Located on the lush island of Palawan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most fascinating natural destinations in the Philippines. This site offers the opportunity to explore a cave system housing a navigable underground river, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and an impressive biodiversity. With its vibrant landscapes and rich wildlife, the park is an ideal escape for nature lovers, adventurers, and curious travelers. Here, you’ll find a perfect mix of natural beauty, exciting activities, and a deep connection to local history and culture.
Content
- 1 Information about the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- 2 How to Get to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- 3 Geography of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- 4 Flora of Puerto Princesa
- 5 Fauna of Puerto Princesa
- 6 Recommended Excursions and Activities
- 7 What to See and Do in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- 8 Indigenous Culture of the Puerto Princesa National Park
- 9 Gastronomy of the Puerto Princesa Region
- 10 Accommodations Near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Information about the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Park History
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (in Filipino: Pambansang Liwasang Ilog sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Puerto Princesa) is one of the most iconic protected areas in the Philippines. In 1999, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological and geological value. Additionally, in 2011, it was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This impressive cave system, featuring an underground river spanning over 8 kilometers, is considered one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. The park has been managed by the Puerto Princesa city government since 1992, and in 2012, it was added to the Ramsar Wetlands list, emphasizing its importance for aquatic ecosystem conservation.
In 2010, a team of geologists and environmentalists discovered new aspects of the river, such as the existence of a second level in the cave, which includes small waterfalls. They also found a dome rising up to 300 meters above the river, large colonies of bats, and other deep caves. Although the deepest areas of the underground river are difficult to explore due to low oxygen levels, these discoveries added even more scientific value to the park.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River: A Natural Wonder
The National Park has received international recognition, especially following its participation in the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. In 2011, it was selected as one of the 28 finalists, and on November 11 of the same year, it was provisionally announced as one of the New 7 Wonders, alongside other iconic places such as the Amazon rainforest and Iguazu Falls. Finally, in January 2012, the underground river was officially confirmed as part of this prestigious group, a moment of celebration for the Philippines.
The campaign for the underground river to achieve this recognition received massive support from the government and the Filipino people. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III even urged citizens to vote via text messages to secure the site’s victory. Although the voting process faced some criticism due to the possibility of repeated votes, the final validation by the New7Wonders Foundation confirmed its place among the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Location
The park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range, on the western coast of Palawan Island, about 80 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa City. Surrounded by limestone mountains and tropical rainforest, this unique environment combines terrestrial and marine elements, providing an ideal habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna species. Most people access the park through the small coastal town of Sabang, which serves as the starting point for bangka (traditional boat) tours to the underground river’s entrance.
Best Time to Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River
The best time to visit this 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. Those seeking a quieter experience and wishing to avoid large groups of tourists may opt to visit between June and October, though it is the rainy season, which may affect access to some areas of the park.
Ecological and Geological Significance
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a crucial site for biodiversity in the Philippines. Its ecosystem includes tropical forests, wetlands, and mangroves, which host a wide range of species. The park is also notable for its geological formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers, which continue to fascinate scientists and explorers alike.
How to Get to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
From Puerto Princesa
The most common way to reach the park is from Puerto Princesa City, where tourists can take buses, shared vans, or rent a car. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and passes through scenic routes showcasing the island’s beauty.
From Manila
To reach the park from Manila, you can take a direct flight to Puerto Princesa, which lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, transportation to the park is easily arranged.
From Other Parts of Palawan
There are routes from other parts of Palawan, such as El Nido, allowing travelers to explore the island and enjoy various landscapes before reaching the park. Depending on the starting point, the journey can take between 5 and 7 hours by van or bus.
From Other Philippine Islands
For those coming from other islands, there are flights to Puerto Princesa from Cebu, Davao, and other major cities in the Philippines. Once in Palawan, you can continue to the park using the available land transport.
Geography of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The park is surrounded by a combination of karst limestone mountains, white sand beaches, and tropical rainforest. These formations create a unique environment for the underground river, which flows directly into the West Philippine Sea. The cave is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, creating an underground landscape that seems out of this world.
Flora of Puerto Princesa
The vegetation surrounding the park is dense, with forest formations reflecting the rich biodiversity of tropical Asian ecosystems. The various forest types present include ultramafic soil forests, limestone soil forests, montane forests, freshwater swamp forests, lowland evergreen tropical forests, riverine forests, beach forests, and mangrove forests. This diversity is fundamental for the conservation of local and regional wildlife, providing shelter and food for many species.
To date, researchers have identified over 800 plant species in the park, belonging to more than 300 genera and 100 families. Among these, at least 295 tree species stand out, many of which are dominated by the dipterocarp group, a family of tropical trees critical to the ecosystem. Some of the most notable species in the lowland forests include large trees such as dao (Dracontomelon dao), ipil (Intsia bijuga), dita (Alstonia scholaris), amugis (Koordersiodendron pinnatum), and apitong (Dipterocarpus gracilis).
In the beach areas, species such as bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum), Pongamia pinnata, and Erythrina orientalis can be found. Mangroves and coastal areas also offer diverse flora, including species like pandan (Pandanus sp.), anibong, and rattan (Calamus sp.). Additionally, montane forests feature almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) and kamagong (Diospyros pulganensis), two species valued for their ecological and economic importance.
This vegetation not only enhances the park’s landscape but also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and protecting local biodiversity. Exploring the park offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in a well-preserved natural environment, observing unique species vital to Palawan’s tropical ecosystem.
Fauna of Puerto Princesa
The park is a haven for a wide variety of wildlife. Among the most remarkable are endemic species of Palawan, as well as numerous birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a prime location for wildlife observation.
