Sabang is a small fishing village on the western coast of Palawan. It is dominated by a long, wide stretch of white beach, framed by mountains and lapped by calm waters. The main attraction here is the Underground River, an intriguing river system full of stalagmites that runs beneath the forested mountainside and is one of the Seven New Wonders of the Natural World.
Tours to the Underground River tend to leave from Puerto Princesa and return the same day, but if you have time to linger in Sabang, you’ll find there’s more to it than its most famous attraction. The beach itself is pristine and devoid of crowds, making it easy to spend hours simply relaxing and enjoying the views. Those looking for more action can take a mangrove paddle boat tour at the eastern end of town, fly the Sabang Zipline, go climbing, explore caves, or take a dip in the pools of the Sabang Falls.
Booking an Underground River tour independently involves obtaining permits and often long waiting times for boats. If only visiting Sabang for the Underground River, avoid this by booking a day tour from Puerto Princesa. Some tours include a paddle boat ride as part of the itinerary.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can take a shuttle van to Sabang Beach from the San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa. The journey takes two to three hours.
Did You Know? Sabang’s Underground River is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, with a total length of five miles (8km).
