Floating the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan

Our family keeps a part-time home in Metro Manila, which puts some remarkable places within easy reach. Today we set out from Puerto Princesa to see one of the most famous: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, named one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

The river runs through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: 8.2 kilometers of navigable underground river that flows directly into the sea. We floated into its cave system to see for ourselves why it earned that title. It’s the kind of day that reminds us why we travel the way we do: a world-class natural wonder the kids get to experience in person instead of reading about in a textbook. If it’s on your list too, start with our Philippines page.