Sabang
Sabang is a small coastal town on Palawan's west coast and the starting point for boat trips into a cave river that runs out to the sea.
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Sabang is a small beach town on the west coast of Palawan, an island province in the western Philippines. It sits within Puerto Princesa City and is the departure point for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Guided boats carry visitors into a limestone mountain along an underground river that flows out to the South China Sea. The river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cave holds rock formations you can see from the boat.
The town is small, with a beachfront strip of guesthouses, restaurants and shops. Sabang suits travelers who want a full day on the water and a simple base with a beach nearby. The dry season, roughly December to March, is the most reliable time to visit. Two nights gives you the cave trip plus a second morning in case rough seas cancel the boat.
Sabang in five
- Book the underground river tour aheadThe Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO site with a daily cap on visitors, and a park guide rides every boat. Reserve through an accredited operator or the park office, and aim for the first departures.Tours and tickets
- Carry pesos in cashATMs in Sabang are few. Tricycle drivers and small guesthouses prefer pesos, so bring enough from Puerto Princesa for the whole stay.Money and costs
- Get a data eSIM before you leave the citySignal can drop out on the coast road, so save your tour confirmation and offline maps before you leave the city. A data eSIM bought in advance keeps you connected.Phones and eSIM
- Take a dry bag on the boatSpray from the boat soaks bags on the way in, and the cave is damp. Keep your phone, passport and cash in a dry bag.
- Agree the fare before you get inTricycles and private vans do not run on a meter, so settle the price before you get in. Ask your guesthouse for the usual rate first.Getting around
Need to know
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; eTravel form before arrival Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not required; a small tip or rounding up for good service
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryDry, cool
- FebruaryDry, cool
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilHot, dry
- MayHot, rains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyTyphoon risk
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberRough seas
- OctoberRough seas
- NovemberRains ending
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in Sabang
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 86%
Sabang
08:04 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today32°26°86%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Wed29°25°90%Wednesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Thu29°25°55%Thursday: Rain. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Fri31°26°24%Friday: Fog. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Sat30°25°65%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Sun31°24°74%Sunday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 74%.
- Mon28°24°89%Monday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 89%.
Updated 04:02 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 63.7 PHP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Puerto Princesaabout 1 to 1.5 hours by roadThe provincial capital, with the airport, shops and the city's baywalk.Read the guide
- Honda Bayabout 1 to 1.5 hours by road, then by boatIsland boat trips and snorkel stops, booked through local operators.
- El Nidoabout 5 to 6 hours by roadLimestone cliffs and lagoons; a long day, so a night there works better.
Before you go to Sabang
Rules for Sabang, checked
- Enter the cave only with the park guide and follow the boatman's instructions. Check the current park rules with the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park before you book.
- Take nothing from the park, including shells, rocks and plants. Leave wildlife alone.
- Register on eTravel before you fly in and keep the confirmation for arrival. Check current requirements at etravel.gov.ph.Source
- Declare cash above the legal limit and any restricted goods on arrival. Check the current limit with the Bureau of Customs before you travel.
Plan around Sabang
Island routes, transfers and the wider region around Puerto Princesa
Read the guideAll of the PhilippinesRegions, entry rules, transport and money for a Philippines trip
Read the guideGetting aroundVans, tricycles and transfers from the airport and the city
Read the guideTours and ticketsBook the underground river and boat trips ahead
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to register before you fly in
Read the guideWhere to stayPlaces to sleep for a river visit, from village to beach
Read the guideSabang FAQ
How do you get from Puerto Princesa to Sabang?
Take a van, a tricycle or a hired car from the city. The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, so ask the operator for the pickup time and an agreed fare. A morning transfer gets you to the first boat.
Is the underground river worth it?
Yes, if you want a boat ride through a limestone cave with a guide. It is the main reason to come to Sabang. Plan a half day or a full morning, including the transfer.
When is the best time to visit Sabang?
December to March for dry, cool weather. The rainy months from June to November bring rough seas, and boat trips can be cancelled.
How many days do you need in Sabang?
One full day covers the underground river. Two nights give you a second morning, which helps if rough seas cancel the boat.
Do you need a car in Sabang?
Not in Sabang itself, where most stops are a short walk or a tricycle ride. A van or car is only needed for trips to Puerto Princesa.