Puerto Princesa

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was officially established on January 31, 1990. This park, located about 80 kilometers north of the city center of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, encompasses some of the most important forest ecosystems in Asia, showcasing outstanding biodiversity. The central feature of the park is the 8.2-kilometer-long underground river that winds through a spectacular cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. This unique feature makes it one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers, drawing interest both for its natural beauty and its ecological importance.

On November 11, 2010, the Puerto Princesa Underground River was nominated as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, a global poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation. This nomination was significant as it helped raise international awareness of the natural features and conservation efforts related to this unique underground river located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The river, renowned for its impressive limestone karst landscapes and rich biodiversity, became a focal point of environmental tourism and conservation discussions, emphasizing its status as a significant natural wonder.

On April 14, 2012, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was further highlighted as its significance was acknowledged by global environmental and ecological communities. The Park's unique natural underground river and landscape, along with its diverse habitat which includes a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem, was presented as a key contributor to global biodiversity. This reinforced the importance of the area as a protected site, fostering both conservation efforts and eco-tourism that are vital for the sustainable management of the environment.

October 28, 2018, marked a significant environmental movement in Puerto Princesa when the Ecowaste Coalition launched a campaign advocating for the ban on single-use plastics in the area. Recognizing the threat that plastic pollution poses to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the coalition's initiative aimed to engage local communities and authorities in a drive towards sustainable alternatives. The effort highlighted the overall need to address environmental issues through grassroots advocacy and local policy changes, reflecting Puerto Princesa's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation.

On June 7, 2019, Palawan, including Puerto Princesa, was celebrated when it was voted 'Best Island in the World' by Travel + Leisure magazine readers. This accolade was based on the island's gorgeous natural landscapes, which include pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, lush tropical rainforests, and rich marine life. The recognition further cemented Puerto Princesa's reputation as a top tourist destination and underscored the importance of sustainable tourism practices to preserve the region's natural beauty and ecological diversity, benefiting both local communities and visitors from around the world.