Puerto Princesa is the second most populous city in the Philippines, located in the overseas province of Palawan. The city of Puerto Princesa got its name thanks to Princess Eulalia de Borbón, the monarch who led the expedition to the Asian archipelago. Since 1872, Puerto Princesa stands as a mixture of Western and Eastern cultures, with different tourist riches to offer.
Locals and visitors usually enjoy daily walks in its paradisiacal spas, as well as tasting delicious points of its varied local gastronomy, but the jewel in its crown is the splendid underground river system, which year after year attracts hundreds of adventurers to discover its mysterious corners.
Founded under Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Parkthis imposing flow is recognized by both UNESCO and World Heritagesince the year 1999while in November 2011 was recognized as one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
A unique reserve for the biodiversity of fauna and flora, this natural reservoir turns out to be a magical encounter with nature, offering a wide range of ecosystems. Without a doubt, a visit to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park will be one of the most spectacular landscapes that you can treasure for life.
The geography of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is made up of 8 kilometers of limestone karst, which connects in its lower zone with the South China Sea. In fact, at the mouth it can be seen how the marine influence takes part in the currents of the flow.
During the canoe ride through the crystalline waters of the underground river you will be able to see spectacular rocky figures such as small caves, stalagmites and stalactites, thanks to the action of external and biological agents, these being the habitat of hundreds of bats. Upon your departure, you have the possibility to do underwater exploration in the bay of ‘Sabang’ where you will find an unrepeatable coast full of reefs, where along with observation, line and hook fishing is allowed.
Next to the underground river of Puerto Princesa, This national park has another 11 different ecosystems to offer in its more than 5,000 hectares of extensionsuch as boat rides through the virgin islets of Bahía Honda, or hiking through the lush forests of ‘Ugong Rock’.
At the first point there are private boats that offer transfers to each of the paradisiacal corners, such as ‘Pandan Island’, ‘Starfish Island’, ‘Cowrie Island’ and ‘Luli Island’. While in ‘Ugong Rock’ you can enjoy walks in the imposing Philippine jungle, together with the enjoyment of height with zip-line trips, or continue with the exploratory charm of caving.
For local accommodation, there are small bungalows, called ‘Dubdub’. Humble and practical houses made of cane and with palm roofs, which offer an exotic corner for rest, offering shelter from the lush Philippine jungle, and facing the paradisiacal coasts of Puerto Princesa.