Have you heard of Palawan Underground River in the Philippines – it’s one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, to give its full name, is the world’s longest navigable underground river at 8.2 kilometres. Its unusual in that it flows directly into the sea, and you reach it from Sabang beach by banca boat, a traditional Philippine vessel with bamboo outriggers giving fantastic stability.

Palawan Underground River
Although it’s known as Puerto Princesa underground river, it’s actually located 80 kilometres from the town of Puerto Princesa in a protected national park on the West Coast of Palawan island. Borded by the St Paul mountain range, it’s an unspoiled bay with a very casual atmosphere. You can buy underground river tour packages that include the bus journey from the centre of Puerto Princesa, or tickets at the information center on the pier. Alternatively, if you’re staying at one of the Sabang beach resorts, they also sell underground river tour packages although you’ll pay a little bit more. The banca boat has a roof that gives you shade and it’s a comfortable 20 minute ride to the underground river. You’ll be provided with a life jacket but as the boat is so stable your body won’t even get wet. Wear flat shoes though as you disembark onto a beach at the other end and will need to step into the sea up to your ankles. ItR...