PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES - Part 1 : Puerto Princesa Underground River (7 Wonders of Nature)

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ancient cave and river networks was chosen to be one of the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature. It is located approximately 75km northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. 





The journey from the city to the Sabang Boat Terminal took about 1 hour and 40 minutes including a short break here. Throughout the journey you will be able to see trees, mountains and sometimes a glimpse of the sea.








The two tour guides who are fun and friendly.



Waiting with my group mates from Australia (Filipinos migrated to Australia), for our turn to board the Bangka to take us to the Underground River.














Some of the beautiful sights while travelling from Sabang Boat Terminal to the Underground River.



Less than 10 minutes and we have arrived at the National Park. Let's go.



The boat docking area to the Underground River.



Welcome to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1999. The size of the park is more than 22,000 hectares and the main attraction is of course the 8.2km long Underground River Cave.



A signboard at the entrance proudly establishing that the Peurto Princesa Underground River is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.



A short walk from the beach through the forest brings you to the mouth of the Underground River.




Walking around the area while waiting for my turn on the river cruise.


Peurto Princesa Underground River is just located by the sea.









Off we go on a 45 minutes river cruise inside the cave. Even though the underground river is 8.2km, accessibility and navigability of the cave to general public is 4.5km inland.



The 'captain' of the boat cum cruise guide.






Approaching towards the cave. What do you see in caves? Rocks of course. Well I was in for a surprise.






The rock formations is just magnificent.



Hmmm.....looks like a dinosaur or the creature in the movie Alien.



Rock resembling a fish?





Well according to the guide, the shape resembles the Sphinx. What do you think?















Truly is a fascinating work of nature.



How about this? What does this rock looks like? Haha!











The brown spots on the cave's ceiling are actually bats. You can see them moving but they didn't fly away even when we flash our lights. "Look at us hanging on our feet". It seems that the bats are so used to people intruding into their dwelling.








Looks like a herd of elephants. The boat guide will tell you "this rock looks like ......and that rock looks like......".

To me, the incredible array of stalactites and stalagmites in all shapes and sizes are just amazing.

I was informed that a 20 million old Sirenia or Sea Cow whose fossilized remains are permanently embedded in the walls of the cave. Wow, this cave must be very old.





The journey inside the cave, ends here :(





Heading towards shore.



One last look at the Puerto Princesa Underground River, before heading back.



Taking a closer look at the National Park.





Let's make a move, I'm starving. If I can just pull out this anchor....



Back at Sabang.





Playing around with a snake.



View of Sabang Beach.



Woohoo! Lunch time.





All you can eat buffet.





Dogs need to eat too. A dog showing it's pity look (pls give me some food). Yummy!



Panoramic view of Sabang Beach



After lunch, I have a stroll along Sabang Beach and captured some picturesque photo of Sabang Beach.

















Me and my beau on the hammock.








Wow! Hotel with a mountain backdrop. What hotel is this?


Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa. I want to stay here! Surrounded by nature with a beach front and at USD 130 (which is affordable) what is there not to like. Instead of staying in the city (like me), I strongly encourage you guys and gals to stay at Sabang Beach.  You can even trek to the Peurto Princesa Underground River which is 5.3km away. There is nothing much in the city anyway. Trust me!



Sabang Beach is actually very good. Crystal clear water, powdery sand beach, nice view of surrounding mountains and most importantly the beach is not crowded.



Palawan Island's variety of exotic terrain includes rainforests, lush green hills and pristine beaches has surely captivated me.



My next posting will be on Puerto Princesa City and Honda Bay where I go Island Hopping. Yeah! More beach action.





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