Before it snagged the coveted title of one of the world’s newest Seven Wonders of Nature, the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, now more famously known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), was already on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed December 4, 1999) for its outstanding geological formations, complete ‘sea to summit’ ecosystem, and critically important biosphere for biodiversity conservation.
Up close, PPUR is achingly magnificent. How it was formed is equally a marvel, a testament to how geological forces can be astoundingly creative, in the same way that they are destructive.
Below is the author’s attempt to capture in stills one of Palawan’s crown jewels.
Dawn over Sitio Sabang, home to the Underground River
The rocky side of the Sabang Beach (to the left of the viewer when facing the sea)Budget accommodations on the rocky end of Sabang BeachThe sandy beach to the ‘right’ of the wharf when viewer faces the seaUpscale resorts on the sandy end of Sabang BeachDocking area on the way the riverThe less photographed (and largely ignored) side of the docking areaThe pre-tour area where tourists put on hard hat and orange flotation deviceThe photogenic entrance to the caveBreathtaking stalactites hang over the ceiling of the Underground RiverStalactites resemble easily recognizable items and figures (Filipino vegetable ‘okra’ to the far right)Massive stalagmites (recognizable as a ‘dripping candle’) rise out of the cave floorCrevices are home to nocturnal residents such as batsOn the way outBoatload of tourists entering the caveUnhindered view of the entrance to the Underground RiverAn elevated view of the mountains that hide a river
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
