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| amazing rock stalactite formations like hanging cauliflowers |
Puerto Princesa Underground River also known as Subterranean River National Park, tagged as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature confirmed January 28, 2012. Located 80 km (50 mi) north of the city center of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It has stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers. It is one of the largest cave rooms in the world. The lower portion of the river up to 6 km from the sea is subject to tidal influences. The river winds through the cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea.
The area also represent a habitat for biodiversity conservation. It has 8 of the 13 forest types found in tropical Asia. Researches have identified over 800 plant species from 300 genera and 100 families. Of the 252 bird species in Palawan, 165 birds were recorded in the park. There are also some 30 mammals species that have been recorded.
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| one of the photos we bought edited and printed by the tour for 150 php only |
HOW TO GET THERE
Jeepney or Non-Aircon Bus
Jeepney or Non-Aircon Bus
From anywhere in PPS, take the tricycle to San Jose Terminal. The fare is 80 php or take a multicab for 12 php per head.
From the terminal, look for jeepneys or buses with Sabang signage. Schedules are 7 am, 9 am, 12 nn and 2 pm. Expect some minutes delayed than van trip due to some stops.
Note: These don't leave until full. Booking in advance is not available.
"Kuya Ramon, tricycle took us to the terminal that day."
"Kuya Ramon, tricycle took us to the terminal that day."
Shuttle Van
You can also spot many shuttle van at San Jose Bus Terminal. Advance booking is available so it's best. The trip is shorter even for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Usual fee is 140 per head. It's air-conditioned and with comfortable seats.
You may opt for Lexus Shuttle. Go to their facebook page like I did and contact for reservation. You may also reserve the seating going back to PPS.
"I also booked their El Nido Island Tour too so getting in touch with Kristine, the owner is kind. She's very easy to communicate with."
"I also booked their El Nido Island Tour too so getting in touch with Kristine, the owner is kind. She's very easy to communicate with."
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| my happy lil traveler island girl with the limestone karst background |
ITINERARY
06:00 AM - 07:00 AM : Breakfast at Airport Side Inn
"We had the same breakfast meal 'dangsilog'. We just loved the fish. After the hearty breakfast, we prepared our bags and selves to make sure we had everything we need especially the camera, phone and power banks."
"We had the same breakfast meal 'dangsilog'. We just loved the fish. After the hearty breakfast, we prepared our bags and selves to make sure we had everything we need especially the camera, phone and power banks."
07:00 AM - 07:30 AM : Pack-up/Prepare/Wait for kuya Ramon
"It was right on time after I peed, Kuya Ramon came to pick us up. He was all groovy. We left the house with an adventurous heart."
"It was right on time after I peed, Kuya Ramon came to pick us up. He was all groovy. We left the house with an adventurous heart."
07:30 AM - 08:00 AM : Tricycle to San Jose Terminal
"It was a happy morning. I love the sun. The trip was only 30 minutes from Inn to the terminal. Kuya Ramon stayed with us for a while waiting for the Lexus Van to come. Chatted with him a little. At the passenger waiting area, we saw some tarps of other beautiful places in Palawan.
Our van finally came. The kind lady we spoke to yesterday was there to arrange our seatings. Good thing I was able to reserve ours. Payment collected and then we left Puerto Princesa."
Our van finally came. The kind lady we spoke to yesterday was there to arrange our seatings. Good thing I was able to reserve ours. Payment collected and then we left Puerto Princesa."
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Lexus van so cold and comfy for travel to Sabang
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08:00 AM - 10:00 AM : ETD Van to Sabang
"We began our two-hour trip to Sabang. After some chats with mom, video and photos taken, we had a power nap. The travel was smooth. The AC of the van was cold and the seats comfortable. If you want to have a relaxing travel to Sabang, this DIY transportation option is a good decision for only 140 php per head as well as security-wise."
