Destination highlights

The underground river of Puerto Princesa, is one of the longest on the planet, recognized as a National Park since March 26, 1971, and also as one of the seven natural wonders of the world since 2011. This beautiful river is located in the Palawan Island, one of the largest islands of the Philippines, specifically in the attractive village of Sabang. It has more than eight kilometers of route full of nature, four of them navigable; starting from a wonderful cave full of stalagmites and stalactites, until you reach the South China Sea. Visitors will find eleven different ecosystems, from the jungle to a beautiful lagoon and reefs, cameras of large sizes, diverse tropical forests and beautiful areas, such as the “Daylight Hole”, an opening that lets in the light of the sun inside the cavern.

In addition to this, the river is habitat for a large number and variety of animals, mammals such as the Palawan stench badger and the Palawan porcupine, reptiles, various species of bats, and more than 160 species of birds; even, of some endemic species in danger of extinction, like the small pandas, the bat fox, the pheasant, civets, among others. And of course, it also has a great diversity of plants and trees, such as ipil, Apitong and Kamagong, thus forming one of the most significant jungles of the Asian continent. Because of this, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River has taken on a great ecological value. So it is not a surprise that it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, taking as criteria its incredible karst panorama, and geological formations, considered even as the most significant limestone forest of the Asian continent, in addition to its great importance in terms of protecting biodiversity.

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Travel tips

When traveling to the Philippines, the visit to this natural wonder, characterized by the turquoise color of its waters, is essential, taking into account that it treasures beautiful and exotic landscapes that leave enchanted all its visitors. It should be noted that in Puerto Princesa, there are countless agencies in charge of carrying out excursions that allow tourists to get to know this beautiful place. However, other tourists prefer to plan their journey independently. These, must first obtain permission to enter the National Park of the underground river, in the Coliseum of Puerto Princesa, where they will make delivery of the authorization and the shift. It is important to highlight that visits to this park are limited, so it is advisable to go early, in order to get availability of seats.

The travelers must then go to the port of Sabang, and one hour before the turn of the route, fill out the necessary forms for registration at the tourist office. After this, you should only go to the park entrance, by boat, or walk approximately five kilometers in the middle of the jungle, better known as “monkey trail”, which makes the trip even more interesting. Upon arrival, they must submit the authorization and continue until the entrance of the park, and enjoy the guided tour, with an approximate duration of 45 minutes. It is important to take into account that it is carried out in small groups of a maximum of eight people.

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Thanks to its beauty, exploring this National Park, which has more than five thousand hectares, represents an exceptional experience for nature lovers, as well as being located in one of the most important islands of the Philippines, and the most beautiful in the world. Palawan, about fifty kilometers away from the city of Puerto Princesa, a place characterized by the peace and harmony it offers to each of its visitors. In it, travelers can not only have the happiness of knowing one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but also have the opportunity to witness the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Enter the jungle and tropical world, and a great biodiversity in all its corners, especially marine, for those who wish to find a perfect place for diving or snorkeling, not only in Sabang and its wonderful beaches, but also in all its surroundings, so when visiting the Puerto Subterranean River Princess

It is advisable to visit also Nagtabon Beach, the deep bay, Port Barton and of course, El Nido, another reason why visiting Palawan is an unforgettable experience. Considered a paradisiacal gem. El Nido, has beautiful attractions, such as the Bacuit archipelago, Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon, with its rock walls and turquoise waters, in addition to its beautiful beaches such as Secret Beach. If you want to visit the island in low seasons, the most recommended are the months of December to March. Among the main means of transport are the boats, tricycles, bus, taxis and motorcycle rental.

That said the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and its surroundings represent a destination that no traveler should miss. It should be noted that as in any other trip, it is advisable to have travel insurance, in addition to vaccines such as Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and tetanus, and also with a mosquito repellent, to avoid bites. On the other hand, it is also important to note that when traveling to the Philippines, it is necessary to have a passport with a validity of at least six months, and if the stay lasts less than 30 days, it is not necessary to have any type of visa.

Hotel recommendations

Puerto Princesa has a great accommodation offer, where the hotels will take care of making the trip even more pleasant. Among the most recommended are the bungalows DubDub, Balay Tuko Garden Inn, By the Bay Jacana Bed and Breakfast, Sheridan Beach Resort Hotel, Crystal Paradise Resort, Spa & Winery, Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa Managed by HII, Rema Tourist Innentre others .

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