Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the St. Paul Mountains on the northwest coast of Palawan Island, Philippines. It has been declared a World Natural Heritage Monument by UNESCO. The slopes of the mountain are covered with dense rainforest.

Along the coast, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has swamps with mangrove trees. There are beautiful coral reefs in the waters. The main tourist attraction of the park is the underground river. It rises from the mountains and meanders for 8 km. Boats can sail on it. Before reaching the sea, the river passes through huge caves with ceilings up to 60 m high and 120 m wide, in which there are large rock formations. The underground river is also interesting in that it flows into the sea and combines a freshwater and saltwater ecosystem. In its lower reaches its waters are slightly saline and are influenced by the tides of the sea. The river passes through long passages and halls that are inhabited by a colony of swiftlets and by eight species of bats.

Among the animals found on Palawan are the Palauan stink badger, the Palauan spiny porpoise and the Palauan tree shrew. The Kalauit Wildlife Sanctuary is interesting to explore. The best time to visit is from November to April and the nearest town is Puerto Princesa, 80 km away.