The dark cave
Domes and stalactites by lamplight.
Mike Gonzalez — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Adrian N. DG. Nualda — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adrian N. DG. Nualda — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adrian N. DG. Nualda — CC BY-SA 4.0
A river that runs underground through a limestone mountain and flows straight into the sea, in a national park on the west coast of Palawan. It is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world, on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1999, and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012. The trip starts at Sabang village with a boat ride along the coast to a small beach at the entrance, guarded by forest and macaque monkeys. You then board a small paddle boat rowed by a guide into the cave, in total darkness but for the boat's lamp, under huge rock domes hung with strangely shaped stalactites, among bats and cave swiftlets. The tour inside the cave lasts about 45 minutes and covers only part of the river, with an audio guide. Visitors are asked to stay quiet and keep their mouths closed when looking up, as there are many bats. A visit needs an advance permit, with a daily cap, booked through the booking office in the city or as part of an organised tour including transport and lunch, the easiest way. Allow a full day.
Domes and stalactites by lamplight.
A guide rows you through.
Forest and macaques.
Sabang village, about 80 km north of Puerto Princesa city (two hours by road), then a boat to the entrance
Yes. Visits need an advance permit with a daily cap, booked days ahead through the booking office in Puerto Princesa or as part of an organised tour that arranges the permit and transport.