Puerto Princesa Underground River

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Category: In Focus

Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 08:10

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Located in the midwest coast of the province of Palawan, the 22,202-hectare Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park  (PPSRNP) is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. This Philippine national park has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in  recognition of its outstanding universal value.

The spectacular limestone mountain landscape of the PPSRNP features a full mountain to sea ecosystem. The forests of this national park has more than 800 species of plant and serves as a natural habitat to endangered, rare, and endemic wildlife.  At least 165 bird, 30 mammal, 19 reptile and 10 amphibian species that have been observed and recorded in the park. On the other hand, the PPSRNP coastal area has mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs.

The PPSRNP has an 8.2 kilometer underground river that flows directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and is influenced by ocean tide, making it the most unique natural phenomenon of its type to exist. In addition, the recent discovery of a 20 million year old serenia fossil as well as crystal and egg shape rock formations adds to the scientific value of the cave.

The PPSRNP is the first Philippine natural park developed and successfully managed by a local government unit. Since 1992, the park has been managed by the city government of Puerto Princesa, thru a protected area management board (PAMB), a multi-sector body that provides policy direction and other oversight functions. The management of the PPSRNP is a model for effective protected area management and sustainable tourism.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River has been provisionally included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The PPSRNP is a source of pride of the people of Puerto Princesa and is a key element in their identity. The conservation of the park is a symbol of the Filipino people's commitment to conserve their natural heritage.

Points of interest

A wonder of nature – the Puerto princesa underground river is easily navigable up to 4.3 k and is reputed to be the longest navigable subterranean river in the world. Trained park staff operate paddle boats to take visitors to a 45-minute tour to view the different rock formations of the cave and  see the thousands of bats and swiftlets that inhabit it.

Jungle trekking – a 5.3-kilometer trail from Sabang to the Puerto Princesa Underground River can be trekked by outdoor enthusiasts who would like to have an authentic jungle adventure. The trail allows visitors to traverse deep into the dome of forest formations in the PPSRNP. To enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness, it is recommended for trekkers to wear hiking shoes and bring drinking water and insect repellent.

Wildlife watching – the PPSRNP is inhabited by 7 wildlife species listed under Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). It is also designated as an Endemic Bird Area by Bird Life International (BI) with all 15 endemic bird species of Palawan present. The most notable birds to see are the Philippine cockatoo, Palawan peacock pheasant, Palawan hornbill, and the Blue-napped parrot. Wild monkeys and monitor lizards can also be seen in the park. Wildlife watchers must start early and preferably come equipped with binoculars to see the brightly colored birds species of the Park.

Mangrove Paddleboat Tour – is a community-based sustainable ecotourism project that allows visitors to experience the old growth mangrove forests of the PPSRNP. Visitors are also given a chance to contribute to conservation by planting mangrove saplings in designated planting areas.

Adventure Caving – the park has a number of cave systems that are worth exploring. Climbing the Ugong Rock Karst tower gives a spectacular view of the surrounding areas. Daylight hole and Lions cave are also must-see.

Whitesand Beaches – the shoreline of the PPSRNP has pristine and beautiful beaches. The cool and crystal waters are ideal for swimming and enjoying the sun. The most popular beaches are Sabang Beach, Panaguman Beach, and Marta Fe Beach.

Ethnographic Museum – learn more about the culture of the Batak and the Tagbanua, two of the indigenous cultural groups that live in the PPSRNP, in the ethnographic museum in the Park Visitor Center. Briefings and information materials are also available in the center.

Getting there

Puerto Princesa City, capital of the Philippines' last frontier is accessible by air with at least 6 daily flights from Manila and 3 flights a week from Cebu City. Puerto Princesa City could also be reached by boat with voyages scheduled twice a week from Iloi-ilo City.

From Puerto Princesa, the PPSRNP can be accessed by road. The trip usually takes 1 ½ hours by air-conditioned shuttle vans. Using public jeeps, the trip to the park takes 2 ½ hours.

When to go

The Park is open to the public the whole year round, however the best time to visit is from Janauary to June when the weather is drier, making it easier to enjoy the beauty of mother nature.

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