"We began our two-hour trip to Sabang. After some chats with mom, video and photos taken, we had a power nap. The travel was smooth. The AC of the van was cold and the seats comfortable. If you want to have a relaxing travel to Sabang, this DIY transportation option is a good decision for only 140 php per head as well as security-wise."
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM : ETA Sabang Terminal/Pay Fee
"It was a safe trip. We arrived Sabang with an excitement. All of us proceeded to the office first and paid the fees. I met a group of 4 young Chemist adults who also would go for the tour so we decided to be in one boat. Good thing!
The staff was nice and easy to talk to. Paying the fee was very organized. You just have to agree in the group so only 1 pays. I gave our payment to Imah."
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| the PPUR Booking Office |
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| Sabang Port. Look at the clouds above the mountain |
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| Sabang port waiting area. I just love the clouds above the mountain |
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM : Wait for Boat Turn (ours was #41)
"The staff were so nice and approachable. In fact, they talk to you to with a smile on their faces. Such a way to invite good vibes. After we paid the boat fee, we were assigned to number 41. We just sat at the benches waiting for our turn for like 10-15 minutes."
"The staff were so nice and approachable. In fact, they talk to you to with a smile on their faces. Such a way to invite good vibes. After we paid the boat fee, we were assigned to number 41. We just sat at the benches waiting for our turn for like 10-15 minutes."
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| in gray shirt, Powell of San Powpunta - 2016 Blogger of the Year Awardee and Mariel paying our boat fee |
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| Dispatching Area. where we took the boat that brought us to PPUR |
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM : ETD Sabang Port/Boat Transfer/
ETA PPUR Park
"As soon as we were called, we hopped-in the boat and put-on these orange life vest. There's no kid size but I made sure Chesca's vest was tied well.
The boat transfer from Sabang port to PPUR was 20-30 minutes. We were all happy as our boat headed to our destination.
The sea was so clear and the mountain ranges were so mighty. Such a nice view to capture."
The boat transfer from Sabang port to PPUR was 20-30 minutes. We were all happy as our boat headed to our destination.
The sea was so clear and the mountain ranges were so mighty. Such a nice view to capture."
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| Oh yeah! here we were...ready to rock and roll in PPUR but someone's sleepy? |
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| almost at PPUR..our boat #41 driven Kuya Arnold |
our 20-30 mins boat transfer to PPUR
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| selfie boat ride. that guy in black was kuya Arnold, our boat captain Nothing feels so good when we touched down the shore of Puerto Princesa Underground River. The feeling was beyond happiness. Look at us in this photo. My feet was partially buried in the soft white sand. What made it so great was the background limestone karst. So perfect! Plus the weather was so clear. |
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| touchdown PPUR...YEY! |
11:00 AM - 11:30 PM : PPUR Entrance/ Wait for our boat turn
"I took time to read this rules for the Cave Tour. Everywhere I travel, if there are rules or guidelines that needs to be read, I took time for it. Emergencies can happen anytime so this habit will definitely help.
The waiting time was quite long since a lot of tourists/locals came. I had the time to pee. If you want to, before you head to the waiting area, pee first. It's located at the side of the photo booth was.
We were expecting to see monkeys or monitor lizards but not even one showed-up. Some have had the experiences where a monkey stole their plastic bag and colored bottle water. So, don't carry plastic bags - the sound of it is attractive to them or colored beverage they know the taste of it so they also steal it."
The waiting time was quite long since a lot of tourists/locals came. I had the time to pee. If you want to, before you head to the waiting area, pee first. It's located at the side of the photo booth was.
