New7Wonders of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River

The first time I heard about the Puerto Princesa Underground River was when it started vying for a spot as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. I have never been to Palawan before our trip this year. But I have long been hearing about the famous El Nido and its limestone rock formations which probably overshadowed this subterranean marvel...but not for long.

A customized 5x7 souvenir photo which you can buy at the Underground River's photo booth for Php 300.

There's no doubt that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is destined to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. This wonderful waterway, which has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an undeniable national treasure. With an underground river stretching out over five miles, that winds through a cave of beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, this amazing phenomenon of nature definitely entices tourists from all over the globe to experience its unfathomable beauty.

I have to admit that I had been a little reluctant about this tour because I have heard so many stories about how the life vests and the hard hats (which tourists have to use) smell, how dripping water from the roof of the cave could turn out to be fruit bat excrement and how it's so dark inside the narrow underground river which could be quite a nightmare for a claustrophobe like me.

But my curiosity soon won me over and led me to an experience worthy to belong in the world-class league of natural wonders.

After staying overnight at a resort in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, we were able to acquire our underground river tour reservation as walk-in applicants.

The next day, we arrived early at the Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center for registration and to pay the necessary fees:

1) Php 175 for adults and Php 100 for minors. Senior citizens and children ages 3-12 are exempted from this charge. But senior walk-in applicants are asked to pay a discounted rate of Php 100. Children 2 years old and under are not allowed to take the tour.
2) Php 700 for the motorized boat ride to the underground river. A single boat can carry around 6-8 persons.

The Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center. 

Guests, in line, while applying for a tour permit. Some, if not most, are foreigners. 

It took around 30 minutes for us to complete the entire registration process before we were assisted to a waiting boat at the dock. 

The motorized boats at Sabang Port.

Within 15 minutes, we reached the other side of the beach where the underground river is. Make sure you wear waterproof shoes, slippers or boots as you will be unloaded on a sandy beach where waves are sure to get your feet wet. Take it from me, I ruined my favorite pair of shoes.:( 

Other things to remember:

a) If you have long hair, tie up your mane before the boat ride as strong winds will get your hair all over your face and ruin a picture perfect moment.
b) Put on an anti-mosquito patch or use an insect repellent lotion. Although, we didn't encounter a single bug or mosquito that day, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
c) A bottle of water will come in handy especially if your tour schedule falls around the time when the sun's rays are strongest.
d) Bring a flashlight. You will need it inside the cave to get a clearer look at the beautiful rock formations.
e) Lastly, don't forget your cameras. Photos and memories are the best souvenirs.:)

After signing the registration list, we were asked to put on life vests which definitely didn't smell like flowers.:) We were then asked to put on hard hats which smelled even worse than the vests.:) No matter what, just remind yourself that this is only a small price to pay to experience an amazing feat of nature.:)

A cute monkey, nibbling on a banana,  is the lone forest inhabitant who welcomed us that day.

When we reached the river, we had to wait around 20 minutes before a paddle boat fetched us for the underground river tour. The boat has a capacity of 9 people, including our boatman/tour guide.

While waiting for our paddle boat, we took the opportunity to capture images of ourselves beside nature's beautiful work-of-art.

Before you scroll down any further, I should warn readers who want to avoid spoilers for I will be posting photos from inside the cave. However, I guarantee you that even though my husband has a knack for taking good pictures, a photo just won't do the raw natural beauty we have seen any justice.:)

The white markings at the entrance of the cave was placed there by explorers who first visited this previously untouched subterranean chamber.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River was first discovered by a local tribe inhabiting the area, who was said to have been afraid to enter the cavern for fear of bad spirits that they believe lurk inside.

The giant candle stalagmite formation (mineral deposits rising up from the floor of a cavern) serves as the highlight of the cave's cathedral section, the height of which can be compared to a three-storey building.

Stalactite formations (minerals hanging from the ceiling of limestone caves formed by dripping water).

Tiny fruit bats, deep in slumber, at the cave's ceiling. They sleep during the day and will wake up in the darkness of  night to hunt for food. We were warned repeatedly by our tour guide not to open our mouths for some bat excrement cocktail.:)

A vegetable-shaped stalactite.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River management chose the use of paddle boats which pose no threat to the cave's natural habitat.

