The underground river, is just one of the famous tourist destination, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. A visit to the island is never complete if you do not tour the wonder.
The Underground River is located northeast of Puerto Princesa. It is considered by many that it is the most favorite destination of tourist, not only those coming from foreign countries but even those coming from different parts of the country as well. Contrary to its moniker, the river is not really underground if you based it on the sea level. It is even a little bit above sea level as its waters flow out to St. Paul Bay. Passages of this giant underworld are more than 24 km long and here is located one of the largest cave halls in the world and thus it seems you are underground.
This famous river is just around 76 km from Puerto Princesa. A fleet of van for hires or passenger PUV can take you there from the airport. Travel Time is around 1 and a half to 2 hours, It is located within the declared protected area known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or PPSRNP.
What can be found inside the caves?
Boats traversing the rivers are usually made of fiberglass. Veteran boatmen regales tourists of the different information about the stalactites and stalagmites along the corridors and open chambers within. Several Rock formation can be observed as the tours progressed. Some rock formations look like the holy family, a mushroom, a horse, a naked lady, a cacao fruit, among others.
Although the underground river is known to be 8.2 kilometers long, only 4.3 is easily navigable for tourists to see. A special permit is required to explore the inner portions where it is possible to wade through the waters. The underground river in the city of Puerto Princesa was once reputed to be the world’s longest underground river until the discovery of an underground river in Mexico.
Is it worth the trip?
Yes, absolutely. It's an otherworldly experience: imagine paddling through the dark in a small boat – the boatman’s headlamp the only light guiding your way – while the soft click-click of bats, chirps of swallows and the echoey drip, drip of water from the roof is your soundtrack. You glide through giant cavernous cathedrals, past mushroom-shaped rocks, in-between candle-like spindles of limestone and into some of the darkest reaches of the underbelly of the cave.
Tours only take visitors up to the 4 km mark, but those wanting to apply for a special permit far enough in advance, can tour all 8.2 kilometers. This far into the cave, it’s so narrow that boats can’t pass and you have to swim between the rock walls.
Comments