Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

I was inspired to experience Palawan after I have casted my votes for the Subterranean River for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Subterranean River National Park, otherwise known as the Underground River, is said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. Considered as one of the most biologically diversified conservation areas in the Philippines, this river is located on the mid western coast of Palawan.

The park is open to visitors all year round. Although according to our tour guide, if you really wish to appreciate the beauty of the place, the best time to go is between January and May - when the weather is drier and the seas are more serene. Before going to the park, you have to get first a permit as the park strictly enforces a "No Permit, No Entry" regulation. Here, visitors are required to individually register and will be given a short briefing at the Park Headquarters. You may opt to check with travel agents around the city, and they will do the registration and transfer to the park. If you choose to go by yourself, don't forget to drop by the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Office to secure your park entry permits.


From the city, prepare yourself for an approximately 2-hour rough road travel to Sabang Beach. Sabang beach is the jump off area where you have to visit again the park office to get a permit and book your boat to the river entrance. This boat will also tour you to magnificent views of limestone and karst landscapes, luscious green forest, and crystal clear water.


Once in Sabang Beach picnic area, you still have to trek your way down to the river entrance. Again, you need to register here; wear your head gear and life vest. The park operated bancas to take visitors for a tour inside the cave.


The tour inside the cave lasted about 45 minutes. Underground river is a total of 8.2 kilometers but only 4.3 are navigable. Tourists like us are limited to 1.5 kilometers. If you wish to explore the rest of the river, you have to get a special permit from the park's office.



Lunch time, food will be served at the picnic area by your tour guides where you will also have a close encounter with monitor lizards. Just beware of the long tailed monkeys as they have the tendencies to get your unattended things and bring it inside the forest. I heard that monkeys there have a very good collections of canned drinks, food, mobile phones, even cameras!


Aside from seeing the cave, you can also do adventure caving, wildlife watching, mangrove paddle boat tour, jungle trekking, and even enjoy swimming and snorkeling on the white sand beach.


It was really a close to nature encounter! And it made me so proud of the Philippines for having such amazing place! God must have really blessed us with nature's wonders. If you have not been to Palawan, I really encourage you to start planning your trip now. As the old cliche' goes, 'Don't be a stranger in your own land'. Palawan is a stunning place. And I will definitely frequent this paradise!


Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Office
No. 11 National Highway, Junction 1
Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City 5300, Palawan, Philippines
Tel: 048-433-2409 Fax: 048-434-2509
Email: admin@puerto-undergroundriver.com or reservation@puerto-undergroundriver.com
For more info, logon to: http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/