Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Yet, nothing is more satiable to quench the thirst of enjoying its beauty and splendor unless one explores this enchanting place.
It is believe to be one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world which features cathedral-like caverns and domes. The stalactites and stalagmites formation resembles like religious images, fruits, and birds. Truly, an admirable underworld that project the omnipotence of the Creator over human hands. The Underground River is home to other cove dwelling fauna.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and voted as New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. It is located in the West Coast of Palawan, 80 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City. The land form in the park are associated with rocky mountains (of marble and limestone) running from north to south.
Two-thirds of the area is covered by lush tropical rainforest from the shoreline to the highest peak, and one-third is thinly vegetated karst limestone. The vegetation types include lowland forest (often with 35 m. canopy), coastal forest and karst forest.
This National Park is currently a popular destination for visiting bird-watchers, and most of the threatened and restricted range birds of the Palawan Endemic Bird Area have been recorded here. Several threatened species are regularly seen in the extensive lowland forests and substantial number of Palawan Pheasant Peacock and Philippine Cockatoo are found in the park.
Getting there
Go to bus/jeepney terminal for a ride to Sabang. Trip schedule of jeepney up to 1-2PM only. It takes 3 hours to travel from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang. The journey was a mix of rough and smooth ride, but the magnificent view along the way compensated for a not so good ride.
It is believe to be one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world which features cathedral-like caverns and domes. The stalactites and stalagmites formation resembles like religious images, fruits, and birds. Truly, an admirable underworld that project the omnipotence of the Creator over human hands. The Underground River is home to other cove dwelling fauna.
Two-thirds of the area is covered by lush tropical rainforest from the shoreline to the highest peak, and one-third is thinly vegetated karst limestone. The vegetation types include lowland forest (often with 35 m. canopy), coastal forest and karst forest.
This National Park is currently a popular destination for visiting bird-watchers, and most of the threatened and restricted range birds of the Palawan Endemic Bird Area have been recorded here. Several threatened species are regularly seen in the extensive lowland forests and substantial number of Palawan Pheasant Peacock and Philippine Cockatoo are found in the park.
Go to bus/jeepney terminal for a ride to Sabang. Trip schedule of jeepney up to 1-2PM only. It takes 3 hours to travel from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang. The journey was a mix of rough and smooth ride, but the magnificent view along the way compensated for a not so good ride.
Accommodations at Sabang
Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
Arkadia Beach Resort Underground River
Dabdab Tourist Inn
Hill Myna Beach Cottages
Cafe Sabang
How to reach the Underground River?
You can either hike through the rainforest (monkey trail or jungle trail) or hire a private boat to drop you there. Boat can be arranged at the Department of Tourism Office.
The river runs 8.2KM inland from the ocean, the underground river snakes its way through an impressive cave system that’s prime for exploring by boat. The park guide will also show you all types of limestone formations that resemble things like mushrooms, fish, religious figures, candles, and a lot more. It was a great experience and I never seen such a beautiful place as this one.
Package Tours
Planet Palawan Tourister (Tel# (6348)4333877 or visit their website at www.palawantourist.com
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