Exiting the cave.

The genuine expression of awe in our faces after the 1.5km tour which lasted for 40 minutes.

It's interesting to note that our boatman, who is probably a local, is impressively well-versed in the facets and aspects of the underground cave. He talks in straight and impeccable English and is clearly enjoying his job as a tour guide. That's why, even if it isn't required, you will definitely feel like giving him a generous tip. After all, a wonderful tour will never be complete if your tour guide fails to deliver.

Our boatman/tour guide.

Before I end this article, let me just mention how I truly applaud the city government of Puerto Princesa for not exploiting this natural wonder. I know that they can earn more money by allowing every single tourist into the cave. Instead, they imposed a limit of only 780 tourists/day to ensure the preservation of this site for many more years to come. The Php 175 per person rate is also a really cheap price to pay for the entire experience. It would also be very easy to just set a high fee which foreign tourists surely can afford. But rather than doing that, they kept the fee very reasonable to give Filipinos an equal chance to get to know the Puerto Princesa Underground River and feel the pride of having such a world-class treasure in our very midst.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the world's New7Wonders of Nature.

Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa City
Puerto Princesa 5300, Philippines
Telephone Numbers: +63(48) 4342509


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Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Permit

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Permit

Garnering even more votes than the Galapagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon (which I seriously think should have made the list), the Puerto Princesa Underground River was instantly catapulted into the limelight as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Suddenly, not only Filipinos but people from all over the world want to be awed by the beauty of this hidden subterranean gem.

This increasing popularity led the local government to limit the number of visitors to 780 persons/day to prevent environmental damage to this natural sanctuary. Even so, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Authority wasn't prepared and was obviously overwhelmed by the huge influx of tourists in the town of Sabang. Due to this, tour permits to the underground river became as hard to come by as a travel visa. It had to be arranged months before and for most tourists, this is just not possible. Furthermore, foreign visitors and even Filipino tourists are extremely unaware of this "NO PERMIT, NO ENTRY POLICY", as well as the hard process that applying for a permit entails. I can just imagine how many tourists arrived and left Puerto Princesa without seeing what they came for. And this almost happened to us if not for sheer luck and my husband's perseverance.:) I will discuss this option last as there is no guarantee for "walk-in" applicants. It all depends on the fixed daily quota of walk-in visitors being administered per resort.

When I tried to check the Puerto Princesa Underground River Booking Schedule for available slots, I found out that the months of April, May and June are almost if not fully booked. Which means that you could be put on the wait list for around 3 months. So, in order to save yourself from the terrible disappointment of not being able to get tour permits to the underground river, YOU MUST APPLY FOR YOUR TOUR PERMITS MONTHS IN ADVANCE! 

You have three options:

OPTION A-
Get the services of a travel agency, they can surely arrange an underground river tour package for you. Still, it would take time as current slots have already been filled by earlier applications. So, do plan your trip in advance. On the other hand, I heard that some well-connected tour operators can get you an earlier schedule. If you know what I mean.:)

OPTION B-
If you are going without the assistance of a travel agent, it's only possible to secure a permit in advance if you know someone in Puerto Princesa who would be willing to apply for it on your behalf. Here's how:


STEP 1-Ask your friend to proceed to the Puerto Princesa City Underground River Booking Office which is around two minutes away from the airport. Tricycle fare from the airport is Php 8/pax.


Here's the address and contact details:
No. 350 Rizal Avenue
Bgy. Bancao-bancao, Puerto Princesa City 5300
Telephone Numbers: +63(48) 4342509


STEP 2-Fill out the application form and make sure to indicate accurate information as the policy dictates that this permit is non-transferable. Your representative will also be asked to present both of your valid identification cards (IDs) together with your authorization letter.


STEP 3-Settle the Underground River Tour fee which is Php 175 for adults and Php 100 for minors. Senior citizens and children ages 3-12 are exempted from this charge. Children 2 years old and under are not allowed to take the tour.


STEP 4-Make sure you arrive at Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center in Bgy. Cabayugan 1 hour prior to your tour schedule for registration. Failure to do so may deem your booking cancelled. You may contact them at: +63(48) 7230904.


