Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 16. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

As our boat was wading through the dark and chilly Underground River, I remember the cranky bat sounds and the hilarious jokes of our tour guide, Kuya Roger. He kept us entertained with his snappy comments about the major formations of stalactites and stalagmites inside the chambers of this world wonder. He was too funny! Overall, it was a quick tour, but definitely a fun and wonderful experience for me. 

Besides visiting the Underground River, some of the things I recommend doing in Puerto Princesa City are:  foodtrip (Badjao Seafront, Ka Lui, Bilao at Palayok, try  the local dish tamilok); city tour -  Butterfly Garden, Crocodile Farm, Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill, Tiange, Tiange (buy goodies like cashew nuts and some souvenirs), Baywalk, Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel; Ugong Rock adventure; and Honda Bay Tour. 

More stories about my Puerto Princesa adventures here.

Tourists at Puerto Princesa Underground River

2011 Unforgettable Journeys

I wish I could bottle up all the great memories I had while backpacking Pilipinas this year. I immensely enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks to my travel buddies who joined me exploring some destinations in Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao! Until next year! But before I get too hyped up with 2012, first, here's 2011 in retrospect. :)

Revisiting Mt. Pinatubo. The first time I went there in 2009, I was  very impressed with the crater that I told myself it definitely deserves a second visit. So last January, I climbed again. This time with Cha, Kidd and Janet. But unlike in 2009 that good weather was on our side, this recent climb proved to be more difficult. It was drizzling all the way to the top and we had to go through an agonizing four-hour trek on a rocky terrain. But all the hardships waned the moment we saw the crater. It’s worth it! :)

Palumbanes Lighthouse Summit. On my previous visits to Palumbanes Island (Caramoran, Catanduanes), I always wondered when I would ever get near its lighthouse. Perched on the mountain overlooking the island, for me it’s a silent witness to the daily grind of the sea, mountain, and the community living below it. And so on my visit last March, along with 10 companions, I was thrilled to have finally reached this panoramic part of Palumbanes. From there I got 360-degrees view of the island. What a sight! :)

New Seven Wonders of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River

We only have until 11-11-2011 to vote for Puerto Princesa Underground River to be included as  one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature!

“The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.” –www.new7wonders.com

This is our chance to pin one of our best destinations on to the world map. Let's do it!

Here are ways to vote:

A. Online Vote

1. Go to the site: http://www.new7wonders.com/

2. Go to the Vote tab and choose your seven candidates. Your first pick should be the PP Underground River Philippines! :)

3. Create a new account and fill up the form. Use a valid email address to vote.

4. Confirmation of your vote will be sent to your email address.

B. SMS Vote

Each SMS sent counts as one vote for PP Underground River in the New7Wonders of Nature.

Send PPUR to 2861

Cost per each SMS sent:
PHP2.00 (Sun)
PHP2.50 (Globe, Smart)

Below are some of my photos from my trip to PP Underground River this year. :)

Let's all vote now!!! :)

Puerto Princesa Adventures

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River 

March 20-22, 2011

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

I was feeling grumpy days before our trip. I wasn’t my usual jumpy and excited self. But then, the idea that I’d finally stop wondering what it feels to be inside the Underground River gave me some comforting thoughts. I. Must. See. It.

Kidd and Cha inside Ugong Rock