The Palawan Underground River (also called the Underground River or Subterranean River), after being elected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, has gained international popularity and along with the islands of Bacuit Bay of El Nido, has become one of the most beautiful Philippines’ natural wonder and more visited on the island of Palawan. The peculiarity of this river is that it runs for 24 km in the caves of Mount St. Paul, before flowing into the West Philippine Sea in Sabang. These unique natural features have made the river not only a natural wonder but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Visitors are allowed to explore this Philippines’ natural wonder for a maximum of 4.3km from the sea. However, it is possible to obtain a special permit for a more in-depth exploration. During the exploration of the cave by boat it is possible to admire the formation of stalactites and stalagmites shaped by centuries of rainwater infiltration that has corroded the uncovered rock.
Exploration of the Palawan Underground River
The national park that takes its name from the river (St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park ) is characterized by limestone mountains and boasts different types of ecosystems ranging from mountain forests to dipterocarpaceae to mangrove forests. In total there are 8 types of different forests that host a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. The fauna of the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park includes birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is home to as many as 165 species of birds from the 252 species that live throughout the island of Palawan, including the nucazzurra parrot, the megapodio of the Philippines, the religious gracula, the hornbill of Palawan and the belly-bellied eagle. Certainly, it is an ideal place for birdwatchers. In the underground river park there are also 30 different species of mammals that are alerted on the tops of the tallest trees and along the coasts at low tide. Some of these mammals are the long-tailed macaque monkey, the cinghial and the bear-cat, the stinking rate of Palawan, and the Porcupine of Palawan. There are a total of 19 reptile species in the national park, of which 8 are endemic to Palawan. The list includes monitor lizards, large predators such as the reticulated python and small lizards such as the green crested. The caves instead are the habitat of 9 different species of bats, 2 species of swallows, whip spiders, scorpions and other small creatures. While the coasts around the park are the habitat of rare and endangered species such as sea cows (Dugong) and sea turtles.
A tour of this beautiful place is really worth the time for your family and friends. On what further to expect about the place you may read my article on Tour at the Palawan Underground River, Philippines.
The visit of this Philippines’ natural wonder requires at least one day. It takes about 2 hours to go from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, from where you take the boat to cross a stretch of sea to reach the park entrance. The boat arrives on the beach, from where you continue on foot for a short stretch in the forest that leads to the lagoon where the river comes out of the cave. From here, a small canoe will embark to start the exploration of the river inside the cave. The boatman will act as a tour guide, showing the most beautiful and bizarre formations of stalactites and stalagmites to the passengers. The most striking part of the visit is the part of the cave called “Cathedral”, whose cavity reaches 800 meters in height. After visiting the cave, return to the Sabang beach for lunch, then before returning to Puerto Princesa you have the option to zipline. Those who stop at the underground river for at least one night can stay at one of the resorts that overlook the beautiful Sabang beach. With two days available, you have the opportunity to trek along the Monkey Trail, called so for the presence of macaques, take a boat trip in the mangrove forest and enjoy some relaxation in the shade of the coconut trees of the Sabang beach.
Treat yourself and your family to this amazing place. Simply search for the best hotel to stay in Palawan and enjoy the rest of your time!
1 thought on “Underground River located in Palawan, Philippines”