Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Philippines is blessed with vast natural resources and a number of popular tourist destinations. And one of the most-visited spots in the country is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park, formerly known as the St. Paul Subterranean National Park. It was later changed by President Estrada to its current name under Proclamation No. 212. Through this proclamation, the area was increased from 3, 901 hectares to 22, 202 hectares to include the offshoots of the underground river and the park was also declared as a protected area of the Network Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is situated 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It can be found in the Saint Paul Mountain Range bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. Entry to this beautiful subterranean river can be found from the little town of Sabang.

Photo source

This spectacular place has been declared a premier ecotourism destination and included in the prestigious UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage List. It is now considered as one of the sites with “outstanding universal value” due to its intense beauty and natural importance.

The main attraction of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is its 8.2 kilometer underground river which winds through a cave before it streams down to the South China Sea. The lower section of the river is dependent on tidal influences.
At the cave’s entrance, you are welcomed with a clear lagoon surrounded by trees growing to the water’s edge. There are also animals inhabiting near the cave such as monkeys, squirrels and large monitor lizards. The park also boasts of rocky mountains with amazing large limestone formations running from north to south.

Photo source

Considered as the most beautiful subterranean river in the world and the longest traversable underground river, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is really a must-see for tourists in Palawan.

Source: www.wowparadisephilippines.com; www.experience-pinas.com

Teaser photo source: fb00klyndre.blogspot.com