Puerto Princesa Underground River Day, celebrated on November 11 every year, honors one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations. The “Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park” is situated approximately 47 miles northwest of Puerto Princesa within the Saint Paul Mountain Range. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it encompasses a ‘mountain to sea’ ecosystem that contains some of the most notable and intact old-growth forests in Asia, as well as a phenomenal limestone karst landscape and a globally significant ecosystem for conservation of biodiversity and threatened species of wildlife, among other features.
History of Puerto Princesa Underground River Day
In 2010, a group of conservationists and geologists discovered that the subterranean river has a second level, meaning that the cave has tiny waterfalls. They also uncovered a cave dome 980 feet above the subterranean river, as well as enormous bats, rock structures, a deep water hole, numerous river systems, and various animals and marine species. Deeper sections of the subterranean river are nearly difficult to inspect due to oxygen loss.The Puerto Princesa Underground River (P.P.U.R.) which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, has attracted fresh worldwide interest in recent years. On November 11, 2011, the Puerto Princesa Underground River was named one of the world’s new Seven Wonders. On January 28, 2012, this pick was formally verified. On January 28, 2012, Malacanang expressed delight at the P.P.U.R. being named one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. The declaration that the P.P.U.R. is one of the world’s New Seven Wonders is very encouraging. “Throughout the competition, Filipinos from all walks of life have donated time, energy, and resources to our campaign,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.The P.P.U.R. is home to over 230 animal and 800 plant species, including 15 endangered bird species known exclusively in the Philippines. From the P.P.U.R’s coastal entry, paddle boats can go up to 5 miles underground — making it the world’s longest navigable subterranean river! In 2014, President Barack Obama issued Presidential Proclamation No. 816, declaring November 11 as Puerto Princesa Underground River Day (P.P.U.R. Day).
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day timeline
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A group of conservationists and geologists find that the Puerto Princesa Underground River has a second level, implying that there are minor waterfalls within the cave.
On November 11, 2011, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is named one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World.’
The selection of Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ is verified.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day FAQs
Why is Puerto Princesa Underground River famous?
It has exceptional biodiversity, with the Palawan Moist Forest being identified by the W.W.F’s Global Report as having the richest tree flora, high levels of regional and local endemism, and Asia’s most significant and most valuable limestone forest.
What can you see in the Underground River?
Visitors may discover this natural marvel by taking a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Fish, giant spiders, snakes, swallows, bats, and crabs are among the species found in the caves endemic to the river system. However, swallows and bats are frequently the only species to be seen.
Why is it important to protect the Puerto Princesa Underground River?
The Puerto Princesa Underground River has been named one of the world’s new seven wonders. It represents considerable habitat that is critical to biodiversity protection.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Activities
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Visit the river park
Plan a visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River Park and check out the unique cave systems and rich wildlife. The discoveries you make will astound you.
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Conserve the environment
You can also celebrate this day by taking care of the environment, e.g., using refillable water bottles instead of disposable water bottles or plastic bags. You will contribute to environmental conservation efforts that conserve species and increase biodiversity.
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Creating awareness
Celebrate Puerto Princesa Underground River Day by creating awareness through sharing posts and hashtags on social media. Join in the conversation and spread the news!
5 Facts About Puerto Princesa Underground River
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The river is five miles long
The river runs underground for roughly five miles, flowing past natural rock formations, including caves, stalagmites, and stalactites.
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Only half the length is easily accessible
Only 2.6 miles of it is readily accessible to visitors — if visitors want to traverse the last 2.4 miles, they must get special permission.
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It’s salty
The bottom part of the river has brackish water, which means it contains more salt than freshwater but not enough salt to be labeled salty water.
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It’s above sea level
Even though it is referred to as an underground river, it is located above sea level, and its waters flow into St. Paul Bay.
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Its rock formations resemble typical objects
Some rock formations resemble items and imagery, including a horse, cacao fruit, a fungus, and the Holy Family.
Why We Love Puerto Princesa Underground River Day
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X-Zipline Sabang
Palawan has numerous tourist attractions, but what distinguishes Sabang's X-Zipline is its stunning perspective of the mountains and the open sea.
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Beaches in Puerto Princesa
The Philippines has several lovely beaches — notably in Puerto Princesa. The most pleasing thing is that they are accessible by land from the underground river.
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The Monkey Trail
After your underground river trip, you may choose to return to Sabang on foot via the 5-kilometer Monkey Trail. A challenging hike through overgrown woodland and karst limestones leads to the off-the-beaten-path.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 11 | Friday |
| 2023 | November 11 | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 11 | Wednesday |
