KOREA FOUNDATION

The province of Palawan, known as the Philiipines’ “last ecological frontier,” is a prime honeymoon destination for many Filipino people. It also tops the bucket lists of travelers from around the world.
Palawan is home to El Nido, a popular destination for island hopping tours, and Coron, a haven for wreck diving. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located about 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa city proper, beats all other tourist attractions in the province with its well-preserved ecosystem, spectacular limestone karst landscapes, and biodiversity conservation that includes globally endangered species.



Since Palawan is difficult to reach by public transportation, it’s recommended to reserve a tour at your chosen resort or hotel. Once you’re picked up by a tour vehicle, the 90 minute ride on a two-lane country road begins, eventually leading to Sabang Beach. This is where the subterranean river tour begins in earnest.

After purchasing admission tickets, tourists can take a moment to appreciate the ocean before boarding a bangka (a small, traditional Filipino boat). The bangka ride takes about 20 minutes and brings passengers to the entrance of the national park, with cliffs and oddly shaped rocks similar to those of nearby El Nido or even Krabi, Thailand. After another 10 or so minutes, guests finally arrive at the underground river in Saint Paul Cave. The river runs for over eight kilometers.

Inside the cavern, you’ll encounter huge stalactites and stalagmites, wide chambers, and fairly large silhouettes of bats. The river is truly an ecological treasure, inhabited by eight species of bats as well as a wide variety of marine life including fish and freshwater shrimp. If you have time left over after touring the national park, you can try zip lining at Ugong Rock or explore the mangrove forest in Sabang.

With no direct flights available between Korea and Palawan, visitors departing from Korea will have to travel via Manila, Cebu, or Clark International Airport. In most cases, a three-night, four-day stay is recommended to allow enough time for leisure and tours. Give the itinerary below a try and enjoy the beautiful nature the Philippines has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival and rest
Day 2: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park tour
Day 3: Honda Bay island hopping and firefly watching
Day 4: Puerto Princesa city tour, including Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill, and a crocodile farm