Puerto Princesa Underground River
There are 2 ways to go to the underground river. First is via 20 minutes boat ride from Sabang Beach or via 2 hours of trekking (one way) to the underground river.
We walked along Sabang Beach for a few minutes until we reached a river? which you have to cross. It looks like you can walk to the other side but the middle portion is actually deep.
And that was just a warm up. The 3.56km trail starts after you cross the river XD. I have a history of asthma so this is really a big deal for me.
The trail reminds me of the mobile game "Temple Run" because there are a lot of tree roots you have to get pass. It's not that hard but it feels like forever when all you see are trees.
When your tour guide tells you that you're just 20-30min. away from the underground river DO NOT BELIEVE HIM!!! because he will probably say that a dozen more times.
Now when you see this cave, Congratulations! you are already half way through the trek XD.
Half way marker
You know you're already near the underground river when you see monkeys along the road. Cute as they are they are cunning little creatures so be careful with your belongings because they might just snatch them away.
Finally, the board walk to the underground river.
Entrance to the underground river.
Before we go deeper into the cave, let's talk about permits and fees. We bought a package which includes the tour to the underground river, environmental fees and permits, transportation and lunch for just PHP1060 (Jan2015). So everything was already taken care of when we arrived.
Now back to the cave. The underground river is about 8km long but the tour only covers around 1.5km (back and forth? sorry can't remember). If you want to go deeper into the cave, you'll have to get special permits. These are usually given to those who study the cave.
Inside the cave, you will find different rock formations, your imagination is the limit.
Boatman smiling while his guest takes a picture of him