Birds
Birds are the most numerous vertebrate group in the park. Of the 252 species found in Palawan, 165 have been recorded within the park’s boundaries, representing 67% of the island’s total bird population, including 15 endemic species. Notable species include the blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), the Tabon scrubfowl (Megapodius cumunigii), the hill myna (Gracula religiosa), the Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), and the white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster).
Mammals
The park is also home to an interesting diversity of mammals, with around 30 recorded species. These include the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), the park’s only primate, often seen feeding along the coast during low tide. Other notable species include the Palawan bearded pig (Sus ahoenobarbus), the binturong (Arctictis binturong), the Palawan stink badger (Mydaus marchei), and the Palawan porcupine (Hystrix pumila).
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles also play an important role in the park’s fauna. Nineteen reptile species have been identified, eight of which are endemic to Palawan. Notable examples include the reticulated python (Python reticulatus), the water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator), and the green-crested lizard (Bronchocoela cristatella). Regarding amphibians, ten species have been recorded, with the most common being the Philippine forest frog (Rana acanthi). An endemic species of Palawan, Barbourula busuangensis, has also been observed in the area.
Cave Fauna
The park’s caves are home to unique fauna. Within the cave system, nine species of bats have been found, along with two species of swiftlets known for building nests with saliva on the cave walls. Additionally, whip spiders (Stygophrynus sp.) add an exotic touch to the park’s fauna.
Marine Fauna
The park’s coastal area is a sanctuary for important marine species. Notable marine animals include the dugong (Dugong dugon), which feeds in the underwater meadows, and the hawksbill sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), an endangered species that finds nourishment in the nearby waters. These animals inhabit the park’s marine ecosystem, highlighting the importance of conserving their aquatic habitats.
Overall, the fauna of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is not only diverse but also includes several endemic and endangered species, reinforcing the park’s key role in preserving biodiversity in the Philippines.
Recommended Excursions and Activities
What to See and Do in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Entrance to the Cave and Underground River System
The tour of the cave entrance is an impressive experience. Here, you can witness the underground river winding its way through the rock formations, subtly illuminated to highlight its natural features.
Sabang Beach
Sabang is the starting point for most park tours. Besides being a beautiful beach, it is the perfect place to relax before or after exploring the park. It is also a great spot for snorkeling and other water activities.
Mangroves and Aquatic Ecosystems
The park hosts a mangrove ecosystem that supports incredible biodiversity. Mangrove tours offer a different perspective of the park and are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the importance of these ecosystems.
Saint Paul Mountain Trails
For more adventurous hikers, the trails that traverse Saint Paul Mountain offer a panoramic view of the park and its surroundings. These trails are challenging but reward visitors with unparalleled views of the jungle and the sea.
Panoramic Viewpoints
The park offers several viewpoints where you can enjoy spectacular views of the area’s geography. From these points, you can admire the rock formations, dense vegetation, and marine horizon.
One of the park’s main attractions is the boat tour along the underground river. During this journey through underground passages and caves, visitors can observe the beautiful limestone formations and the wildlife inhabiting the cave system.
Jungle Hiking
The park offers various trails where adventurers can immerse themselves in the tropical jungle, surrounded by lush flora and fauna. These trails provide a closer experience with nature, ideal for those seeking a tranquil adventure.
Guided Boat Tours
Boat tours are not limited to the underground river. The tours through the mangroves allow travelers to explore aquatic ecosystems and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Observation
Thanks to the rich variety of species, wildlife observation is one of the favorite activities in the park. From exotic birds to reptiles and mammals, the park’s biodiversity offers unforgettable opportunities for nature lovers.
Indigenous Culture of the Puerto Princesa National Park
Batak and Tagbanua Communities
The Batak and Tagbanua are two indigenous groups that have inhabited Palawan for centuries. These communities maintain a deep connection with the park’s natural environment, and their ancestral knowledge of the land has been key to conserving its resources. Visitors can learn about their customs, crafts, and way of life.
Local Traditions and Customs
Local traditions, influenced by proximity to the sea and jungle, are an essential part of the park’s cultural experience. There are cultural activities where you can participate to learn more about the indigenous communities’ traditional practices.
Gastronomy of the Puerto Princesa Region
Local Dishes of Palawan
The region’s gastronomy is heavily influenced by fresh products from the sea and jungle. Local dishes include seafood, grilled fish, and coconut-based preparations, essential ingredients in Palawan’s cuisine. A highlight of the local food is the abundance of fresh fish and seafood, served in various ways, from ceviche to grilled dishes. These flavors reflect the rich marine life surrounding Palawan Island.
Traditional Beverages
Traditional drinks in Palawan include tuba, a fermented drink made from coconut palm sap, and other local infusions crafted with native ingredients.
Accommodations Near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Accommodations in Sabang
Sabang is the gateway to the park, where tourists can find various accommodations, from eco-lodges to luxury resorts. Many of these accommodations are designed to offer panoramic views of the coast and lush natural surroundings.
Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Princesa
For those who prefer to stay in the city, Puerto Princesa offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to high-end resorts. Many of these hotels provide excursions to the park, making trip planning easier.
Eco-Lodges and Sustainable Accommodations
Palawan is known for its focus on eco-tourism, and many accommodations near the park follow sustainable practices. These eco-lodges allow you to enjoy nature without leaving a significant footprint on the environment.
Camping and Glamping Options
For adventurers who want to be closer to nature, there are camping and glamping options near the park. These sites offer a more rustic but comfortable experience, with everything needed for a stay immersed in nature.
Next recommended parks: Philippines National Parks.
