Finally, we were on the way to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River! The underground river is actually just further down the coast to the right of the beach. But one will have to walk two hours through thick forest to be able to get there. Taking the outrigger is the fastest way to go to the underground river as it takes less than an hour to get there. It would be advisable to go there as early as possible to avoid the crowds, albeit thin. Of course it will be great if you were there first, then you can have the cave and river all to yourself.
As mentioned in my previous post, I shared my outrigger with a some local tourists and of course the boatman. Sharing the boat obviously makes it much cheaper than having the boat to yourself. My boat mates were very friendly, one of came with his family. He told me that he came from Manila and settled in Puerto Princesa. This is something I seldom hear, usually provincial folk would go to Manila to settle but this guy does it the other way around. I guess he prefers the slower pace of life in the province. And what better place to choose than Puerto Princesa with so much natural beauty surrounding it.
I haven’t been at sea in years, and I can’t say I’m actually looking forward to it. Fortunately, the short journey to the underground river is very smooth. The weather was also great. Perfect for taking pictures. All I can do to stare out at the open sea and admire the wonderful seascape. Almost to the destination, I start seeing amazing karst formations. These are stuff I only see in guide books on Thailand and Vietnam. It is amazing to see it in person. There is something about karst formations, I guess I don’t see them too often that it always fascinates me whenever I see one. It comes in all shapes and sizes. Truly amazing.
Upon reaching the beach going to the underground river. I am again amazed to be surrounded by beautiful limestone formations. The combination of karst formations and beautiful turqoise sea is simply divine. This is the stuff of legend and I’m actually here just gawking at it.
Once again there is no formal pier, so you will get wet getting off the outrigger. But it doesn’t matter, I am here to see the underground river.
Actually the beach itself is quite nice. I don’t think anyone swims here though, because everybody will be here to see the underground river. There is only one way to the underground river from the beach. There is a clearly marked board walk to the underground river. I’m glad there is one, if not, people will be walking all over the place, stomping on the precious flora and fauna along the way. I’m so excited, a few more minutes, and I will be there!
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