Still No Place Like the Philippines-New Wonder of the World, the Puerto Princesa Underground River It does not really matter how often we come to the Philippines. The same nostalgic feeling always brings back old memories but absence and distance have given us a different perspective and a greater appreciation of where we will always call our home.As we began to disembark, it was almost like transferring to a country-size cruise ship as all the pampering and royalty- like treatment starts. Exiting Terminal 2 left no doubt that we were back in Manila with the hot and humid air, the noise and the assuring sight of welcoming relatives. While Canada may be the best country in the world, sometimes we feel that we have just been released from a clean aquarium into a lake – perhaps not ideal but we feel more at home, where we belong and back to our elements again. It only takes a few minutes into the streets of Manila and the Filipino in you comes out. It may not be too apparent for people who have not had the chance to travel much but the Philippines is among the most beautiful places in the world and even is a more wonderful destination with the renowned Pinoy hospitality. It is not surprising that the Palawan Underground River was recently voted among the new “Seven Wonders of the World. “ Palawan Underground River, Puerto Princesa City, PhilippinesThe place is awesome! It is stunningly beautiful and you just wonder where and how in the world that such a natural landscape is finally available and accessible to the world. It is really a gem and the title of one of the “Wonders of the World” is well-deserved.The half - hour boat ride along the Sabang shoreline to the nature park was exhilarating. It was a beautiful Saturday, hot and humid but who cares, we were on our way to see this wonderful place that a few days ago, we were just researching on the internet.Boat 39 swayed as it tried to wrestle with the waves but no match to the more than 4 men skillfully pinning down the boat so we can get aboard safely. Boat 39 also landed us ashore safely amidst high waves and waiting men very happy to welcome visitors to the PPUR. The water on the beach was knee deep, warm and gently caressed our numbed legs. After the short registration, we walked to the cave entrance, and nearing the waiting area, we were excited as we looked forward to the tour, armed with the beautiful pictures in our mind, thanks to the photos going around in the internet. There were a lot of people, but the wait to board the paddle boats was just right, as we had the opportunity to take pictures as much as we can. We were group 19 that means 18 trips were ahead of us from start time of around 8:30 am. Going inside the cave was a little intimidating at first as our boatman talked about the underground river being discovered in 1887 by a Mexican who was bold enough to enter the underground river. It was only in the 1990s that the underground river was made accessible to everyone as a tourist spot. We were wary that the underground trip would be difficult and that we want some flexibility to get back whenever we want without inconveniencing others in the boat, so we requested a private tour, paying for the rest of the seats. It was worth it. I had to carry the electric lantern, followed the boatman’s instructions on where to point the light as he annotated snippets of information about the river. It was so dark inside that the flitting light of the lantern is the only guiding light. Occasionally, we would meet incoming boats as we moved back out, all passengers amazed why there are only the two of us. Our funny boatman would shout “Be careful and hope you make it, only two came back!” Even if we took pictures inside, our camera failed to give us the shots we wanted, as there was not enough lighting. Ergo, the scene inside the caves will only linger in our minds, as interpreted by our able and funny boatman. What I remembered most is the cathedral dome of rock formations inside one of the underground river chambers, and religious interpretation of most of the rock formations. A wall of rock formations even had black cross markings, drawn by those who discovered the cave to shun off bad spirits. The deepest portion of the underground river is at the mouth, at around 29 meters compared to the inner portions of around 2 meters. The water inside the cave is murky and brackish, according to the boatman. One thing that I also remembered was “to close your mouth when looking upward, and only say “uhhmmm” rather than “wow”, lest you catch something falling down from the cave ceiling…bats’ poops , flying insects and dripping water, I’d like to think –it’s only water. And of course, we feasted at the sight of the “vegetable garden” –mushroom, corn, lettuce, etc. and the various rock formations that comes alive as far as your imagination goes, as suggested by the boatman.It was a wonderful experience that will always keep us smiling…we’ve seen another “wonder of the world,” and it is in our home country-the beautiful Philippines. Check it out-it was all worth it, and for best place to relax before and after the tour…the newest hotel in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, which is the Sheridan Beach Hotel and Spa is the place to be. Excellent home away from home, beautifully- furnished rooms with your own balcony, good food, warm and nice service from the staff especially the restaurant and housekeeping staff, very flexible and accommodating tour staff/guide and most of all…simply a relaxing place especially when you just want to get lazy, relax and enjoy the beauty and wonders of nature.
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