CNN: Palawan underground river among top natural wonders

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River made it to CNN Travel’s “Natural wonders: The ultimate list of scenic splendor” along with 49 other sites around the world.

“Water, fire and ice have combined to make some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – from giant crystal caves to mud volcanoes and rock formations that look like works of art,” CNN’s Bija Knowles said.

“If your office and daily commute aren’t a fitting reminder of the extraordinary natural diversity of planet Earth, get some inspiration from these incredible scenes,” Knowles added. Nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River runs for 8.2 kilometers underground and boasts of limestone karst formations, stalactites and stalagmites, CNN said.

“You can cruise down the river in a canoe. Watch out for the Palawan stink badger, an adorable little skunk that lives in the area,” CNN added.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River ranked 30th among the 50 sites. It has already been listed among the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage sites.

Topping the list is Pulpit Rock in Preikestolen, Norway, followed by the Gran Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and the Ngorogoro Crater in Tanzania.

Other natural wonders in Asia included in the list are Pangong Tso Lake in India-China (no. 9), Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province, China (14), Jeju Island Lava Tubes in South Korea (23), Mount Bromo, Indonesia (37), Halong Bay in Vietnam (43), Trango Towers, Pakistan (46) and the Shilin Stone Forest in Yunnan, China (48).

Tourism Secretary Wanda TulfoTeo welcomed CNN’s report and said it is just one of Palawan’s stunning natural sceneries.

“We invite the world to see the other sights in the paradise that is Palawan,” Teo said.