Palawan Underground River - Philippines

The Palawan Underground River National Park (one day on foot and a half-day if you go by banca). The National Park covers 5,000 hectares of well-preserved forest. The underground river is about eight kilometers long beneath the cliffs, four kilometers of which can be covered by banca with a guide, equipped with a kerosene touch so you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites. The river can be reached from Sabang Palawan by banca (one hour), but if you have the time, the walk across the National Park is quite pleasant and relatively easy.
The Palawan Underground River is believe to be one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world which features cathedral-like caverns and domes. The stalactites and stalagmites formation resembles like religious images, fruits and birds. Truly, an admirable underworld that project the omnipotence of the Creator over human hands. The Palawan Underground River is home to other cove dwelling fauna.

Puerto Princesa Palawan Subterranean River National Park was declared by Proclamation No. 835 on March 26, 1971. It is located in the West Coast of Palawan, 81 km north of Puerto Princesa City Palawan. The land form in the park are associated with rocky mountains (of marble and limestone) running from north to south. Two-thirds of the area is covered by lush tropical rainforest from the shoreline to the highest peak, and one-third is thinly vegetated karst limestone. The vegetation types include lowland forest (often with 35 m. canopy), coastal forest and karst forest.

This Philippines National Park is currently a popular destination for visiting bird-watchers, and most of the threatened and restricted range birds of the Palawan Endemic Bird Area have been recorded here. Several threatened species are regularly seen in the extensive lowland forests and substantial number of Palawan Peacock Pheasant and Philippine Cockatoo are found in the park.

Various joint endeavors have been done so far between and among government and non-government organizations including the community surrounding the Park to improve the services to visitors who frequent to the Palawan Underground River when they are in Puerto Princesa Palawan.

After having bought your ticket at the park's office, at the one and only village street just before the jetty, take the path directly across that runs along the beach. At its end is a sign indicating the entrance to the National Park. You the take the "Monkey Trail." The climb is rather steep, but a makeshift wooden railing has been installed. The path, always perfectly  indicated , crosses the jungle, affording, beautiful views of the cliffs and the sea. You cross a marvelous beach before arriving at the rangers' station. From there, you can go deeper into the jungle through a less maintained path, or continue along a beach. Arriving at the cave's entrance, you simply rent one of the bancas awaiting visitors.


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It's very wonderful! Philippines is so blessed to have such a beautiful river that the whole world can be proud of. Visit the longest river in the world and be amazed on it's beauty and nature reserves.

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