Hi, there! Palawan has always been one of my dream places to visit in the Philippines. It’s known for its clear blue waters, tall limestone cliffs, and the famous Underground River. So when we finally got the chance to go with friends, we were super excited! The thought of being close to nature, leaving the busy city, and seeing one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature felt amazing. With our bags packed and smiles on our faces, we took an early morning flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, ready for an adventure we’d always remember.
Our trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan started very early in the morning. We arrived from Manila around 5am. The air was cool, and the sky looked gray. It was a gloomy morning, but we were excited because we were finally in Palawan!
A van from our travel and tours agency picked us up from the airport. It was nice that everything was arranged already. We didn’t have to worry about anything. Our guide greeted us with a smile and gave us a short briefing. By 7 a.m., we were already on our way to the Underground River in Sabang.
The road trip took around two hours. Along the way, we saw trees, quiet villages, and beautiful mountain views. Even though the sky was cloudy, the place still looked peaceful and green. We passed by farms and even saw a few carabaos along the road. It was a calm and relaxing drive.
When we arrived at Sabang Wharf, the wind was cool and the sea was a bit wavy. We registered and waited for our boat ride going to the Underground River site. We wore life vests and got on a small motorized boat. It was a short ride but full of beautiful sights. The limestone cliffs and tall trees made the place look like a hidden paradise.
As we reached the beach area near the river entrance, something fun happened! A group of long tailed monkeys came near the trail. Some were climbing trees, others were walking near people. They looked like they were used to tourists. We were told not to feed them and to hide our food and shiny things, just in case they try to grab something!
We followed a short forest trail to reach the Underground River starting point. The air smelled fresh and the sound of birds and the waves made the experience even better. Then at around 9 a.m., the sun finally came out! The once gloomy sky became bright and blue. The sunlight made everything around us sparkle; the trees, the sea, and the rock walls. It was like nature suddenly decided to give us a warm hug.
We were given audio guides and safety gear before getting on a paddle boat to explore the Underground River. The boatman started paddling, and slowly, we entered the dark cave.
Inside the cave, it was cool and quiet. Our boatman had a flashlight to help us see the amazing rock formations. The audio guide told us about the history of the cave and pointed out interesting shapes in the rocks. There were stalactites and stalagmites everywhere! Some looked like vegetables, some like animals, and there were even ones that looked like people. One funny shape was called “Sharon Stone.” We couldn’t help but smile.
We also saw bats hanging from the cave ceiling. They were small and harmless, and we tried to stay quiet so we wouldn’t disturb them. The boat ride inside the cave lasted for around 45 minutes. It was like being inside another world giving peaceful, mysterious, and full of natural beauty.
After the boat tour, we walked back to the beach area, and the monkeys were still there, entertaining the tourists. Some were swinging from trees, and others were just sitting and watching everyone. The sun was now fully out, and the beach looked so lovely under the bright sky.
By then, we were all hungry. Good thing our travel tour package included lunch! We went to a nearby restaurant that offered a local buffet. The food was simple but tasty. We had grilled fish, chicken, vegetables, and fresh fruits. We ate while enjoying the view of the sea and mountains. It felt so good to just relax, eat, and talk about the amazing cave we just visited.
After lunch, we had a few more minutes to enjoy the beach and take photos. The weather had changed so much since the morning, it was like two different days in one. What started as a cold and cloudy trip turned into a sunny and perfect adventure.
Going to the Puerto Princesa Underground River was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The combination of nature, wildlife, and unique rock formations inside the cave was unforgettable. It reminded me that even if a day starts gloomy, something beautiful can still happen.
This trip gave us more than just nice photos as it gave us memories we’ll carry forever. From the playful monkeys to the quiet cave ride, and the warm lunch by the sea, every part of the day was special.
If you’re planning to visit Palawan, I highly recommend adding the Underground River to your itinerary. Just be ready for a little adventure, some monkeys, and maybe even a surprise from the sun.
Thank you for reading! See you on my next adventure trip 🌴
PS: All photos uploaded are mine and enhances the first photo using Canva.