Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape that contains an 8.2 km long underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower half portion of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influence. The area also represents significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. It contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape that contains an 8.2 km long underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower half portion of the river is brackish and subject to tidal influence. The area also represents significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. It contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.
It is a source of pride and a key element in the identity of the people of Puerto Princesa in particular, and of the Philippines as a whole.
The Park is said to be the world’s longest underground river, which measures 8.2 kilometers of winding stretch that passes through a cave with major formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Strategically located 8.1 kilometers away from the city proper of Puerto Princessa, the underground Palawan River is located at Bahile town of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The enchanting place of the underground Palawan River can be reached in two ways either through a pump boat ride or trekking through a monkey trail. An alternative route can be taken to reach Bahile town via a pump boat ride from the Bahile wharf. After the pump boat ride, about 2.1 kilometer trek is needed to reach the river entrance.
The pump boat ride on the way to the underground Palawan River is also an entertaining sight of the Palawan coasts. The monkey trail however could be more fun when you desire to see loose naughty monkeys throughout the trail. Along the trail leading to the underground Palawan River are monitor lizards locally known as “bayawak” are usually seen as running, climbing trees or simply resting along the trail side. Traveling on the way to the famous underground Palawan River is an exciting experience already.
As you reach the entrance to the underground Palawan River you need a banca to transport you through a lagoon and directly into the mouth of the cave entrance to navigate the 8 kilometer River stretch. The first 4 kilometers is considered to be navigable. Upon entrance to the river, the cave is filled with darkness that engulfs the place with a mystical ambience. The single light source to the dark cavern only comes from kerosene in the banca. Every turn will reveal magnificent beauties of stalactite and stalagmites that are formed in various shapes, mostly resembling that of religious image, birds and fruits.
Emerging from the River’s entrance is a welcoming light that reflects the cool, blue green waters of the lagoon. The marble and limestone rocky mountains as land forms surrounding the Palawan River Park are a delightful sight.
For years the Underground River was accessible to only dedicated adventures who were prepared to travel for hours in four-wheel drives along dirt and then stay in primitive accommodation.
The great news is new roads have been made enabling visitors to travel in comfort and safety to Sabang in half the time, but it just got even better with the a guided tour service as we pick you up form your hotel and bring you to this Natural Wonder. CHeck out our tours service by clicking here.
This nature’s wonder is one of Palawan’s pride as it a UNESCO world heritage site and is a finalist to the new 7 wonders of the world.
You still have chance to cast your vote and be part of this historical event in the planet. Let us all do our share, Vote now for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
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