Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or Underground River - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Описание: The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River—often called the Underground River—is one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s what makes it special:

🌊 What It Is

The underground river is an 8.2-kilometer navigable river that flows directly beneath a limestone karst mountain range before emptying into the West Philippine Sea. A portion of the river is accessible by small paddle boats, allowing visitors to journey through cavernous chambers filled with dramatic geological formations.

🏞️ Key Features

Massive limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers.

Unique ecosystem — the river flows through a complete mountain-to-sea ecosystem, one of the few in the world.

Rich biodiversity — home to bats, swiftlets, reptiles, and various endemic species.

Brackish water — the river is influenced by ocean tides, creating a mix of salt and freshwater.

🌳 Surrounding Environment

The river is located inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a protected area with lush tropical rainforest, diverse wildlife, and mangrove forests. Monkeys, monitor lizards, and colorful birds are commonly seen along the trail to the boat dock.

🚣 Visitor Experience

Most tours include:

A scenic boat ride from Sabang Beach to the cave entrance

A guided paddle boat tour inside the river (usually the first 1–1.5 km of the cave system)

An audio guide explaining formations, wildlife, and geological history

🏆 Recognition

UNESCO World Heritage Site (1999)

One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (2012)