Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, on the island of Palawan << pah LAH wahn >> in the Philippines, features one of the world’s longest underground rivers. The river winds 5.1 miles (8.2 kilometers) through a limestone cave before flowing into a lagoon that meets the South China Sea. The park lies about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the city of Puerto Princesa.
Animals native to the park include the Philippine cockatoo; the long-tailed macaque, a type of monkey; and the Palawan stink badger, a type of skunk. In addition, several species of bats inhabit the subterranean caves.
The park was created in 1971 as St. Paul Subterranean National Park. The size of the park was 9,640 acres (3,901 hectares). Environmental experts campaigned to expand the park to better protect the area. In 1992, administration of the park was transferred from the Philippine national government to the city government of Puerto Princesa.
In 1999, the park was expanded to 54,862 acres (22,202 hectares), and its name was changed to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The park includes not only the river and subterranean caves, but also the forests and mountains on the surface above. Also in 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) added the park to its list of World Heritage Sites . Such sites are designated places of unique cultural or natural importance.
