This blog post is our guide on What to Wear for the Underground River Tour and is part of our What to Wear in Palawan Series. Check out our other Getting Around Palawan guides for more information.
A nice outfit on the world’s best island (CNN) makes for unforgettable memories! This is our guide on what to wear for the Underground River Tour.
You probably already know of the usual route to the Underground River. It is by outrigger boat from the wharf to the site’s shore. But a less popular route is available. And it is by hiking from the wharf to the main entrance of the river.
Map: Wharf to the Underground River’s Shore
We hope to cover as much ground in this guide by sharing our experiences and a few tips.
What to Wear for the Underground River Tour
Prioritizing Comfort
Although the tour itself (as in being inside the Underground River) takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, consider wearing clothes you’d be comfortable wearing for 6 to 8 hours. A large portion of your day will be traveling from the city proper to Sabang — 2 hours for a one-way trip.
(You could choose to stay at one of the hotels near the Underground River. But that might also limit your tour choices as most of the other tours are nearer the city proper. Check out our Palawan Itinerary Guide.)
Aside from the land trips via van, also consider the outrigger boat rides as well as the canoes inside the river (and maybe a Mangrove trip on the side).
What to Wear: Top
We recommend breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying clothes such as these.
Breathable and lightweight clothes are comfortable when it’s hot. (And it’s likely going to be hot.) While quick-drying clothes are recommended because of the boat rides to and from the main entrance of the Underground River, and the occasional droplets inside the river.
What to Wear: Bottom
Board shorts are comfortable and flexible, whether you’re on a boat or inside the van.
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Although insects and bug bites aren’t much of an issue, also, consider wearing convertible pants, just in case. (Convertible pants to shorts in case it gets really hot.)
What to Wear: Feet
For footwear, aqua shoes are definitely our preferred choice as they’re comfortable and safe to wear in and out of the water. You could do with slippers if aqua shoes are out of your budget. (Or if you don’t like how they look.)
For adventure travelers who prefer the hiking route, hiking shoes are unsurprisingly the best choice. The trail passes through the rainforest and might get slippery, so consider that when buying your shoes. Select one that’s known to have good traction.
What to Wear: Accessories
Now’s the time to flaunt those caps, scarves, and sunglasses! For the most part, the day’s probably going to be hot. But the van trips are cold so do make sure you’re ready for that.
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What NOT to Wear for the Underground River Tour
Oh, before we forget, flowy dresses are really cute for the summer getaways but you may want to wear them on your City Tour. There are two amazing zip lines around Port Sabang and wearing dresses might limit your options. Another side tour where a dress isn’t the best choice is the Ugong Rock Adventure where tourists traverse a cave.
Although you could swim around the shore, you’re probably not going to have enough time anyway. Save the bikinis and trunks for some other day. And no, you cannot swim inside the Underground River.
Conclusion: Best Outfit for Underground River Palawan
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” I just felt like this deserved a quote.
But seriously, make beautiful memories of your trip by planning, including what to wear for the Underground River Tour. Wear breathable clothes and focus on comfort. And quick-dry outfits if you can. Start checking on that wardrobe now!
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Ala Amid Bed & Breakfast is a top-rated boutique hotel in Puerto Princesa. You may book your stay through our reservations page or send us a message at [email protected].
