One of the 7 Wonders of the World ✔

Palawan has always been known for its Underground River. This jewel of a tourist spot is specifically found in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, a province in the Southern part of the Philippines. Because of its global fame, the tourist site is home to hundreds of tourists per day. Specifically referred to as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, it is now considered as one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” by the prestigious UN Environmental organization, UNESCO in 2012. Even the park (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park at the St Paul Mountain Range) where the underground river is located is a World Heritage Protected Park as declared also by UNESCO. The Palawan Underground River is a subterranean river whose length is approximately 5 miles or 8 kilometers long and directly flows out to the South China Sea. Its waters pass through massive caverns prior to exiting out to sea. Located in Sitio Sabang in Puerto Princesa, it was originally declared as the world’s longest subterranean river but was degraded to second longest after the discovery of a longer one in Mexico. An underground river guide are usually the ones that give tours around the river but because of various species of wildlife like Bats, insects and monkeys found inside it sometimes makes it difficult for the guides to navigate the river This is one reason why limit of 900 visitors per day is imposed on the tour. Prices for the trip will depend on the outrigger and number of people that will avail of the tour. It is very common that a group of 4-6 people usually rents the paddle-powered outriggers that traverse the Palawan Underground River. Safety is always a priority when touring the underground river so in order to avoid any accidents, a life vest and a helmet and at times flashlights are provided by river guides to tourists. There have been proposals to put up lights inside the tunnel but many countered the proposal because locals feel preserving the original wonders and beauty of the river and the cavern through which it passes through is more important than anything else.

The underground river is situated inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which in turn is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. The place is about 50 kilometers north of the Palawan Island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The Puerto Princesa National Park is currently supervised by the City Government of Puerto Princesa with the assistance of local and foreign environmental organization such as UNESCO. A distinct trait of the Puerto Princesa Underground River is that it flows through a cave prior to exiting out to the South China Sea. Massive stone formations of stalactites and stalagmites and large chambers are just some of the beauty and wonders that the cave showcases and this formation is comparable to those found in Europe and the US. The lower portion of this subterranean river is considered to be brackish (river water mixed with sea salt) because of tidal influence coming from the South China Sea. (http://ppur.com.ph/expect-underground-river-tour-palawan/)

Last April 27, 2017, I had a chance to visit such a wonderful place like this and I thank God for the provision that He gave to me. The above photos are just a snap of how beautiful the place is and how Filipinos maintain the cleanliness of the Underground River. Here are some photos inside the cave but the quality of the image is not good since we are not allowed to use flash light or flash from our phones.

If you ever plan to go for a trip I highly recommend you to visit Palawan specially Underground River and El Nido. One of the best experience 👍👍👍 I'll be posting some blog about El Nido 😃 Keep in touch! God bless us all.