Puerto Princesa Tours — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about booking Puerto Princesa tours, visiting the Underground River, and planning your days in Palawan.
How much do Puerto Princesa tours cost?
Group Underground River, Honda Bay and firefly tours start from about $36 to $51 per person. Private and combination tours cost more — compare every price on our homepage.
Do I need to book Puerto Princesa tours in advance?
Yes. The Underground River has a daily government visitor quota, so popular dates sell out; book several days ahead in peak season.
Which Puerto Princesa tour should I choose first?
The Underground River full-day trip — it is the New 7 Wonder of Nature and the reason most people visit Palawan.
How far is the Underground River from the city?
About a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Sabang, then a short boat ride to the cave landing.
Can I do the Underground River and Honda Bay on the same day?
They are separate full-day trips. Do the river one day and Honda Bay or the fireflies on another.
Are hotel pickups included?
Most tours include free pickup within Puerto Princesa city proper; hotels out of town carry an extra transfer fee.
Is the Underground River tour suitable for children?
Generally yes on group tours, though some combination and firefly tours set minimum ages — check each tour’s details.
What is the cancellation policy?
Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before; some private and combination tours are non-refundable. It is shown per tour.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?
The dry season, roughly November to May, has the calmest seas for the Sabang boat crossing and Honda Bay.
Do Puerto Princesa tours include lunch?
Most full-day tours include a buffet or restaurant lunch; the evening firefly cruise includes dinner.
Is the Underground River wheelchair accessible?
No. Boarding the boats and the cave floor are uneven, so the cave tour is not wheelchair accessible.
What should I bring to the Underground River?
Water-ready footwear, light clothing, a hat and sunscreen; you may get your feet wet boarding the boats.
What is Honda Bay island hopping?
A boat day visiting islands such as Luli, Cowrie and Pambato Reef for swimming, snorkelling and a beach lunch.
Is snorkelling gear included on Honda Bay tours?
Usually not — gear is rented at the wharf before you set off.
What are the firefly tours about?
Evening river cruises through mangroves where fireflies and bioluminescent plankton light up the water, usually with dinner.
What is Ugong Rock?
A limestone formation near Sabang offering caving and a zipline, often combined with the Underground River.
Who are the Batak?
An indigenous community of Palawan; one guided tour visits a Batak village to learn about their traditions.
How long is the Underground River?
It is 8.2 kilometres long, of which about 4.3 kilometres is navigable; the standard cave tour covers roughly the first 1.5 kilometres.
Why is the Underground River famous?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, named in 2012.
Is there an environmental fee?
Yes. A government permit and environmental fee apply, and your tour operator arranges both for you.
How do I get to Puerto Princesa?
Fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), with frequent connections from Manila and Cebu.
What currency and timezone does Puerto Princesa use?
The Philippine peso (PHP) and Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8). Carry cash for small extras.
Are the tours private or group?
Both are available. Several tours are private, while others are small-group joiners — shown per tour.
Can cruise-ship passengers join the tours?
Yes for many tours; a private tour is recommended if your ship is in port for a limited time.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The Sabang boat crossing can be cancelled in rough seas; operators reschedule or offer an alternative when that happens.
Is a city tour worth it?
Yes for the history — Plaza Cuartel, the cathedral and the museums tell Palawan’s wartime and cultural story.
How many days do I need in Puerto Princesa?
Two to three days covers the Underground River, Honda Bay and an evening firefly cruise comfortably.
Are tips expected on tours?
Gratuities are appreciated but are not always included in the tour price — check the inclusions.
Can I book tickets only, without a tour?
Most visitors book a guided tour because the cave permit and boat transfers are handled for them.
Is Puerto Princesa safe for tourists?
It is a popular, well-established tourism city known for cleanliness; normal travel precautions apply.