My First Trip to Palawan (Part 2)

April 18, 2007

St. Paul’s Underground River Park

Torquiose water and a beautiful rock formation greeted us at the bay at the entrance of the St. Paul’s Underground River Park.

The rock formation looks like one of those we see in the tourism videos promoting the province.

At the entrance of the park, I noticed that the park was clean. I admire the effort of Palaweños and the cooperation of visitors. Just a few feet from the bay were picnic huts where some guests could eat lunch. My companions and I, however, had our lunch when we got back to Sabang after the underground river tour.

We walked on a trail for about 5 minutes before we got to the place where we were to ride another boat.

Along the trail, we met these fellas. They were just freely roaming around.

Finally, we reached the entrance of the cave and eagerly waited for our turn to get on the boat. We were thrilled to see the calm deep blue-green water.

Aboard a paddle boat with outriggers, we started our journey under the earth. The St. Paul Underground River stretches 8.2 kilometer deep into an underground lagoon. But a regular tour which lasts 45 minutes covers only 1.5 kilometers. We asked our boatman if some visitors have gone to the opposite end of the river. He told us that some foreigners sometimes arrange for special trips to cover the full length of the river.

Once inside the river, the only light you will see comes from a halogen lamp placed in front of the boat. The passenger who sits nearest to the lamp serves as the “light man.” Passengers are required to put on helmets and wear life vests with reflectors. Some boats have a maximum capacity of six, some can have 8. A boatman who steers and paddles, sits at the back. He also serves as guide. He directs the lamp bearer to highlight interesting parts and features of the cave and tells something about them.

We were entralled at every turn of the boat. We saw fascinating stalactites and stalagmites formations and several large chambers.

There are formations which resemble a lot of things. Here are some examples.

“banana blossom”

“bell pepper”

“corn”

“mushroom”

“nativity”

Amazing how these stalactites and stagmites are formed.

The cave is also home to a huge population of fruit bats. Boatmen call this “the batcave”, an allusion to Batman’s lair. Most part of the cave is full of bat poop. Never look up with your mouth open hehehe.

The underground river winds through the spectacular cave.

And it flows out to the sea…to the sea…to the open arms of the sea…lonely rivers sigh, wait for me, wait for me, I’ll be coing home, wait for me….ahahaha, napakanta tuloy ako.

We went back to Sabang and had our lunch just a few feet away from the beach.

We enjoyed the picturesque Sabang beach and the “duyan”!

For first-time visitors, it is wise to ask the inn/hotel for a guided tour. The tour costs PhP1, 300 per person. It includes transportation to Sabang, boat from Sabang to the bay at the entrance of the cave, paddle boat in the underground river tour, and lunch. Before your arrival, it is best to inform the hotel that you would like to have a tour so they can arrange it for you in advance.

Next Post: Swimming with Nemo..wheeeee….