Welcome to a Wonder of Nature!
Nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto
Princesa Subterranean River runs for 8.2 kilometers underground and boasts
limestone karst formations, stalactites and stalagmites.
You can cruise down the river in a canoe. Watch out for the
Palawan stink badger, an adorable little skunk that lives in the area.
Fee: General entrance fee of P50-75 (US$1.10-1.70) and
another cave entrance fee of P200 (US$4.50) for 20-59 year olds.
The underground river is 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto
Princesa city on the western coast of Palawan.
The Park features a
spectacular limestone or karst mountain landscape. It contains an 8.2 km long
underground river that flows directly to the sea. The lower half of the river
is brackish and subject to the oceans tide. A subterranean river flowing
directly into the sea and the associated tidal influence makes it the most
unique natural phenomenon of its type to exist. The presence of 11 minerals,
scientifically and aesthetically unique speleothems, and a 20 million year old
Serenia fossil embedded in the walls of the cave justifies the declaration of the
Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Park also
contains a full mountain to sea ecosystems and protects forests that are
important for biodiversity conservation. It is a representative of Palawan
Moist Forests, which are among the most significant in Asia, and is noted for
high levels of regional and local endemism. The Site serves as habitat to
numerous endangered, rare and endemic wildlife species. In the coastal area,
mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs are found.
The global
significance of the Park is recognized by its designation as a World Heritage
Site, a Biosphere Reserve, a Ramsar Site, and an Important Bird Area. Inclusion
to these prestigious lists confirms the outstanding universal value of the Park
that deserves to be conserved for the benefit of the present and future
generations. The Park managed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa thru a
multi sector Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). It has the distinction of
being the first national park devolved and successfully managed by a local
government unit. Under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, the
Site has become a model for effective protected area management and sustainable
tourism in the Philippines.
The Puerto Princesa
Subterranean River National Park is a source of pride and a key element in the
identity of the people of Puerto Princesa in particular and of the Philippines
as a whole. It is a symbol of commitment by the Filipino people in the global
efforts to conserve our natural heritage.
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