The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is found in the Midwest coast of Palawan approximately 365 nautical miles south of Manila. It is located some 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa City, facing the South China sea. It lies within portions of Bgys. Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Tagabinet, Its geographic coordinates are 10′ 10 north, 118′ 55 south.
History
The PPSRNP was established on March 26, 1971, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 835 issued by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Formerly known as the St. Paul Subterranean National Park, it initially comprised of 3,901 hectares of terrestrial reservation. To ensure long-term viability, former President Joseph E. Estrada signed Proclamation No. 212 on November 16, 1999 expanding the area of the Park to 22,202 hectares that now includes the entire catchment for the Underground River and significant forest important for biodiversity conservation. It was also renamed to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to properly identifying it with the place. The PPSRNP was also declared as a National Geological Monument on December 11, 2003 by the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS).
Early History
There is no existing document that shows who or when the underground river was first discovered, but it is believed that the islands early inhabitants were the first to know of the existence, but their fear of spirits that they believe inhabit the caves prevented them from exploring the depts. The earliest mention one could hold of would be that of an Assistant Professor of Zoology at the University of Michigan who later became the Secretary of Interior at the first decade of American rule, Dean C. Worcester who wrote in 1887 while touring the island of Palawan “if accounts are to be believed, of a lake opening to the sea by a Subterranean River”.
Physical Features
Topography varies from flat terrain to rolling hinterlands, from hills to mountain peaks. The area is split at the center by a limestone or karst outcrop known as the St. Paul mountain range that rises 1,028 meters at its peak. The karst is 11 km long, averages 3-5 km wide and covers an area of around 35 sq. /km. It is estimated to be between 16 – 20 million years old.
The Park serves as a catchment to the Cabayugan River that flows down the slopes of Mt. Bloomfield, irrigating paddy farms before disappearing under Mt. St. Paul to become the underground river, and the Babuyan River which at 54 km is the longest river in Palawan. It provides water to local communities for domestic and agriculture use.
People and Livelihood
The PPSRNP has a population of 3,800 individuals including around 400 members of the Batak and Tagbanua, two of the seven cultural groups of Palawan. Majority of the people speak Pilipino and the local dialect Cuyunon, other dialects spoken include Ilocano and Cebuano. Most household earn their living from farming except in Sabang and Coastal areas of Marufinas, where many household depend on fishing and tourism. Indigenous People are traditionally engaged in gathering of minor forest products such as rattan (Calamus sp.)poles, almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) resin, and wild honey as the main source of income. They are also involved in upland farming and resort to hunting game to add to their food requirements.
Points of Interest
A WONDER OF NATURE – The Puerto Princesa Underground River is easily navigable up to 4.3 km and is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. Trained Park staff operate paddle boats take visitors to a 45 minute tour of the cave to appreciate the different rock formations. Also notable are the thousands of bats and swiftlets that inhabit the cave.JUNGLE TREKKING – There are 8 forest formations present in the PPSRNP. An alternative 5.3 km trail from Sabang to the Underground River is designed in such a way that allows visitors to trek through the different forest formations to observe wildlife and sounds of the wilderness. For those physically fit to trek steep climbs, it is truly a rewarding experience of an athletic jungle adventure. Wildlife commonly seen are monkeys, monitor lizards and squirrels.
BIRD WATCHING - The Park is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) and Endemic Bird Area(EBA) by Birdlife International (BI). It is a home to at least 7 wildlife species listed under Convention of Internationally Threatened and Endangered Species (CITES). It is inhabited by some 195 species of birds including all 15 endemic species of Palawan. One must start early and preferably equipped with binoculars to see the brightly colored birds of the Park. Notable are the Philippine cockatoo, Palawan peacock pheasant, Palawan hornbill, blue-napped parrot.
MANGROVE PADDLEBOAT TOUR –The tour allows visitors to experience and appreciate what old growth mangrove forest free of human intervention looks like. Visitors are also given the chance to contribute to the cause of conservation by planting mangrove saplings in designated planting areas. This project is managed and operated by local community residents.
ADVENTURE CAVING- Aside from the Underground River, the area boasts a number of cave systems worth exploring. Climbing Ugong Rock allows one to view the surrounding natural beauty. Other areas to explore include the Lions Cave and the Daylight Hole.
WHITESAND BEACHES – The shoreline of the PPSRNP comprises some of the island’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. Most popular are the Sabang beach, Panaguman beach, and Marta Fe beach. The cool and crystal waters make it ideal for swimming and enjoying the sun.
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM – Learn more about the culture of Batak and Tagbanua, two of the indigenous cultural groups found within the PPSRNP by visiting the Ethographic Museum. Briefings and information materials about the Park could also be availed at the museum.
Park Rate and Other Fees
General Entrance Fee
P 75.00 and P 50.00
Cave Entrance Fee*
21 – 59 yr. Old (P 200.00)
18 – 20 yr. Old (P 100.00)
13 – 17 yr. Old ( P 75.00)
6 – 12 yr. Old (P 50.00)
Commercial Video Fee (P 3,000.00)
*Filipino Senior Citizens 60 yr. old and above, Children 5 years old and below, and the handicapped are exempted from paying entrance for the Underground River Tour.
Management strictly enforces a “No permit, No entrance policy”. Visitor Entry Permits can be obtained at the Underground River Booking Office located at the center of the City.
Other Fees
Van Rental from the City Proper
P 3,500.00 – two way (average van rental price)
Boat to Underground River Beach
P700.00 for 6 persons – two way
Knowing more about Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
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