Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River)

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River)

Location: Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected natural area on the midwestern coast of Palawan, centered on an underground section of the Cabayugan River that passes through the limestone karst of the St. Paul Mountain Range before flowing directly into the sea. The park protects approximately 22,202 hectares and contains an 8.2-kilometer underground river system with a lower section influenced by ocean tides. Its landscape links forests, karst mountains, caves, rivers, wetlands, and coastal habitats in a mountain-to-sea ecosystem. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its exceptional natural features and biodiversity importance.

🌊 What to Expect

Underground river and cave system – The Cabayugan River disappears beneath the limestone of Mount St. Paul and continues through an extensive cave system before reaching the sea. The underground river extends approximately 8.2 kilometers.

Limestone karst formations – Inside and around the cave are limestone formations created by long-term geological processes. The wider park includes rugged karst cliffs, caves, sinkholes, forested hills, and mountain terrain.

River-to-sea connection – A distinctive feature of the subterranean river is that it flows directly into the sea. Its lower section is brackish and affected by tidal conditions, an important part of the site's natural significance.

Mountain-to-sea ecosystem – The protected area contains multiple connected habitats, including lowland and limestone forests, riverine areas, freshwater swamps, mangroves, beaches, seagrass beds, and coastal ecosystems.

Cave and forest wildlife – Bats and swiftlets inhabit the cave, while the surrounding forests support Palawan wildlife including hornbills, the Palawan peacock-pheasant, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and numerous other native species. Wildlife sightings are naturally not guaranteed.

Internationally protected natural heritage – The park is recognized by UNESCO for both its exceptional natural landscape and its importance as habitat for biodiversity conservation. It is also listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

🧭 Good to Know

Protected-area rules apply – The Underground River forms part of a nationally protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors should follow park regulations and instructions intended to protect the cave, wildlife, forests, and surrounding ecosystems.

Visitor access is managed – Entry to the Underground River is controlled by park management rather than being unrestricted cave access. Visitor arrangements should therefore be confirmed before traveling to the site.

Weather can affect access – Underground River trips involve both coastal and cave environments, and the official park information notes that tours may be suspended during extreme weather conditions.

Respect wildlife – Macaques, monitor lizards, birds, bats, and other animals occur naturally within the park. Observe wildlife from an appropriate distance and avoid feeding or disturbing animals.