My Underground River Experience in Palawan!

Second day of our Palawan Tour was for exploring one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, which is the Underground River. This time, I availed a tour package because there's no way to go there unless through accredited travel agencies in Puerto Princesa. We rode in a van, together with a family of 10 members. It was quite a long ride but we enjoyed it. 

Once you reached the port, the tour guide will register your name to the local tourism desk, then you will wait for your turn to board a motorized boat that will take you to the shores of the Underground River. 

After alighting the boat, and taking some pictures with the rock formations on your background, you can start walking under the trees, to reach the river that will lead you to the caves. Be cautious with your things as wild monkeys roam around the area. They might snatch anything from you, thinking they are something to eat. They do not recommend feeding the monkeys here.

Small boats that can carry 8 people piled up in the riverbed. The person who will be seated at the front of the boat will be asked to hold the lamp that will serve as your light inside the dark cave. Since it was a protected area, motorized boats are not allowed, therefore, the bangkero will just paddle for the eight of you all throughout the one kilometer navigable area of the subterranean river. 

Honestly, I didn't like the idea. I am not comfortable with the dark, with caves, and with deep waters as I do not know how to swim. But I should see for myself what's inside this world-famous underwater river so I just sat quietly and made sure I have worn my life vest for safety. We entered the cave and as we go further, the lights from outside started to vanish, leaving us with only one lamp for light. OH NOOOOOOHHH! I could barely breath, really! All I could do was enjoy the sights, the bats, the different rock formations, and laugh at the bangkero's funny jokes.My heart was pounding all the way as I imagine the scene of Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore inside a dark cave. As I look at the waters in the dark, I thought of corpses and snakes coming in our boat! What a creative mind! LOL! I was so relieved when I see other boats inside the cave, that at-least-we-are-not-alone-thought! Haha!

I was amazed, though so nervous with the things I saw inside. The rock formations, the bats, though they really stink, the highest ceiling inside the cave, and everything that makes it one of the seven wonders of nature. It is 8 km wide, but they only allow tourists to navigate 1 km of it. Professional divers can reach the 4th kilometre but they have to secure special permits from the local tourism office. There are also several species of animals that can only live there.
This adventure really took my breath away. And that's what made it unforgettable.