In the center of the Sulu Sea lies the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. Declared a World Heritage site by the World Conservation Union in 1993, the park is composed of 2 coral atolls seperated by an 8 km (5 mile) wide channel. These picturesque tropical atolls, known as North and South Tubbataha, host an amazing variety of reef tropicals, turtles and large pelagics. Manta and Eagle rays, white and black tip reef sharks,nurse, shovelnose, leopard and hammerhead sharks are common. Schools of jacks and snappers congregate on the wall. While sleek barracudas patrol. Terrain ranges from gentle slope to sheer walls in excess of 914 meters(3000ft)! The spectacular explosion of life and color make this an experience never to be forgotten.
St. Paul's Underground River Trip
US $ 90 per pax minimum 2 persons
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers (2 hours drive) north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. Like Tubbataha, this is a UNESCO World heritage site.
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 2nd longest.
The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.
This add-on program begins after breakfast on the day of return from Tubbataha. Guests will be picked up dockside around 8 am and transferred to the hotel to check in.
After settling in, the van will leave for the jump off point for the underground river in Sabang. They will reach this area close to noon so lunch, which is included in the package, is served on tables by the beach. Lunch consists of freshly grilled meats and sea food as well as vegetables and rice.
After lunch , guests will board motorized outrigger boats called bancas to the entrance of the Park. After a short walk ( don’t forget to look out and photograph monitor lizards “bayawak” in the area but please do NOT feed them) guest will be issued helmets and hard hats before boarding paddle outrigger boats and enter the subterranean river.
Please bring a change of clothes and also Ziplocs or drybags for your wallets, cameras, cellphones. Water may drip from the ceiling especially if there is a rainshower.
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