Gov't limits visits to Palawan underground river

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities have imposed a limit on the number of visitors who can enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), which has gained popularity after its entry into the provisional list of the world’s new seven wonders of nature.

The Palawan Council of Sustainable Development (PCSD) set to 700 the number of visitors who can visit the underground river per day.

Environmental authorities have warned of the possible negative effects of the high number of visitors.

Dr. Antonio Socrates, a geologist, said the limestone formations inside the cave can easily be destroyed.

He noted that some of the limestone formations found at the mouth of the cave have been damaged since the underground river became open to the public.

The PPUR booking office said around 11,000 tourists have visited the world’s longest navigable underground river last November. Of this, 7,000 were local tourists while the rest were foreigners.

Authorities said this is 60% higher than last year’s record.

The capacity of the boats used to ferry passengers to the river have also been lowered to 8 from 10.

A 5-minute interval has also been set between boats entering the underground river.

-- Report from Hazel Salas, ABS-CBN News Palawan