How much did I spend on my trip to the Tabon Caves of Quezon, Palawan

Even when I have not started to travel on my own, I’ve known of the existence of Palawan since I was in elementary school. Not because of the dive sites of Coron, the limestone cliffs of El Nido nor the Underground River of Puerto Princesa but because of the pre-historical Tabon Caves of Quezon, Palawan.

Unfortunately, when I was still going to school I never had any interest in history. I only cared about my daily allowance, 50 centavo candies, Bazooka Bubble Gum Comics, 1 Peso junk food and many more unsanctioned by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) extra curricular activities such as sago shooting, patintero and cartoon watching (i.e. Shaider, Daimos, Zenki, Dog of Flanders, Power Rangers, etc.).

I was never fond of cutting classes even if I’m not interested in school before. Now that I think about it, maybe I treat my teachers as friends who are sharing their problems (daily). I don’t have to do anything, I just needed to be there and listen, and somewhere along the way I’ll learn or pick up something. And I did pick something, a seed of curiousity that made me want to visit the prehistoric Tabon Caves that was nourished by my passion for travel.

Frankly, I did not know how to get to Tabon Caves when I went to Quezon, Palawan, I just went to Quezon with the hopes of personally seeing the Tabon Caves, my friends arriving on time so that whatever group expense there is it will be divided, cheap food and cheap lodging. And I was blessed with all the said items.

Here’s my expenses when I went to Quezon, Palawan for an overnight adventure starting from my arrival at Puerto Princesa Land Transportation Terminal (San Jose) to the Tabon Caves Complex and back to San Jose Terminal.

	Day 1 – 870 Pesos
32.00	Breakfast at a Carinderia in San Jose Terminal, Puerto Princesa
2.00	CR Fee at San Jose Terminal
200.00	Van to Quezon, Palawan
10.00	Tricycle to National Museum from Quezon Transport Terminal
20.00	Entrance to the National Museum in Quezon, Palawan
29.00	Snack (12oz Coke, 2 Choco Tops)
37.00	Lunch at Quezon Public Market (Daing na Bangus, 1 Rice)
100.00	*Tricycle Rental to Tabon Village Resort from Public Market
220.00	1 night lodget at Tabon Village Resort (Fan Room, Common CR)
20.00	Coffee
180.00	Dinner at Tabon Village Resort (Chicken Curry, 2 Rice)
20.00	500mL Bottled Water
	Day 2 – 580 Pesos
12.00	Tricycle from Tabon Elementary School to Quezon Transport Terminal
50.00	Breakfast at Quezon Transport Terminal (Pork Kaldereta, 2 Rice)
10.00	Tricycle to National Museum from Quezon Transport Terminal
20.00	Tabon Cave Entrance Fee
9.00	**Tricycle from National Museum to Quezon Public Market
60.00	Snacks for Tabon Caves (1L Water, Chocomallows, 2 Samurai Chips)
125.00	Round trip boat to Tabon Caves (1,000 Pesos for 8 pax)
90.00	Lunch at Noc’s Grill Restobar (Sisig, 2 Rice, 12oz Coke)
10.00	**Tricycle from Noc’s to Quezon Transport Terminal
200.00	Van to Puerto Princesa
1,456.00	TOTAL

* According to the staff of the Tabon Village Resort I should have only paid 50 Pesos one-way

** I did not pay for this as friends from Southern Palawan arrived and they were riding motorcycles. But I’m still putting this for those who will not be as fortunate as I am.

Was it worth it?

I was only expecting a small cave with excavation for the Tabon Cave but to my surprise it was a cave complex that had high ceilings and daylight holes. So far, it is the best cave I have visited.

Not only that, here’s a list of what I enjoyed.

• Went to the National Museum Quezon, Palawan branch.
• Learned that the Tabon Caves are not only a piece of history but they are also preserving the place and declared it as Natural Reservation.
• Stayed and relaxed at Tabon Village Resort.
• Learned some random farming techniques along the way.
• Met again a friend whom we met on a van during our Southern Palawan trip and met new friends who were with her.

So was it worth it? YES! The trip highly exceeded my expectations and I came home very happy and excited to share my experience about it.

I also learned that the Tabon Caves could be done as a daytrip from Puerto Princesa by Doing-It-Yourself. I’ll create an itinerary for the daytrip to the Tabon Caves but for those who have more time to spare, better travel there in a more relaxing pace by staying a night or two in Quezon.

Here’s the link to the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Day Trip Itinerary for Tabon Caves in Quezon, Palawan.

P.S. I consider the Tabon Caves Complex as one of the MUST visit places when going Palawan.

Follow my Tabon Caves Complex Series

• How much did I spend on my trip to the Tabon Caves of Quezon, Palawan
• Daytrip Do-It-Yourself Itinerary to the Tabon Caves of Quezon, Palawan (Helpful)
• Hiking Tour in the Tabon Caves Complex in Lipuun Point, Quezon, Palawan (Pictures)
• How to get to the Tabon Caves of Quezon, Palawan (Helpful)
• Tabon Village Resort in Quezon, Palawan (Lodging)
• National Museum Quezon, Palawan Branch
• How to get to Quezon, Palawan