Aerial view of Palawan paradise. Photo #1 by Patrick Kranzlmüller

Underground river beach, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. Photo #2 by Hector Garcia

It’s Oh So Quiet at Puerto Princesa beach. The photographer wrote, “At the beach a lot of things wash up ashore. Some of them were given to the sea by their owners who had no intention of seeing this refuse at all afterward. Whatever we send out to the rest of the world, we should be able to welcome back if it decides to return. Someone, somewhere, will always receive it, and if it happens to be you, I think it shall be true justice.” Photo #3 by jojoscope

Boat to the underground river. Photo #4 by by aSIMULAtor

After a 2-hr walk in the Monkey Trail, we reached PP Underground River. Photo #5 by Joan Villarante-Kavianifar

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. Photo #6 by Ryan Altamera

This is where tour boats enter PP Underground River. Photo #7 by aSIMULAtor

The Puerto Princesa is designated a core area for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve under the Man and Biosphere Program. In recognition of its globally significant natural properties, it was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Photo #8 by aCey puno

Trained National Park staff paddle boats to take visitors on a 45 minute tour of the cave to appreciate the different rock formations. Also notable are the thousands of bats and swiftlets that inhabit the cave. Photo #9 by Matikas 0805

Formation in underground Pawalan River. Photo #10 by aSIMULAtor

Giant mushroom in underground river. Photo #11 by aSIMULAtor

Inside Puerto Princesa Underground River Photo #12 by aSIMULAtor

Besides the Underground River, the area boasts a number of cave systems for cave adventure exploring. Climbing Ugong Rock allows one to view the surrounding natural beauty. Other areas to explore include the Lions Cave and the Daylight Hole. Photo #13 by Ryan Altamera

Going through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Photo #14 by aSIMULAtor

Exiting the underground river Photo #15 by aSIMULAtor

Tree over underground river before it’s under. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Photo #16 by Hungarian Snow

Jungle trekking is listed among favorites to do on Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This is the way to Monkey Trail, Sabang. Photo #17 by Gezelle Rivera

More beauty on the near island of Coron, Palawan. Photo #18 by Patrick Kranzlmüller

These are taxi boats to ferry people to the Palawan underground river. Photo #19 by Hector Garcia

Monkey Trail jungle trekking, Palawan pathway to the underground river. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave and along this trail. Photo #20 by aSIMULAtor

Palawan Philippines. Photo #21 by Laine Trees

Along the Monkey Trail, Monkey see, monkey do? Photo #22 by aSIMULAtor

White sand beaches dot the shoreline, making it some of the island’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. Most popular are the Sabang beach, Panaguman beach, and Marta Fe beach. The cool and crystal waters make it ideal for swimming and enjoying the sun. Photo #23 by Dahon

Nearby Coron. Photo #24 by Dahon

Picture perfect. The famous Coron Island Cove, with a view to die for. Photo #25 by IRRI Images

Taken at Sabang Beach Puerto Princesa after our underground river tour. Photo #26 by Derrick Caluag

Starfish. Photo #27 by Laine Trees

Underground river beach at Palawan, Philippines. Photo #28 by Hector Garcia

Puerto Princesa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo #29 by Laine Trees

Philippines – Palawan – Sabang. Photo #30 by Salim Al-Harthy

Sailing Scappare from Kota Kinabalu to Puerto Princesa. Since being named as a finalist in the competition, tourism swelled to the area and the Philippine government make a 500 peso banknote featuring the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. So what do you think? Should the Palawan Puerto Princesa Underground River be named as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature? Photo #31 by Jo Schmaltz