Puerto Princesa Underground River

Before even reaching the entrance of the cave, it’s easy to see why this underground river is one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature. Limestone cliffs rise vertically from the waters of a blindingly turquoise sea, and an adjacent, hidden white-sand beach is the tropical image of perfection. The beauty isn't the main attraction, however, as visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site mainly for the chance to navigate the caves.
Spilling directly into the South China Sea, the river system runs for nearly five miles beneath the lush, forested mountainside. Boatmen casually paddle visitors into the darkness of the tropical unknown, and the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters are replaced by inky black silence. The only light comes from beams of flashlights as they flit and illuminate stalactites, and the air in the cave is a cool respite from the warm conditions outside. On the roof of the cave, the eerie chatter of unseen bats provides a natural soundtrack to the paddle, as the rock formations begin to take shapes and almost spring to life. When the journey is over and you’re back in the sunshine, there is a slight relief to be out of the cave and surrounded by such tropical beauty—but also a longing for the temporary silence found back beneath the mountain. 

Practical Info

From the city of Puerto Princesa itself, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is 1.5 hours by car. It’s a 15-minute boat ride from Sabang village to reach the entrance of the cave, and due to the river’s fame and popularity, it’s best to arrange an underground river tour before arriving in Palawan.

Photo courtesy of the Philippines Department of Tourism