Melo Villareal
Travel Guide to Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a renowned tourist destination in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. It features an 8.2-kilometer underground river with impressive limestone cliffs, remarkable cave formations, and clear waters. Officially named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, it is among the Philippines’ most vital protected areas.
The river is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island of Palawan, about 80 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa. The river is only navigable by a paddle boat, and only a portion of the river, around 4.3km, is allowed for tourist explorations. Visitors can explore the river’s natural beauty and distinctive wildlife while enjoying the cool and refreshing atmosphere inside the cave. The park also features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape with one of the most complex cave systems in the world.
Puerto Princesa Underground River has been declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. The river attracts thousands of tourists annually and has become a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park’s pristine natural beauty, intact old-growth forests, and distinctive wildlife make it a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Overview of Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River is home to one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, stretching for 8.2 kilometers, with 4.3 kilometers of the river accessible to tourists by paddle boat.
The park is situated in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of Palawan, approximately 80 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa. It features remarkable limestone karst landscapes, pristine natural beauty, and intact old-growth forests with distinctive wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
In 1999, the Puerto Princesa Underground River was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has since been recognized as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It is a testament to the park’s ecological significance and contribution to preserving the world’s natural heritage.
Visitors to the park can expect a unique and unforgettable experience, exploring the underground river and marveling at the stunning cave formations, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. The park also offers various activities such as hiking, bird watching, and island hopping, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park and its surroundings.
Geographical Features
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area encompassing one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, featuring spectacular limestone karst landscapes, pristine natural beauty, intact old-growth forests, and distinctive wildlife.
The park has a limestone karst mountain landscape with a unique mix of forest formations, including mangrove, montane, freshwater swamp, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine, and beach forest. These forest formations are home to diverse flora and fauna, making the park a biodiversity hotspot.
The park’s most notable feature is the St. Paul Underground River Cave, which is more than 24 kilometers long and contains an 8.2-kilometer-long underground section of the Cabayugan River. The river flows directly into the sea, and the park also features a bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and a pristine beach.
The park’s ecosystem is home to a wide range of species, including various reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of the most notable species found in the park include the Palawan peacock-pheasant, the Palawan hornbill, and the Palawan bearcat.
Biodiversity of the Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to diverse flora and fauna. The park is known for its impressive cave system and limestone karst landscapes, but it is also recognized for its rich biodiversity.
The park is home to at least 800 species of plants, including 295 tree species dominated by the dipterocarp species. This diversity of flora represents a vital gene pool of economically important plant species, including rattans and almaciga. The park’s forests also provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.
One of the park’s most notable wildlife species is the bat. The underground river is home to several species of bats, including the Palawan fruit bat and the insectivorous bat. These bats play an essential role in the park’s ecosystem by pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds.
In addition to bats, the park is also home to a variety of monkey species, including the long-tailed macaque. These primates are known for their intelligence and social behavior. The park is also home to many bird species, including several endemic species such as the Palawan peacock-pheasant.
Reptiles are also present in the park, including the monitor lizard. These reptiles play an important role in the park’s ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller animals and insects.
Exploring the Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Underground River visitors can tour the river by boat, which takes them deep into the underground cave system. The tour is guided by an audio guide, which provides information about the cave system and its unique features.
Visitors traveling along the river will see various stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over millions of years. Some of these formations are so large that they are almost impossible to imagine. The river’s crystal clear waters provide a stunning backdrop for these natural wonders.
Before embarking on the tour, visitors are provided with a hard hat and a life vest. It is recommended that visitors bring a dry bag to keep their belongings safe from the brackish water.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour is highly recommended for those visiting Puerto Princesa for the first time. Visitors can book their tour at their respective hotels or the Sabang Pier, which is the starting point for the tour. We recommend booking your tour in advance since the Underground River can only accommodate a limited number of tourists per day.
It should be noted that the cave system is home to a large population of bats, and visitors may encounter bat guano and bat pee along the way. Visitors are also required to pay an environmental fee before entering the park.
