Cave river tops online destination ranking

Manila: A subterranean river in Puerto Princesa in southwestern Philippines has topped the latest online ranking of a new travel group that is in search of global destinations.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has an 8.2 kilometre underground river, topped by caves with a spectacular limestone formation. From a cave opening, the park's river empties into the sea. It has one of the world's most impressive cave systems.

The local government of Palawan has declared it as a conservation area. The Palawan Biosphere Reserve designated the site as an Important Bird Area. It has been declared as a National Geological Monument. It is included in the list of natural World Heritage Sites.

Biologists, nature lovers, photographers, and students have called it a national treasure.

Other tourist destinations in the Philippines, Chocolate Hills of Bohol in central Philippines, was ranked number four, followed by Tubbataha Reef in the southern Philippines, at number five, and Mayon Volcano (with its perfect cone) in southern Luzon's Bicol, at number 11.

The Switzerland-based New 7 Wonders Foundation has sponsored the ongoing campaign called, "The New 7 Wonders of Nature." Seven new sites will be officially chosen after the online poll ends in December 2010.

"As the finale draws near, we should be more persistent in urging Filipinos to vote and actively promote our candidates," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Four candidates

"Having four strong candidates at this stage is a great boost for Philippine tourism," said Durano.

Only one of the country's nominees will be included in the seven wonders.

"Even if only one of the cited Philippine destinations remains in the final count of seven, we have gained a publicity that our country is a destination with diverse natural sites," Durano said.

The group boasted of getting 100 worldwide online votes on favoured destinations last year.