Palawan Island is a long, narrow island located in the southwestern Philippines. The fifth-largest island in the Philippines, Palawan is south of Luzon Island, where Manila is located. In the middle of Palawan Island lies the city of Puerto Princesa, a treasure trove of nature surrounded by a blue sea.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a World Heritage Site, is located in the northwestern part of Puerto Princesa. Within the St. Paul mountain range, a navigable underground river over 8km long flows through a cave and out to the sea. Let's go on an expedition to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, also known as the "last frontier of the Philippines", a world-renowned rarity.
About Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is approximately 120 meters wide, about 60 meters high, and over 8 kilometers long. It is believed that the huge limestone cave through which this underground river flows was formed when a large amount of rainwater eroded the limestone, creating an underground river that flowed into the sea.
The lower reaches of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River are connected to the sea, and the influence of the tides has created a rare ecosystem unique to this place. In recognition of its biodiversity conservation and outstanding natural beauty, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1999.
Name：Puerto princesa subterranean river national park
Address：sabang, puerto princesa palawan island 5300.philippines
Official website URL：https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652
Access to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Several airlines offer daily flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila to Puerto Princesa International Airport that take about 70 to 90 minutes.
From the airport, you can take a van or a bus to Sabang, the jump-off point to the Underground River. The travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also hire a private car or taxi if you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option. Once you arrive in Sabang, you need to register at the tourism office and get a permit to enter the Underground River, then you will take a short boat ride to the mouth of the cave.
Recommended Point ① of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Underground River Tour
Since it was registered as a World Heritage Site, the number of tourists visiting Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has increased dramatically. The Underground River Tour allows access to approximately 1.5km from the entrance.
The moment you enter the cave by boat can be a bit tense, but as the guide illuminates the narrow cave with a flashlight, you'll emerge into a wide-open space.
There, a mysterious world unfolds! Seeing the unusual stalactites and going on a sightseeing cruise through the cave where many bats live is an exciting experience.
Since advance entry is required to visit the underground river, joining a tour is recommended. There are many tours that include hotel pickup, lunch, and other services as part of the "Underground River Tour."
Recommended Point ② of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Ugong Rock Adventure
"Ugong Rock Adventure" is one of the popular tourist spots in Puerto Princesa, often included as a set with the Underground River Tour.
Climb the rock and then descend by zip line!
You can choose your style, such as Tarzan or Superman, and it is popular for its easy and exhilarating experience.
Points to note regarding Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
At Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, you will need to show your identification, so please have it ready when applying for each tour. There are also expensive tours that solicit individual tourists, so be sure to check the content and price before choosing one. In addition, since there are unpaved roads to Sabang, where the cave is located, it is a good idea to prepare motion sickness medication.
Partly due to its registration as a World Heritage Site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has become a popular tourist destination. Especially during the Philippine summer season from March to May, the waiting time for a boat to go on the underground tour can be more than 3 hours! Be sure to check the information in advance.
Summary of the Philippine World Heritage Site "Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park"
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, known as the last frontier of the Philippines, is a World Heritage Site featuring a massive, naturally formed limestone cave and an underground river that flows into the blue sea. Puerto Princesa offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels, and is also a haven for gourmets with its abundance of fresh seafood. For your next World Heritage Site adventure, be sure to visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.