Transportation and Accessibility
Puerto Princesa Underground River is located in Puerto Princesa City on the island of Palawan.
Flights to Puerto Princesa
The easiest way to reach Puerto Princesa is by air. Regular flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines are to Puerto Princesa International Airport. Visitors can hire a van from the airport to the city center or to Sabang.
Land Transportation
Visitors can take a van from the city center to Sabang. Jeepneys can also take visitors to Sabang from the San Jose Terminal. The van and bus rides take around two hours, while the jeepney ride takes about 2.5 hours.
Boat Fees
Upon arrival in Sabang, visitors must pay boat fees to enter the underground river. The boat ride takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of visitors and the weather conditions.
Tour Packages Online
Online tour providers like KLOOK offer the Underground River Tour Package for only P1,900 per person or USD34.45. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, an Audio guide, Insurance provided by the operator, a Picnic or packed lunch, roundtrip air-conditioned van transfers, and an Underground River Visitor Entry Permit (VEP).
Weather
It is important to note that the weather in Puerto Princesa can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season from June to October. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before traveling to Puerto Princesa.
Accessibility
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a popular tourist destination, and the local government has implemented measures to limit the number of daily visitors. As of 2023, only 780 visitors are allowed to enter the underground river per day. Visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance to secure their spot.
Conservation Efforts
Puerto Princesa Underground River is a natural wonder recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. As such, it is subject to strict conservation efforts to protect its unique natural beauty and ecological value.
The local government unit of Puerto Princesa has implemented various measures to protect the underground river. This includes limiting the number of visitors to the national park and requiring permits for entry. The park has also been designated as a protected area, meaning any development or activity that may harm the environment is strictly prohibited.
The park has also partnered with various organizations and stakeholders to further strengthen conservation efforts. For instance, the park works closely with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development to ensure that any development within the area is sustainable and does not harm the environment.
In addition to these efforts, the park also conducts regular monitoring and research to better understand the ecology of the underground river and its surrounding environment. This includes monitoring the water quality and the populations of the various species that inhabit the area.
Cultural Significance
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a natural wonder and a cultural gem of the Philippines. The local Tagbanua people consider the river sacred and have lived there for thousands of years. The Tagbanua people believe the river is home to spirits and deities and has healing powers. They also use the river for traditional rituals and ceremonies.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is also a source of pride for the Filipino people. It is a symbol of the country’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. The river has been featured in Philippine literature, music, and art and has become an iconic destination for tourists and locals alike.
Contact Information
City Tourism Department of Puerto Princesa
- 2nd Floor New Green City Hall, Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
- Telephone: 048-717-8035
- Email: puertoturismo@yahoo.com
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Mendoza Building corner H Mendoza St., Puerto Princesa City 5300
- Telephone: 048-434-2509
- Email: undergroundriver_ppsrnp@yahoo.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Puerto Princesa Underground River also known as?
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is also known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. It is located in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Why is Puerto Princesa Underground River famous?
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is famous for being one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers. It boasts stunning limestone cliffs, pristine waters, and jaw-dropping cave formations. It is also a habitat for various wildlife species, such as monkeys, monitor lizards, and bats.
What are the underground river formations in Puerto Princesa?
The underground river formations in Puerto Princesa include stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique rock formations. The river is also home to several cave chambers that offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
How do I get from Puerto Princesa Airport to the Underground River?
Visitors can take a van or a bus from Puerto Princesa Airport to Sabang, where the underground river is located. The travel time is approximately 2 hours. From Sabang, visitors can take a boat to the underground river.
What can I expect on a Puerto Princesa Underground River tour?
On a Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, visitors can expect to explore the underground river on a paddleboat with a licensed tour guide. The tour lasts around 45 minutes to an hour and covers a distance of 1.5 kilometers. Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle and wildlife.
What is the history of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park?
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was established in 1971 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is also protected under the Philippines’ National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). The park covers an area of approximately 22,202 hectares and is home to various flora and fauna species, including the Palawan peacock-pheasant and the Palawan hornbill.
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