Location: Puerto Princesa Palawan
Date: April 10, 2024
Ugong Rock Adventures is a must-try when you’re in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, especially if you plan to visit the famous Underground River. It’s often included in tour packages for tourists.
When I visited, I inquired about various tour options and ultimately chose to book with Palawan Tour Deals. They offered me a package for PHP 2,500, which included PHP 1,850 for the Underground River Tour and PHP 650 for spelunking and the Superman zipline. I attempted to negotiate a discount, but they informed me that the PHP 2,500 rate was already a reduced price because Underground River Tour alone published rate is PHP 2,500.
The zipline offers two position options: Superman or sitting. The sitting position is cheaper at PHP 550, which includes spelunking, while spelunking alone costs PHP 300.
On the day of the tour, there is an orientation about the activities. Our guide provided a brief overview of Ugong Rock, explaining that it is a limestone formation named for the hollow limestone inside the cave, which produces a resonating “ugong” sound when tapped. This fascinating information added to the excitement of the adventure.
After a brief orientation, we were fitted with helmets and began our trek toward the cave entrance. Once inside, we had to move carefully, as the space was quite tight. There were moments when I wondered how to maneuver my way through, but the thrill made it all worthwhile. True to its name, tapping certain spots in the cave produced a resonating “ugong” sound, which was absolutely fascinating. We spent less than 15 minutes exploring, though we had to pause occasionally to let others pass in the narrow corridors.
During the spelunking part, an official photographer was there to capture our best smiles before we climbed higher, adding an extra layer of fun to the adventure.
Next came the Superman zipline, which stretches approximately 840 meters. The ride offers an exhilarating experience paired with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery! Before ziplining, they provided a secure strap in case you wanted to use your phone during the ride. I was a bit nervous at first, fearing I might drop it, but once they secured it to my wrist, I felt confident. I managed to film myself, although the footage focused more on my face than the views since I was using the front camera. There was also an official photographer capturing moments on the zipline, so don’t forget to smile again.
After the zipline, we reached the viewing deck, where the refreshing breeze was a welcome reward. From this vantage point, you’re treated to panoramic views of lush rice fields, rolling hills, and distant mountains, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of Puerto Princesa.
At the view deck, you can also review the photos taken during the activities. I checked mine and was pleased with how they turned out, so I decided to purchase them. They offered the photos from both spelunking and the zipline for PHP 200 each, totaling PHP 400. The best part is that they provide all the soft copies, so you can keep your memories.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The activities were tiring but absolutely worth it. If you’re planning a visit to the Underground River, be sure to include Ugong Rock Adventures in your itinerary—it’s definitely a highlight!
