Sabang: The longest navigable underground river in the world

It meanders spectacularly through a cave system for more than eight kilometers. In order not to endanger the unique nature here, access is strictly regulated. At least officially…

On the Philippine island of Palawan, not far from the small town of Sabang, there is a true natural wonder. Located in the so-called Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the Sabang River flows here. A river in itself would not be particularly unusual, but the Sabang runs for a distance of eight kilometers through an underground cave system. And sets a world record.

According to UNESCO, the Sabang River is the longest navigable underground river in the world. It has had the special status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. This is also due to the spectacular nature through which the Sabang meanders. On the one hand there is the unique ecosystem, consisting of mountains and some of the most important forest systems in Asia according to UNESCO. And then, of course, there’s the river itself, winding its way through a 23-million-year-old system of sandstone caves.

Tour on the Sabang River

The caves are up to 60 meters high and up to 120 meters wide, making them some of the largest of their kind in the world. Inside the caves, visitors see bizarre rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites sculpted over eons. It is also particularly important for the flora and fauna around the Sabang River that it flows directly into the South China Sea. The lower part of the river therefore has a tidal range of several metres. That means it rises or falls depending on the tide.

According to reports from “ARD”, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, with a size of a good 20 hectares between mangroves and tropical rainforests, has the highest species density in the entire region. So it is hardly surprising that the place has developed into an absolute magnet for visitors, especially in the recent past. Because at least a small part of the Sabang River can be explored by boat. According to Unesco, a route of up to 4.5 kilometers underground is accessible to tourists.

Crowds of tourists and “ripoffs”

However, “Lonely Planet” is usual after a tour over a distance of 1.5 kilometers. It takes about 45 minutes. Guests are given audio guides for the journey across the Sabang River, because loud noises would reverberate too much in the cave system. This is exactly why you shouldn’t talk while driving. Helmets are also available, because some of the passages are very low. With a special permit from the national park authorities, you can also take part in a four-hour tour that follows the course of the river for four and a half kilometres.

In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the park and the Sabang River, there is a daily visitor limit of 600 guests. At least officially, because tourists keep reporting that they have the impression that far more people have stayed here. Also on the TripAdvisor portal, numerous users write about real crowds, and the word “rip-off” is often used in connection with the offers of the local tour organizers.

The national park offers much more

However, the positive reviews clearly outweigh the unique nature experience on the Sabang River. One user says: “The silent gliding, the squeaking of the bats, and the ingenious rock formations. A great experience!” A second says: “Unique impressions, and therefore definitely highly recommended.” A third adds: “Palawan is of course beautiful, and yet the underground river is the big attraction. An absolute must.”

The caves and the Sabang River aren’t the only things to see in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. According to Palawan Island’s official tourism website, a boat tour through the mangrove forest is also possible. Those who prefer to run themselves can explore the approximately five-kilometer-long Monkey Trail, where you can watch monkeys. Sabang Beach and a dip in the sea is another option.

According to “Lonely Planet”, an all-inclusive tour from Puerto Princessa on the Sabang River currently costs the equivalent of around 38 euros per person. However, the site strongly advises against it, as these tours take place under great time pressure and you see little of the park. In addition, you can book the four-hour tour directly with the park authority for the equivalent of 17 euros. In the end, each visitor has to decide for himself how he wants to visit this place. In any case, it should be a unique nature experience.