How long does the underground river tour on Palawan take?

The actual paddling boat ride through the underground river cave lasts about 40-45 minutes. However, the total time you need to allocate for visiting this attraction is significantly longer — from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the arrival method and queues.

Here is an approximate timeline for a self-guided visit from Sabang village:

1. Check-in at the ticket counter and waiting: 15-30 minutes (can be longer during peak hours).
2. Motorboat transfer from Sabang pier to the cave entrance: 10 minutes one way.
3. Transfer, briefing, equipment issuance: 10-15 minutes.
4. The actual cave tour on a paddling boat: 40-45 minutes.
5. Return motorboat trip to Sabang: 10 minutes.

Total: at least 1.5-2 hours just for the processes in Sabang and on the river.

If you are coming from Puerto Princesa, you need to add travel time:

• By car/scooter: 1.5-2 hours one way.
• With a group tour: The entire tour usually takes a full day (from 8-9 am to 4-5 pm) including transfer, river visit, lunch, and sometimes additional stops.

A detailed step-by-step guide with photos and videos awaits you in our travel guide: Puerto Princesa Underground River in Sabang – how to visit, description, and reviews.

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