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The world’s longest navigable underground river is found in Palawan, Philippines. One of the tourist attractions of Palawan, this underground Palawan River has gained worldwide recognition for being a world heritage site. Formerly known to be St. Paul’s Cave by the ancient people, this underground Palawan River was handed down to generations has revolved to be named as St. Paul’s Underground River National Park. Until March 26, 1971 by virtue of a Proclamation No. 835 the underground Palawan River was officially named Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park.
Strategically located 8.1 kilometers away from the city proper of Puerto Princessa, the underground Palawan River is located at Bahile town of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The enchanting place of the underground Palawan River can be reached in two ways either through a pump boat ride or trekking through a monkey trail. An alternative route can be taken to reach Bahile town via a pump boat ride from the Bahile wharf. After the pump boat ride, about 2.1 kilometer trek is needed to reach the river entrance.
The pump boat ride on the way to the underground Palawan River is also an entertaining sight of the Palawan coasts. The monkey trail however could be more fun when you desire to see loose naughty monkeys throughout the trail. Along the trail leading to the underground Palawan River are monitor lizards locally known as “bayawak” are usually seen as running, climbing trees or simply resting along the trail side. Traveling on the way to the famous underground Palawan River is an exciting experience already.
As you reach the entrance to the underground Palawan River you need a banca to transport you through a lagoon and directly into the mouth of the cave entrance to navigate the 8 kilometer River stretch. The first 4 kilometers is considered to be navigable. Upon entrance to the river, the cave is filled with darkness that engulfs the place with a mystical ambience. The single light source to the dark cavern only comes from kerosene in the banca. Every turn will reveal magnificent beauties of stalactite and stalagmites that are formed in various shapes, mostly resembling that of religious image, birds and fruits.
Emerging from the River’s entrance is a welcoming light that reflects the cool, blue green waters of the lagoon. The marble and limestone rocky mountains as land forms surrounding the Palawan River Park are a delightful sight.
Because of the outstanding natural and cultural assets found in Palawan, efforts are now being taken to support and preserve the underground Palawan River and other natural beauties the island offer for the benefit of the future generations of the country and to gain global recognition of the beauty of Palawan Island.
Strategically located 8.1 kilometers away from the city proper of Puerto Princessa, the underground Palawan River is located at Bahile town of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The enchanting place of the underground Palawan River can be reached in two ways either through a pump boat ride or trekking through a monkey trail. An alternative route can be taken to reach Bahile town via a pump boat ride from the Bahile wharf. After the pump boat ride, about 2.1 kilometer trek is needed to reach the river entrance.
The pump boat ride on the way to the underground Palawan River is also an entertaining sight of the Palawan coasts. The monkey trail however could be more fun when you desire to see loose naughty monkeys throughout the trail. Along the trail leading to the underground Palawan River are monitor lizards locally known as “bayawak” are usually seen as running, climbing trees or simply resting along the trail side. Traveling on the way to the famous underground Palawan River is an exciting experience already.
As you reach the entrance to the underground Palawan River you need a banca to transport you through a lagoon and directly into the mouth of the cave entrance to navigate the 8 kilometer River stretch. The first 4 kilometers is considered to be navigable. Upon entrance to the river, the cave is filled with darkness that engulfs the place with a mystical ambience. The single light source to the dark cavern only comes from kerosene in the banca. Every turn will reveal magnificent beauties of stalactite and stalagmites that are formed in various shapes, mostly resembling that of religious image, birds and fruits.
Emerging from the River’s entrance is a welcoming light that reflects the cool, blue green waters of the lagoon. The marble and limestone rocky mountains as land forms surrounding the Palawan River Park are a delightful sight.
Because of the outstanding natural and cultural assets found in Palawan, efforts are now being taken to support and preserve the underground Palawan River and other natural beauties the island offer for the benefit of the future generations of the country and to gain global recognition of the beauty of Palawan Island.