A 1.5-hour local jeepney or air-conditioned shuttle van ride to Sabang Port costs around Php 120-200/pax from the San Jose Terminal which is around 10 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa city proper.


STEP 5-You will need to pay an additional Php 700 for the motorized boat ride to the underground river. A single boat can carry around 6-8 persons.

OPTION C-
If you find yourself reading this article while already checked in at a Sabang resort (like what happened to us) or if you have already booked air tickets for your Palawan holiday before finding out that underground river tour permits aren't that easy to secure, here's one last option for you as a walk-in applicant.

STEP 1-Make sure to stay at a hotel located in Sabang, not in downtown Puerto Princesa. One of the requirements is a certification from your respective Sabang resorts that you have stayed with them at least overnight.


STEP 2-Go to the Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center and check for available slots.  Only the 8am slot is set aside for walk-in applicants. Reservation for slots will only be entertained from 2pm until all slots are filled. You may choose to arrive early to be the first one in queue. Please note that they only open 5 slots per Sabang resort daily. So, if you have more than 5 people in your group, this option might not work for you. Alternatively, if you are a group of two or more people, only one of you needs to make an appearance to make a reservation for the entire group. You will be asked to present your valid identification cards (IDs) together with a certification of your one-night stay from your hotel.

The Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center.

STEP 3 (The day of the tour)-Make sure to be there 30 minutes before your scheduled trip as you still need to fill out the tour permit application form. Make sure to indicate accurate information as the policy dictates that this permit is non-transferable. 

Guests, in line, while applying for a tour permit. Some, if not most, are foreigners.

STEP 4-Settle the Underground River Tour fee which is Php 175 for adults and     Php 100 for minors. Children 2 years old and under are not allowed to take the tour. I noticed that while senior citizens and children 3-12 years old can get this permit for free from the Puerto Princesa Booking Office, senior citizens are being charged a discounted rate of Php 100 here. I'm just not sure about the rate for children as we do not have one in our group.


STEP 5-You will need to pay an additional Php 700 for the motorized boat ride to the underground river. A single boat can carry around 6-8 persons. 

The dock where motorized boats to the underground river are waiting.

Early at the dock for our 8am tour schedule.

A few moments before we boarded the boat that would take us to what is now, one of the Philippines' most popular tourist destinations.

Going through all this trouble just to secure a permit might make even the most enthusiastic visitor lose his interest. But if you ask me why I even made it a point to write this informative article, you would know that your efforts will not be in vain. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is absolutely worth it!

A customized 5x7 souvenir photo which you can buy at the Underground River's photo booth for Php 300.

UPDATE as of June 5, 2012: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, will be putting up an ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM for local and foreign tourists visiting its Underground River VERY SOON amidst confusion and complaints over the city government's restriction of access to the natural attraction.

Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa City
Puerto Princesa 5300, Philippines
Telephone Numbers: +63(48) 4342509

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New7Wonders of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River

Visiting Singapore: Marina Bay Sands

Before we ever made it to Singapore, I had been keeping a list of landmarks I want to visit when the moment arrives. And at the top of that list, just below The Merlion, is the triple-towered skyscraper that forever reshaped the Singapore skyline. The majestic structure, called the Marina Bay Sands, opened in June of 2010 and is one of the most opulent hotels in the world. It's also touted as the most expensive casino ever built.

The nightly laser light show at the Marina Bay Sands.

Upon arrival at the Singapore Changi Airport, we immediately approached the Marina Bay Sands concierge service to inquire about our airport transfer. We were directed to the coach pick-up bay where the Marina Bay Sands' complimentary shuttle picks up hotel guests every 30 minutes.

The spacious bus has comfortable seats and large windows that offer tourists a wonderful view of the city.

It's definitely hard to miss the imposing towers of Marina Bay Sands with its reflective glass facades glimmering in the sunlight. The iconic structure is situated across the Singapore river, beside a giant observation wheel called the Singapore Flyer.

Within 20 minutes, we were dropped off at the basement of the Marina Bay Sands. Only a few hotel staff were on hand to assist arriving guests with their luggage. I had to pull one of ours behind me while carrying my son up the escalator to the hotel lobby.

