Road Trip: Paddling inside Underground River in Puerto Princesa

Yes, I'm back!

I thought I'd never have a chance to post my first planned trip for 2012 because I almost didn't make it to our flight to Puerto Princesa last week!

I would never forget the "drama" I had to do at the airport for the manager of Air Philippines to let me check in. I was over five minutes late!

Yes, I missed this sign.
Learned a new acronym: LCI = Late Check In.

Thank GOD the flight was slightly delayed so she allowed me and two other passengers to check in and enjoy the beauty of Puerto Princesa.

Yay! I made it to Puerto Princesa.
I thought I'd be crying at the airport already!

Souvenir shot at the Puerto Princesa International Airport.

In Puerto Princesa, we checked in at Marianne's Home Inn, which also arranged our tours in Underground River and Honday Bay.

Our first day in Puerto Princesa was reserved for the Underground River. So, we just changed clothes, left our bags at the hotel, and went to the Subterranean River National Park.

According to our tourist guide, Ate Nelia, since the inclusion of the Underground River to the New 7 Wonders of Nature more tourists were coming to Puerto Princesa to see it.

In a day, according to her, there are about a thousand of tourists who visit this attraction.

Buffet lunch at Sabang beach before
the 15-minute ride to Underground River.

During our trip, which was "blessed" with rain, we had to wait for a little less than an hour to get a paddle boat. The boat may load eight or ten passengers.

With two interesting buddies/couples. :)

Before our trip, I always thought that the Underground River was overrated. But my officemate was right, this was really a "must-see."

One of my favorite attractions in Palawan
(Coron and Puerto Princesa)--limestone formations.

I was amazed with its rock formations, which gave me a chance to exercise my imagination.

Greetings inside the Underground River!

Narrow paths going inside.

The highest ceiling at the "cathedral" area was awesome, I couldn't imagine we were inside the Saint Paul Mountain Range.

Yes, there will be orbs when you try to take a shot inside.

What do you see in this photo?

And that "EDSA Highway" inside... if only we could go farther and reach the end of this 8.2 kilometer long underground river.

In the middle of our 1.4 kilometer trip at the Underground River, the boatman/guide asked my officemate to switch off the light--man, it was totally dark inside as in scary black, all I heard were drops of water and the sounds made by the bats/birds inside.

This reminds me of our trip to Sagada.

Avoid opening your mouth during the trip.
You'll either catch holy water or holy shit (of bats).

When you go here, make sure you make it to the 4:00 p.m. cut-off time. This tour, which was included in our accomodation package, costs about P1,500 per pax for six persons.

If you're in a large group, you may opt to go here on your own by renting a van at P1,500 going to Sabang beach, which is about two-hour drive from Puerto Princesa City.

From the Sabang wharf, you will have to rent a boat going to the Subterranean River National Park. I think it costs about P1,200 to 1,500 good for six to eight persons. Then,  there's an entrance or terminal fee of less than P100. Plus, an entrance fee of not more than P200 for adults. :)

I highly recommend that you visit this place when you go to Puerto Princesa. :D

Thanks, guys, for making this trip more fun! :)