Palawan’s Underground River – A Subterranean Wonder Of The Natural World!
On the romantic tropical island of Palawan in the far western reaches of the Philippines there is a river that is navigable for more than five miles… underground.
Azure waters, crystal clear and inviting, mark the entrance to the world’s second longest subterranean watercourse. An few hours away from the city of Puerto Princesa and a short boat ride from the Sheridan Resort, Sabang, yet a step back in time to an age when the earth was still young.
Limestone karst mountains surround the mouth of the river cave as birds swoop and flutter above your boat. There are 252 species of birds known to occur on Palawan, one hundred and sixty five species of birds have been recorded in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park including Blue-naped Parrots, Hill Mynas, Palawan Hornbills and the majestic White Breasted Sea Eagle.
Along the beach shoreline near the river cave, long tailed macaques come to feed at low tide. The only primate found in the area, other mammals seen include bearcats, badgers, porcupines and bearded pigs. In the waters surrounding the underground river, sea cows (Dugong) and Hawksbill turtles can often be seen basking on the surface.
The subterranean river itself cuts through a cave strewn with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and all manner of cave formations. Entertaining and well informed local guides propel the canoes that are safe as well as ecologically sound and ideal for the silent appreciation of the cave. Visitors can enjoy and appreciate without worrying about causing harm to this wonder of the natural world.
10 Responses to “Palawan’s Underground River – A Subterranean Wonder Of The Natural World!”
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The New 7 Wonders of Nature are now being democratically voted for by people all around the world and its down to 28 Official Finalist Candidates (from an original 77) with the Palawan Underground River included.
You can cast your vote here to make sure the Palawan Underground River end up being one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Underground River
Wow we visited back in 2008 and the road was really bad with lots of mud and we even saw a truck get bogged. We did it as a day trip because there really was no where good to stay near the river and we had no time to check out any of the other stuff. The trip was amazing like dream. With the new road and a five star hotel in Sabang we are coming back very soon
I just hope that with all the new roads and infrastructure they keep the place d as natural as possible. Going there was an adventure in its own right but I can understand the need to make it more accessible so that everybody can have a chance to enjoy it. Luckily the Mayor they have now is very big on the environment so while he is in power I am sure all developments will be environmentally friendly.
This is a must see. On my Philippines trip I visited the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and a whole lot of other well knows attractions but nothing came close to this. It was a totally surreal experience to be in a boat floating on a river underground.
I was wanting to bring my parents to the underground river but thought it would have been way too much for them even to travel the 50km. It does not sound far but with the road before it felt more like 200km and seemed to take as long. Then there was the problem of accommodation. These improvements could not have come at a better time. They are visiting next August and I will be booking a week at the Sheridan Beach Resort. This is great news.
I stayed at the Sheridan Resort last month. It’s actually not fully open yet and the swimming pool was still under construction but I am not complaining because they are only charging 50% their normal tariff right now and this really is 5 star. The food is something else. I will be back next year with my fiancé and maybe for our honeymoon.
The Underground River is awesome but there are also many other caves to explore close by. If you are into exploring caves like me Palawan is the place to go.
I tried to visit one of the caves when I visited. Saw the sign on the road and walked down but the track became very dense and soon i was knee deep in mud having to grab on to vegetation to stop from having a mud bath. After 30 minutes of struggling I got very close to the cave but the last 30 feet may as well have been 3000 feet because it was just too difficult. There had been heavy raid during the night so maybe you need to visit when it dry. I am looking forward to returning and will check out the Sheridan which was just a construction site when I was there last.
The River is so awsome I went 3 times it does not look like a place on earth
DOT / Dept of Tourism should act more active when it comes to our treasures we have in Pinas , we need to inform the world that we can be one of the best destinations..with great people SMILE ….WOW PHILIPPINES! IF WE HAVE ENOUGH BUDGET, D.O.T CAN MAKE PINAS MORE GREENY AND CLEAN FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT DESTINATIONS FOR ALL…
well ive been to lots of beautiful places in pinas talaga….we are the best….well some places needs to explore and discover the treasures of Pinas….everytime i go home Pinas for vacation, i always visit some nice and relaxing places….like ilocos region wow its fantastic! food and people are great, relaxing places to stay and extra ordinary hotels too…God bless Philippines!