On the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is one of the truly magical places this planet of ours has to offer. The 8km long underground river , or to give it its full name, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, awaits those who venture into it’s stygian darkness.
Staying next to the National Park in the four star resort, Sheriden Sabang Beach we enjoyed all the comforts of modern living yet we missed none of these once we approached the mouth of this ancient formation. The sky blue, almost green waters at the mouth darkened as we entered and our boatman switched on his lights. In a dramatic denouement we were suddenly exposed to the magnificence of the cave formations.
There are other underground river caves in the world. There are other caves, all of which may be bigger, longer, darker, deeper. But none have the combination of raw, ancient splendor and the charm of being set among the flora, fauna, culture and people of Palawan.