Things to see and do Sabang

The one and only, the underground river of Puerto Princesa! Listed since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature since 2012. It is one of the most spectacular caves in the world, which you can explore by canoe. An out of the ordinary experience guaranteed! After being dropped off by the boat at the entrance, you will be given a life jacket and a helmet. A guide takes the visitors on a small boat. The trip on the river lasts 45 minutes. Armed with a flashlight, the driver paddles around in the back of the small boat and jokes about the shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. Visits to the cave take place between 8am and 4pm. When it rains, the water becomes murky, even muddy, and the visit is less pleasant. Therefore, if you can, you should choose a day with dry weather. For those who are passionate about the river, it is recommended to ask for an in-depth visit of the river beforehand.

Practical. If you don't want to go through an agency that takes care of the excursion from A to Z from Puerto Princesa, it is possible to go to the underground river alone. In this case, it is necessary to buy a permit, if possible a day earlier, at the Underground River Booking Office in Puerto Princesa (250 PHP). Once at the Sabang pier, you take a boat to the river (15 minutes). The more adventurous can also reach the entrance on foot via the Jungle Trail (5 km, 2 hours).

From Sabang, there is a hiking trail of just over 5 kilometers, the Jungle trail, for those who wish to walk to the entrance of the river. It is reached by walking along the beach of Sabang after the Daluyong. It is forbidden to enter the trails after 3pm. Count about 2 hours to reach the entrance of the river. You can also choose to take the boat to go and return on foot or vice versa. In any case, it is advisable to pay the entrance fee at the office of the pier of Sabang before starting the walk.

Following the signs to access the hiking trails, we cross the Poyuy Poyuy River, from which it is possible to visit the mangrove in a small boat with a park guide who can give you information on the important role of mangroves for the preservation of the entire ecosystem. Count 45 minutes of navigation and go preferably in the early morning (not later than 9 am) to observe the birds and other species of the natural park. Don't forget your mosquito repellent.