We were expecting to see monkeys or monitor lizards but not even one showed-up. Some have had the experiences where a monkey stole their plastic bag and colored bottle water. So, don't carry plastic bags - the sound of it is attractive to them or colored beverage they know the taste of it so they also steal it."
the forest before reaching PPUR
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| the Cave Tour Guide |
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| mom and Chesca by the waiting area
As soon as we were called for our turn, we gathered ourselves by the front. Kuya Arnold was left to wait for us. Another boat man, assisted us. These are what you need to do:
1. Wear your plastic helmet. There's an adjustment buckle at the back of it, pull it to tighten.
2. Hang your audio device (that looks like a remote control) on your neck.
3. Take the boat seat carefully. Staff will assist you.
4. They will turn on the audio device for you. Don't do it yourself.
5. They will ask if you heard a sound. Just advice them if you didn't.
6. Kid audio device will be given to them as soon as they are seated on the boat.
7. Sit well and ready for the tour.
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audio device to turn on when the guide advice so
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| our group of 7 in this frame and all so orangey |
11:30 PM - 12:30 PM : PPUR Tour Proper
"We couldn't be more excited than this picture. I myself had this feeling it would be an amazing adventure. I was right. Everyone there seemed to be in positive vibes.
The entrance of the cave was not that far from the shore. Finally the tour began:
1. Entrance of the cave was already a wow. It was dark but the boatman had a huge flashlight so nothing to worry. You will see the high stalactite rocks from the ceiling.
2. Three of the most important rules in the audio are
A. Do not to play your hands or fingers on the water inside the cave as there would be sea creatures distracted.
B. Do not to look above with mouth open. Bats are known to poop, you might swallow it.
C. Keep quiet to pay respect.
3. While the boatman was paddling, the audio device will whisper in your ear how amazing the Puerto Princesa Underground River is.
4. Different rock formations will take your breath away. It's so amazing that you won't regret the decision of taking the tour.
5. Unbelievable trivias and information about the cave made it so interesting.
6. One of the highlights was in the Cathedral or Dome they call it. The ceiling was so high.
7. Everytime we passed-by a great rock formation, the boatman would focus this huge flashlight there so we can it. Thus, we can take photos/videos.
8. We were quiet and was just taken by wonder.
9. Other boat group going out would greet us and it's so funny, our group would say 'anyonghaseo' as if we're Koreans. hahaha.
10. There are parts of the cave with some drizzles so keep your camera and phones safe in the waterproof bags.
The entrance of the cave was not that far from the shore. Finally the tour began:
1. Entrance of the cave was already a wow. It was dark but the boatman had a huge flashlight so nothing to worry. You will see the high stalactite rocks from the ceiling.
2. Three of the most important rules in the audio are
A. Do not to play your hands or fingers on the water inside the cave as there would be sea creatures distracted.
B. Do not to look above with mouth open. Bats are known to poop, you might swallow it.
C. Keep quiet to pay respect.
3. While the boatman was paddling, the audio device will whisper in your ear how amazing the Puerto Princesa Underground River is.
4. Different rock formations will take your breath away. It's so amazing that you won't regret the decision of taking the tour.
5. Unbelievable trivias and information about the cave made it so interesting.
6. One of the highlights was in the Cathedral or Dome they call it. The ceiling was so high.
7. Everytime we passed-by a great rock formation, the boatman would focus this huge flashlight there so we can it. Thus, we can take photos/videos.
8. We were quiet and was just taken by wonder.
9. Other boat group going out would greet us and it's so funny, our group would say 'anyonghaseo' as if we're Koreans. hahaha.
10. There are parts of the cave with some drizzles so keep your camera and phones safe in the waterproof bags.
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| our selfie mother and daugther for this PPUR Tour |
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| Audio device model |
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| entering the Puerto Princesa Underground River |
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| some of the magnificent, intriguing and jaw-dropping rock formations in the cave |
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| almost done with the tour...going out of the cave |
12:30 PM - 01:00 PM : Take & Buy Photos/ETD PPUR
"After the tour, our souls surely had been renewed. Kuya Arnold met us after mom and I bought our pictures for only 150 php.I had two so it was 300 php. Mom gave 100 pesos as a tip to him.
