The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is one of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the park boasts a blend of breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity.
At the heart of this protected park is the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, often simply referred to as the subterranean river. Flowing through St. Paul Mountain Range, this river stretches about 5 miles and winds its way through impressive limestone caves, forming an intricate maze of tunnels, stalactites, and stalagmites.
With so much beauty and diversity packed into one destination, it’s no wonder the park has been turning heads in the past few years. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park;
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Overview of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park covers an expansive area of 54,860 acres (22,202 hectares). It is situated in the northern part of the island, about 80 km (50 miles) from Puerto Princesa. The park is part of the St. Paul Mountain Range and features the famous St. Pauls Underground Cave. The cave houses the Puerto Princesa Underground River—the second-largest underground river in the world.
Spanning 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles) underground, the river flows through a system of caves with stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. In a remarkable discovery in 2010, geologists revealed a second floor in the cave, complete with waterfalls and a 980-foot (300-meter) cave inhabited by bats.
The park is also home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including eight of the 13 types of forests in the region, such as mangrove forests, beach forests, and lowland evergreen forests. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.
Furthermore, in 2012, the park was added to the Ramsar Wetlands list, highlighting its importance in conserving aquatic ecosystems. Managed by the Puerto Princesa city government since 1992, this stunning natural wonder continues to captivate visitors with its geological and ecological significance.
Wildlife in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a haven for a rich variety of wildlife, showcasing a diverse range of endemic species unique to Palawan. Birds are the most abundant common in the park. About 165 out of 252 species found in Palawan are recorded within its boundaries, representing 67% of the island’s total bird population.
Notable bird species include the blue-naped parrot, the Tabon scrubfowl, the hill myna, the Palawan hornbill, and the white-bellied sea eagle. Around 15 species are endemic to the area. The park is also home to around 30 mammal species, including the long-tailed macaque, the Palawan bearded pig, the binturong, the Palawan stink badger, and the Palawan porcupine.
Reptiles are also a common sight in the park. There are about 19 species identified, including the reticulated python, the water monitor lizard, and the green-crested lizard—eight of these reptiles are endemic to Palawan. The park’s amphibian population includes ten species, with the Philippine forest frog being the most common.
Within the cave system, nine species of bats and two species of swiftlets have been found. Also, the coastal area of the park is a sanctuary for marine life like the endangered dugong and the hawksbill sea turtle. This rich biodiversity makes the park an exceptional natural treasure.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The best time to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and the conditions are ideal for exploring both the underground river and jungle trails.
For those seeking a quieter experience and looking to avoid crowds, June to October is an alternative option, although it is the rainy season. The wet weather during this period may affect access to some areas of the park.
Getting to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
To reach the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the most common route is from Puerto Princesa City. It’s located about 2 hours and can be accessed by bus, shared van, or rented car. The journey offers scenic views of Palawan’s natural beauty along the way.
If you’re flying from Manila, a direct flight to Puerto Princesa takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and from there, transportation to the park is easily arranged. For travelers coming from other parts of Palawan, such as El Nido, there are routes that offer a chance to explore the island’s diverse landscapes.
The journey typically taking between 5 to 7 hours by van or bus. Additionally, those coming from other Philippine islands can catch flights to Puerto Princesa from cities like Cebu or Davao, and continue their journey to the park by road.
Other Activities in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
At the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, visitors can experience a wide range of activities. The journey to the cave and underground river system is a mesmerizing experience, where you can witness the underground river. From Sabang Beach, the starting point for most tours, you can relax by the beautiful shore before or after your adventure, or enjoy snorkeling and other water activities.
The park is also home to a rich mangrove ecosystem, offering unique mangrove tours where you can learn about the vital role these ecosystems play. For a more challenging experience, hike the Saint Paul Mountain Trails.
There are also panoramic viewpoints that allow for incredible vistas of the dense jungle, rock formations, and the vast sea. For those looking to immerse themselves in the jungle, the park offers jungle hiking trails where you can connect with nature up close, surrounded by lush flora and fauna.
Park Fees in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Visitors to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park are required to pay several fees to access the park and its attractions. The entrance fee to the park is 500 PHP ($9). In addition, there is an environmental fee that varies by age: 150 PHP ($2.7) for visitors aged 21 and older, and 120 PHP ($2.15) for those aged 3–20 years. This environmental fee is valid for five days and grants access to both the Underground River and Honda Bay.
FAQs
How much is the underground river Tour in Palawan?
The cost of the Underground River tour in Palawan varies depending on the type of tour you choose. A non-private tour costs around 2,500 pesos ($45). For those looking for a more personalized experience, private tours are available, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 pesos (around $180 to $270).
However, many travelers find that the non-private tour offers great value, so opting for the private tour may not necessarily be worth the extra cost. Additionally, you can find island hopping tours for as low as 1,000 pesos (about $18) if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
How long is the Palawan underground river Tour?
The Palawan Underground River tour typically lasts around 45 minutes. During this time, your tour guide or boatman will use a searchlight to highlight the cave’s stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn by the underground river’s breathtaking beauty or simply the desire to explore one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must-see destination for travelers to the Philippines.
