The Tabon Cave complex is another world of travel, full of natural wonders and possible mysteries yet to be solved. Make your way to the untainted Palawan south and explore the mysterious caves located in the municipality of Quezon. There are 215 known caves located in the limestone formation collectively known as the Tabon Caves. Eight of these caves are open to the public and 29 have already been explored.
There are improved pathways and trails around the limestone promontory for the visitors’ safety. But if you’re curious about what lies ahead further in the dark, a 3-4 hour exploration in one of the eight caves can be arranged in advance.
What’s even more fascinating is that there’s more to the caves’ eerie rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The Tabon Cave complex is known as the Philippine’s Cradle of Civilization. Prehistoric human bones and cultural artifacts were found here dated approximately 22,000 to 24,000 years old. It is one of the few sites in South East Asia that has the oldest Homo sapiens fossil evidence. The National museum manages the complex and declared it as a National Cultural Treasure.
Our Tabon Cave complex guided tour is for the cave enthusiasts or for those looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure outside the touristy parts of Palawan. To make the most of your vacation in the Philippines, include the Tabon Cave complex tour in your Palawan itinerary for a different kind of experience.
The private tour lets you explore the cave with a professional guide from the National Museum and a Palawan Alternative guide who will accompany you all the way to the South of Palawan to ensure your safety.
What to Expect From Our Tabon Cave Complex Tour?
During the tour, you’ll have a chance to learn more about the archeological and anthropological importance of the Tabon Cave complex with the help of a local expert. The 8 caves can be explored in less than 2 hours or depending on the pace of the group. There are fruit bats and birds native to Palawan that can be found inside the caves. Though rare, there may be some snakes that can be seen in the lush rainforest surrounding the limestone formation.
After the cave tour, a visit to the nearby islands can also be arranged.
Itinerary
We will pick you up at your hotel very early in the morning to get the early cave tour slot. Then we will take you by a private van to Quezon province, southwest of Palawan. The journey will take around 4 hours from Puerto Princesa City.
It will take around 30 minutes by pump boat from the pier to the main entrance of the Tabon Caves.
After the cave exploration, we will visit the nearby islands as part of the day trip itinerary.
- Tabon Caves Exploration (8 Caves)
- Nasirik Island
- Tamlangon Island
- Tataran Island
We will stay in a 2-star hotel accommodation close to the pier for the night. The next day, we will either take you back to Puerto Princesa City or visit other natural attractions around Rizal depending on your Palawan itinerary.
Inclusions
- Professional cave and Palawan Alternative guide
- Full-day guided cave and island tour
- Private shuttle van
- Banca / private boat
- Lunch according to your food preference
- Water safety equipment
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- All permits and government fees
- Personalized service
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Reminders
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking our Tabon Cave complex and islands private tour. Please note that the Coast Guard might cancel boat trips due to sea conditions or bad weather for your safety. In this case, an alternative tour or activity would be suggested.
Make sure to bring your own towels, flashlights, mosquito spray, water bottle, change of clothes, and swim attire. Please see our complete Palawan packing list.
Please do not touch the stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations so as not to hinder its growth. Always listen to your cave guide when in doubt.
You may take pictures inside the caves except for the main “Tabon Cave” where research is still being conducted.
Palawan Alternative promotes environmental awareness in the community and you can do your part by not contributing to the waste that harms wildlife. Help us preserve the natural wonders of Quezon for the future generation by refraining from littering, using reusable bottles or containers and segregating wastes (biodegradable and non-biodegradable). Bottled waters and single-use plastics are not allowed on the boat.