Kuya Arnold took our photos by the landmark and i took some videos and pictures too. Our company were also busy documenting.After a while, we all hopped-in the boat.
"After the tour, our souls surely had been renewed. Kuya Arnold met us after mom and I bought our pictures for only 150 php.I had two so it was 300 php. Mom gave 100 pesos as a tip to him.
Kuya Arnold took our photos by the landmark and i took some videos and pictures too. Our company were also busy documenting.After a while, we all hopped-in the boat.
360 video of PPUR shore in 38 seconds
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| Chesca at the landmark |
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| mom happily standing by PPUR Landmark |
01:00 PM - 01:30 PM : Boat Transfer to Sabang Port
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM : LUNCH/Wash-up/Relax/Take Photos
"As soon as we docked off the boat, we were all famished. Powell and his group asked for the environmental receipt because they had to go to Honda Bay the next day. Yep, you can still use the same receipt for that.
The three of us decided to eat lunch at this crepe store where we did enjoy. I love the guacamole crepe.Chesca liked her banana/mango crepe with ice cream. The blueberry crepe was just too sweet.hahaha. We just paid 100 each.
It was a relaxing lunch because the song on their radio was ballad. Mom even asked the lady not to turn the channel anywhere. hahaha.
Chesca and I washed-up our aqua shoes and I took some photos."
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| mom and Chesca eating lunch at this crepe store |
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM : ETD Sabang/ETA PPS
"After washing-up and the lunch, we waited for our van going back to Puerto Princesa. Lexus has their stall there. That's where we booked in advance for the trip back to PPS.
In the van, we were just hyped of our tour. An old man came by the door and tried to sell us the Balinsasayaw's nest (Bird's Nest Soup) which is known to be expensive and medicinal. He didn't approve of mom's haggle. PPS area has this bird Balinsasayaw who uses its saliva to build nest. It is said to be anti-cancer,anti-aging and rich in protein. People mix this in their soup."
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| Lexus van stall. approach it for advance booking going back as soon as you arrive Sabang |
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| just donate 5 for using the clean comfort room |
BUDGET (LOCAL)
Entrance fee : 500.00
Audio fee : 85.00
Environmental fee : 150.00
(keep the receipt. you can use this fee for PPUR & Honda Bay so keep the receipt)Boat fee (1,275/7) : 182.00 (to be paid at the boat docking area)
Total : 917.00 php
Mom (Senior citizen)
Mom (Senior citizen)
Entrance fee : 400.00
Audio fee : 76.50
Audio fee : 76.50
Environmental fee : 150.00
(keep the receipt. you can use this fee for PPUR & Honda Bay so keep the receipt)
Boat fee (1,275/7) : 182.00 (to be paid at the boat docking area)
Total : 808.50 php
Chesca's (3-12 yo)
Chesca's (3-12 yo)
Entrance fee : 75.00
Audio fee : free
Environmental fee : 150.00
(keep the receipt. you can use this fee for PPUR & Honda Bay so keep the receipt)
Boat fee (1,275/7) : 182.00 (to be paid at the boat docking area)
Audio fee : free
Environmental fee : 150.00
(keep the receipt. you can use this fee for PPUR & Honda Bay so keep the receipt)
Boat fee (1,275/7) : 182.00 (to be paid at the boat docking area)
Total : 407.00 php
Transpo via Alexzus Van
Mine & Chesca : 140 X 2 x 2 (RT) = 560.00
Mom's senior : 130 x 2 = 260.00
Total : 820.00 php
Snacks/Lunch : 100 x 3 = 300.00 php
GRAND TOTAL: 3,252.50 PHP
Transpo via Alexzus Van
Mine & Chesca : 140 X 2 x 2 (RT) = 560.00
Mom's senior : 130 x 2 = 260.00
Total : 820.00 php
Snacks/Lunch : 100 x 3 = 300.00 php
GRAND TOTAL: 3,252.50 PHP
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