I'll sure be back! :)

Beauty and love captured on another form :)

Itinerary and expenses:


Day 1:

7:30pm ETA - PPS Airport

8:00pm Transport and check-in at Don Pablo Lodge

8:30pm Dinner at Kinabuchs (walking distance)

9:00pm Clean up and sleep time


Day 2:

6:00am Wake up call

7:00am Breakfast at Pares (I forgot the name)

8:00am Took a trike to Honday Bay

9:00am Reached Honda Bay

3:30pm Finished Honda Bay DIY tour

4:00pm Stop over at souvenir shops

6:00pm Back at Don Pablo Lodge

7:00pm Dinner at Chowking

8:00pm Free time/ sleep time


Day 3:

6:00am Wake up call

7:00am Breakfast at Jolibee

8:00am Off to Sabang with our Tour Guide, Ate Cleo

10:45am ETA at Sabang Wharf

11:00am Off to UR

2:00pm Way back to the City Proper

3:30pm Mini City DIY Tour (Baker's Hill and Rancho Mitra)

5:00pm Back at Don Pablo

7:00pm Checkout - To airport

8:30pm Flight back to Manila




Tricycle from the airport to Don Pablo - P50/4 = P12.50

Don Pablo 2n/2D stay + 7hrs ext for P75/hr = P2925/4 = P731.25Tricycle from our place to Honda Bay - P600/4 = P150

Snorkel & mask (P150), Booties (P150) and GoPro ( P700) = P475

Boat Rent - P1,300/5 destinations for 6 pax = P216.67

Environmental Fee - P40/pax

Entrance fee for 5 dest - P75 Pambato, P75 Cowrie, P100 Pandan, P50 Starfish, P70 Luli = P370/pax

Underground Tour (includes van roundtrip to UR-City, all fees and lunch buffet - P5200/4 = P1300

Tricycle rent from City to Baker's Hill and Rancho Mitra and back - P300/4 = 75

Tricycle from Don Pablo to the airport - P40/4 = P10


Excluding airfare, food and pasalubong we spent P3,380.42 per person.


NOTE : This can be lowered down depending on your needs and wants. :)