PPUR Day

History of PPUR Day

In 2010, a group of conservationists and geologists discovered that the subterranean river has a second level, meaning that the cave has tiny waterfalls. They also uncovered a cave dome 980 feet above the subterranean river, as well as enormous bats, rock structures, a deep water hole, numerous river systems, and various animals and marine species. Deeper sections of the subterranean river are nearly difficult to inspect due to oxygen loss.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River (P.P.U.R.) which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, has attracted fresh worldwide interest in recent years. On November 11, 2011, the Puerto Princesa Underground River was named one of the world’s new Seven Wonders. On January 28, 2012, this pick was formally verified. On January 28, 2012, Malacanang expressed delight at the P.P.U.R. being named one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. The declaration that the P.P.U.R. is one of the world’s New Seven Wonders is very encouraging. “Throughout the competition, Filipinos from all walks of life have donated time, energy, and resources to our campaign,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

The P.P.U.R. is home to over 230 animal and 800 plant species, including 15 endangered bird species known exclusively in the Philippines. From the P.P.U.R’s coastal entry, paddle boats can go up to 5 miles underground — making it the world’s longest navigable subterranean river! In 2014, President Barack Obama issued Presidential Proclamation No. 816, declaring November 11 as Puerto Princesa Underground River Day (P.P.U.R. Day).

PPUR Day timeline

1999

P.P.U.R. Declared a Heritage Site

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2010

Group Finds A Second Level

A group of conservationists and geologists find that the Puerto Princesa Underground River has a second level, implying that there are minor waterfalls within the cave.

2011

One of the ‘Seven Wonders of Nature’

On November 11, 2011, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is named one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World.’

2012

Wonder of the World

The selection of Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the new ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ is verified.

PPUR Day FAQs

When is PPUR Day?

PPUR Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11, honoring the Puerto Princesa Underground River. It’s a day to reflect on the importance of this natural wonder.

How long is the Puerto Princesa Underground River?

The Puerto Princesa Underground River stretches approximately 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles) in length, making it one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. Visitors typically explore about 1.5 kilometers of its stunning cave system.

What makes the Puerto Princesa Underground River a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its outstanding universal value. It encompasses a unique ‘mountain to sea’ ecosystem, featuring old-growth forests, a dramatic limestone karst landscape, and significant biodiversity.

What kind of wildlife can be found in the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park?

The park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including various species of bats, swiftlets, and marine animals like sea cows (dugongs) and sea turtles. On land, you might spot macaques, monitor lizards, and diverse bird species.

PPUR Day Activities

Visit the river park

Plan a visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River Park and check out the unique cave systems and rich wildlife. The discoveries you make will astound you.

Conserve the environment

You can also celebrate this day by taking care of the environment, e.g., using refillable water bottles instead of disposable water bottles or plastic bags. You will contribute to environmental conservation efforts that conserve species and increase biodiversity.

Creating awareness

Celebrate Puerto Princesa Underground River Day by creating awareness through sharing posts and hashtags on social media. Join in the conversation and spread the news!

5 Facts About Puerto Princesa Underground River

The river is five miles long

The river runs underground for roughly five miles, flowing past natural rock formations, including caves, stalagmites, and stalactites.

Only half the length is easily accessible

Only 2.6 miles of it is readily accessible to visitors — if visitors want to traverse the last 2.4 miles, they must get special permission.

It’s salty

The bottom part of the river has brackish water, which means it contains more salt than freshwater but not enough salt to be labeled salty water.

It’s above sea level

Even though it is referred to as an underground river, it is located above sea level, and its waters flow into St. Paul Bay.

Its rock formations resemble typical objects

Some rock formations resemble items and imagery, including a horse, cacao fruit, a fungus, and the Holy Family.

Why We Love PPUR Day

X-Zipline Sabang

Palawan has numerous tourist attractions, but what distinguishes Sabang's X-Zipline is its stunning perspective of the mountains and the open sea.

Beaches in Puerto Princesa

The Philippines has several lovely beaches — notably in Puerto Princesa. The most pleasing thing is that they are accessible by land from the underground river.

The Monkey Trail

After your underground river trip, you may choose to return to Sabang on foot via the 5-kilometer Monkey Trail. A challenging hike through overgrown woodland and karst limestones leads to the off-the-beaten-path.