THE UNDERGROUND RIVER

IMAGES OF THE UNDERGROUND RIVER 2012

 The mouth of the Underground River

 

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

 You'll be mesmerized when inside the cave.

 I was there with my students in 1992.  it was beautiful then. 
 It's much more beautiful now.

Puerto Princesa City, my mom's birthplace.

A TRIBUTE TO PALAWAN

The Nation's Last Frontier

 

Unclimbed mountains, virgin forests...
so rugged, so remote... so dense;

So wild and so tranquil until suddenly awaken
by the thunder of breakers.
Oh sweet Palawan..., our native land, 
the Nation's Last Frontier!

Oh rivers, great and small,

vivid and serene...
Wild and yet so peaceful... oh so tamed
The sweet smell of the sea of fish and salt air;

The fragrance
of dainty-colored wild santan blossoms;
In summer sky,
the reedy cry of wheeling gulls.

Oh rattling bamboo trees
melodious and unique;
The seabirds
glide above the gorgeous Ursula Island,
As the raucous colony of sea turtles
below they watch.

Be fascinated by the impeccable beauty
of Tubbataha Reefs;
Be mesmerized as you watch
the ethereal cliffs of El Nido;

 

Be mystified as you tour
the mysterious Underground River;
Be tantalized by the pearly-white beaches
on Honda Bay;

 

 Dream again as you see
the crystal-clear Nagtabon beach;
Feel like a baby as you watch
the frolicking mousedeer beneath Balsahan Hills;

Have a reviting feeling
as you enter the gigantic Tabon Cave,
where the world's biggest pearl was found.

Savor the delectable milky sweet taste
of young coconuts;
Enjoy the exquisite scent
of the budding rice and corn in the fields;
Applaud the racing crabs and parading blue lobsters;

Dance with the multi-colored fish
that glides and leaps;
And in the summer,
sing with the warbling Maya birds.

 

Admire the towering steeples
of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The Holy Trinity University
in the heart of Puerto Princesa brings nostalgia;

 

Celebrate with the eternally hospitable
and friendly citizens of Palawan!

All these contribute
to making the province second to none.
Beloved Palawan, 
our dearest sweet homeland. 

  Poem written by Andrew Taylor
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