Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, The Philippines

Abstract

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, in the Philippines, contains one of the world’s most impressive cave systems with spectacular limestone karst landscapes. It includes an underground river that flows directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and subject to ocean tide, which makes this an important natural phenomenon. The river’s cavern exhibits dramatic speleothems and several large chambers. Its accessibility and navigability inland allows it to be experienced by the general public, who can view the rock formations on spectacular river cruises. The park contains significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. It includes a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem, protecting the largest limestone forest in Asia. The park was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2012.