Puerto Princesa in the Philippines is in the western province of Palawan which some would describe as being the country's final ecological frontier. This city has a population of around 210,000. This makes it the least populated city in the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa is an example of a multicultural melting pot in the Philippines with its diverse population of indigenous groups such as the Batak, Palawanos, Molbogs and Takbanwas living together in this small but beautiful city. These groups have a rich history of cultural legacy and folklore waiting to be explored. Filipinos migrants from other provinces also add to the pot pourri of diversity in the city. This small Palawan city is also known as a model city in terms of its environmental preservation efforts and cleanliness.
Not many have heard of Puerto Princesa. In fact you must be wondering what is so famous about this small Philippines city. If you travel 50 kilometres north of the city you will discover one of the most awe-inspiring natural attraction that you have ever seen in your entire life, which is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This river was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the longest navigable underground river in the world. You can navigate up to 4 kilometres in the majestic river that flows directly into the South China Sea
This magnificent river was chosen as one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature in early 2012. Ever since the Puerto Princesa Underground River was discovered, tourists began to flock into this small Palawan city to explore the unique river. The number of tourists visiting Puerto Princesa Underground River has risen at an exponential rate until the city authority has made regulations limiting the number of visitors at 780 per day. The tour to the underground river has proven to be most popular that visitors will have to book their tour months in advance in order to secure a place!
With its magnificent cave system, it is unsurprising that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is rapidly attracting visitors, explorers and scientists from all over Philippines and abroad to its shore. These rising numbers flocking to Puerto Princesa is a testament to the fact that the river has a lot of wonders to offer its visitors. When you navigate into the river, you will be greeted with an extremely breathtaking view of its caverns and rock formations. The 24 kilometres long St. Pauls Underground River Cave that contains the underground portion of Cabayugan River, stretching around 8.2 kilometres, is one main attraction within the Princesa Underground River system that you must see by yourself in order the appreciate the magnitude of its beauty.
You will also get the chance to witness the unique animal and plant-life that makes up the rich tapestry of the river ecosystem. As a matter of fact the Princesa Underground River has a complete mountain-to-sea ecosystem. It is indeed beyond the shadow of a doubt that the river rightly deserves the designation of both the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature.
This hidden jewel of Philippines has now began to show its sparkling intensity to the whole world as Puerto Princesa is starting to be transformed into a major tourist destination. Perhaps it is now your turn to discover the glorious beauty of Puerto Princesa and its underground river.
