Underground River – Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
December 3, 2007 3 CommentsPalawan is known for its beaches, having been chosen as one of the 33 Best Beaches in Asia (Conde Nast Traveller magazine, October 2007 issue). Aside from its beautiful beaches, Palawan is also known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
-
- Puerto Princesa Underground River – Inside
If that name is a bit hard to remember and pronounce, perhaps you could try Underground River, which is now its “unofficial” name. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1999. It is a finalist in the New 7 Wonder of Nature . You may want to take some time and vote in support of this natural wonder.
The view along the route towards the Underground River, such as this jagged titanic rock eroded by the elements through time, is spectacular. It’s just like, well, an extended tooth decay, only much more beautiful. Makes you think how the harshness of nature creates marvels, pretty much like how problems in life shape character.
Located in Barangay Bahile, which is around 81 kilometers from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the Underground River is accessible by pumpboat from Barangay Sabang. The boat ride takes around 10 minutes, although I must confess that it’s a very rough estimate. It probably took more time, considering that I was enjoying the ride.
-
- Underground River Titanic
-
- Puerto Princesa Underground River – No Swimming
-
- Puerto Princesa Underground River – Landing at St. Paul Bay
The beach is a few meters from the staging point going inside the Underground River, and you have to take a short walk through a wooden (and woody) path. The official park figures say that they are 168 birds, 800 species of plants, and 23,779 species of insects, mollusks and anthropods. I didn’t get to see any birds, but I was glad not to encounter the 23,779 species of insects and other creatures. They also say monkeys patrol this area, but we didn’t get to see any. Instead, we saw monitor lizards, also known as bayawak, rummaging through the food brought for the lucky few who were on a group tour.
Anyway, swimming is not allowed in and around the Park, although I just can’t resist the temptation of exploring why swimming is not allowed.
After paying for the boat that will take us inside the cave, we donned our life jackets and helmets (it’s really interesting when you put “helmet” together with “life” jacket). Of course, I would’t spoil the fun and the surprises that await inside the Underground River, so I’ll shut my mouth, er, keyboard, at this point. Enjoy the Puerto Princesa Subterranean . . . I mean, the Underground River. Here’s a short clip from our trip:
[...] which side of nature you want. Do you prefer the sun and sand, gorgeous beaches? You go to Boracay, Palawan, Bohol or Batangas. You prefer the cool, breezy mountain side? You go to Tagaytay, Baguio, Banaue [...]
[...] As of this writing, there are a number of Philippine sites (not websites, but nature sites) among the Top 77 official nominees. These 77 sites are eligible for consideration by the New7Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts for inclusion in the group of 21 finalist candidates. The current Philippine sites in the Top 77 are: Tubbataha Reef (8) Chocolate Hills (9) Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (18 – here’s our own post on this site) [...]
[...] Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Date of Inscription: 1999). Located in the town of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is included as a World Heritage Site with the following justification: It “features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with its underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.” [...]