Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River, Underground river system in Puerto Princesa, Philippines.
The subterranean river extends 24 kilometers through limestone formations, containing multiple chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and natural rock sculptures.
The river system gained international recognition in 1999 when UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site for its geological and ecological characteristics.
Local inhabitants maintain strong connections to the river system through traditional practices and share stories about its formation passed down through generations.
Visitors must obtain permits from the Underground River Booking Office at Puerto Princesa City Coliseum and arrange transportation to Sabang village.
The cave system contains a second floor with separate waterfalls, creating distinct water flows that scientists continue to study and map.
Operator: Puerto Princesa City LGU
GPS coordinates: 10.15873,118.91148
Latest update: March 3, 2025 08:10
Natural caves form over thousands of years through chemical and physical processes in various rock formations. Limestone caves develop through the slow dissolution of carbonate rock, creating stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral deposits. Ice caves preserve frozen structures year-round in mountainous regions, while marble chambers result from the erosion of metamorphic rock. These geological formations offer insight into Earth's history and natural processes that unfold over millions of years. Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico extends more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of explored passages with large chambers filled with limestone formations. Eisriesenwelt in Austria is one of the world's largest ice caves, stretching 26 miles (42 kilometers) through the Tennengebirge mountains. Reed Flute Cave in Guilin displays colorfully illuminated limestone formations dating back 180 million years. In New Zealand, glowworms illuminate the ceilings of Waitomo Caves, while Puerto Princesa's underground river in the Philippines flows through limestone rock. The marble chambers of Patagonia show wave-like patterns carved by water into calcium carbonate rock.
The Philippines display rice terraces in Ifugao mountains, coral reefs in Tubbataha National Park, and cave systems in Samar. Mayon Volcano shows its geometric shape, while Chocolate Hills of Bohol extend across the landscape. White sand beaches line the coasts of Boracay and Palawan.
Puerto Princesa River
4.8 km
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
53.7 km
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
3.5 km
Sabang
4.6 km
Fort Santa Isabel
99.8 km
Secret Lagoon
118.3 km
Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape/Seascape
87.9 km
Hidden Beach
121.7 km
El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
130.1 km
Seven Commandos Beach
124 km
Big Lagoon
119.6 km
Small Lagoon
119.8 km
Plaza Cuartel historical marker
50.7 km
Matinloc Shrine
122.9 km
Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum
49.7 km
Talisay Beach
121.9 km
Museum of Palawan
50.4 km
Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls
135.1 km
Ille Cave
132.6 km
Small Lagoon to Big Lagoon
119.7 km
Higinio A. Mendoza historical marker
50.4 km
Secret Beach
122 km
Cowrie Island
38.8 km
Erawan Beach
70.7 km
Fort Santa Isabel historical marker
99.8 km
Secret Lagoon
118.3 km
Babuyan Bridge
18.2 km
Tulariquen Bridge
33.4 kmReviews
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