World's Treasured Natural Wonders | The Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan, Philippines)

BRIEF INFORMATION

• Location: Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island {Bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east}
• Permit Office: Monday to Friday: 8AM to 4PM; Saturday & Sunday: 8AM to 12PM, 1PM to 5PM
• FEES: General Entrance: Local Php 75 (Minor) - Php 100 (Adult); Foreigner Php 100 (Minor) - Php 150 (Adult) AND Cave Entrance: Local Php 100 (Minor) - Php 175 (Adult); Foreigner Php 150 (Minor) - Php 250 (Adult)

Welcome to one of the world's treasured natural wonders and best tourist spots in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It holds a place in the New7Wonders of Nature on June 12, 2012, and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1999. The Underground River is a world-renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Likewise, because of the commitment by the Filipinos to protecting and conserving its natural heritage, it holds the distinction of being the first national park effectively developed and managed by the local government of Puerto Princesa.

I suggest that if you go here, you must consider the weather in the Philippines, where the waves will be calmer. When we went here, it was August, somehow rainy... The best time to decide your travel date must be during the dry season of the Philippines which is around November to May because the months of June to October is a Wet Season while March to May is the warmest season in the Philippines.

This 8.2 kilometer-long underground river comprises an area of approximately 22,202 hectares and its park contains distinguishing subterranean river system features that flow directly into the sea, which makes a significant natural phenomenon due to its brackish lower half subjected to tidal influence. 

Its park contains a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem and protected forests which have eight intact forest formations such as forest on ultramafic soil, forest on limestone soil, montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine forest, beach forest, and mangrove forest. 

Here would be the landing site in which upon arrival from your 25-minute motorized boat ride along the Sabang Coast, you'll walk to the so-called 'monkey trail or Jungle trail' towards the Boat Shed wherein you can see Macaques, endemic species of monitor lizards (commonly called "bayawak" by the locals) and elusive Tabon birds. Likewise, the caves have a variety of species that are endemic to the river system, including bats, swallows, snakes, crabs, giant spiders, and fishes; although those bats and swallows are usually the only species you'll see.

I promise you that even if they only allow tourists to explore up to 4.3 kilometers out of 8.2 kilometers of premises, it's worth a visit to a beautiful tropical paradise, a home of marvelous beaches and abundant biodiversity! You'll be amazed by the cave formations, stunning limestone cliffs, and pristine waters. The cave has several large chambers and the river’s cavern exhibits dramatic speleothems (significant formations of stalactites and stalagmites).

Conquer your Claustrophobia! Get your camera ready! Because you'll gonna have a picture-perfect island you'll ever have...

Here's the footage of the "Official Inauguration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature on April 21, 2012;

Things to arrange before the Tour:

Secure a permit by visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park - Protected Area Management Office. 

During the Tour inside the Cave:

Helmets, life jackets, and audio with earphones are provided to be used during the entire duration of the tour. You are advised to be quiet while enjoying and looking up at the beautiful rock formations so that those thousands of bats that are home in the cave won't be disturbed. BTW, the audio provides guides and scientific information about the river and caves.

Notes:
1) When you're in Puerto Princesa, you must check the weather regularly; so that when you go out you can enjoy the entire tour.

2) It would be more comfortable if you hire a private van to go to Sabang Port and then go back to your hotel, instead of commuting by Bus/Jeepney. Ask for the assistance of your Hotel Desk Officer.  

3) 2 years old and below are not allowed to enter the cave.

When taking the Underground River Tour you will wait at the Underground River Authority Office to be assigned your 'slot'.

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