The lobby of the hotel exhibits the same ingenuity that the towers' revolutionary structural design vividly projects.

The enormous lobby is adorned with an impressive geometrical piece that is suspended in the atrium. The unusual art form, which looked alien to me at first until I did a little research, is a "Drift" sculpture. This three dimensional drawing in space is a real eye-catcher that totally evokes curiosity and wonder.

There are several check-in counters but we still had to wait in line for a few minutes due to the immense number of guests. Sterling wine is offered for free on check in while, finally, a hotel porter tagged and took our luggage.

We arrived at our room on the 43rd Floor of the Marina Bay Sands Tower 3. We didn't even notice the luxurious space and the flashing welcome note on the flat screen TV before we dropped everything to go straight to our huge hotel room windows showcasing the panoramic view of Singapore's skyline.

A night's stay in a Deluxe Room with City View (rooms on the 19th floor and above of Tower 3) starts at 529 SGD (plus tax). Around Php 21000/night.

The jaw-dropping view from our room.

Even my son was in awe.

This spacious 47-square meter room comes with complimentary airport transfers, access to Sands SkyPark and Banyan Tree Fitness Club and free high-speed internet access.

Paiza bathroom amenities.

I love how the soap was designed not to slip from your grip. Innovation in small things!

Automatic Private Mini-Bar. Caution! You lift a single item, you automatically get charged.:) 

After our mini photo-op, we finally gave in to our hunger pangs and went straight to The Shoppes for lunch.

On our way to The Shoppes, we passed by the plush casino which is billed as the most expensive  in the world.

The Shoppes is a premiere retail center, with over 300 stores, conveniently located inside the Marina Bay Sands. 

After our hearty lunch at the Rasapura Masters food court, we took our time exploring the spectacular mall. Exclusive luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, the Ferrari Store and Juicy Couture among others make this world-class shopping destination an essential stop for tourists.

The Digital Mall Directory system.

My shopping motto: Only the Devil wears Prada. Angels like me should be perfectly content to just window shop.:) 

The Ferrari Store. It's a little disappointing that we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the store.

The Ferrari fans didn't go home without a souvenir.:)

There's also an abundance of French pastry shops that sell my all-time favorite dessert, French Macaroons.  It took me three stores and several macaroons, however, to find the perfect level of chewiness and texture that I am looking for.

Sweetspot at the Marina Bay Sands.

TWG Tea Company sells their macaroons with a hint of tea flavor. (The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands).

Darcis (The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands).

Finally, the best Macaron de Paris from Darcis.

The mall is also brimming with attractions. Aside from the skating rink beside the food court, guests can take a relaxing Sampan ride which is reminiscent of our Italian gondola ride at The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes in Las Vegas.

Our gondola ride at the Grand Canal Shoppes of The Venetian Las Vegas,  December 2008.

Just above the canal where the sampan boats glide is another iconic feature, the glass and acrylic "Rain Oculus". This strikingly unconventional work of art and engineering empties rainwater and channels it into a spiral pattern down the canal.

 

The waterfront promenade, where one can observe the whirlpool motion of the Oculus, also offers an unobstructed view of the city's financial district.

Back at the hotel, we decided to check out the famous SkyPark Observation Deck where one can enjoy a  mesmerizing 360-degree view of Singapore. Perched atop the 55-storey Marina Bay Sands hotel towers, this platform also houses the world's longest elevated swimming pool.

The infinity pool stretches out for 150 meters and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, including Singapore's world-famous landmarks.

A view of downtown Singapore from the vanishing edge pool of the SkyPark .

Several Jacuzzi pools, long benches and deck chairs for sunbathing dot the poolside.

After our 3-day escapade to this leisure destination, I could only stare at our shopping loots, small mementos that will always give me a nostalgic feeling for the modern city with colossal skyscrapers and the cleanest surroundings I have ever seen. I will surely be saving for a second take on Singapore, a whole new adventure to explore another side of the Lion City that I have yet to see.

The Great Singapore Sale. It truly is!

Beside the Merlion, Singapore's famous icon.

A view of the Marina Bay Sands from the Merlion Park.

Marina Bay Sands

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Avenue

Singapore 018956

Hotel Reservations Mainline: +65 6688 8897

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