First-Ever Dive Site Inside Park In Puerto Princesa To Open Soon

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRN), home of the world-famous Underground River, launched Thursday a 1.5-hectare dive site for enthusiasts in Barangay New Panggangan.

The Panggangan dive site will be available for diving aficionados in two weeks.

Elizabeth Maclang, the park’s superintendent, said the decision to open the dive site came following the setting up of facilities in the waiting, dining, and diving areas.

What the site used to have, she said, was only an alternative floater in the diving area, which is not enough to accommodate tourists who would like to see its underwater wonders.

Boat rides to go to the dive site in Isla Felomina which cost PHP3,000 for six persons, while entrance fee is pegged at PHP160. From the Sabang Wharf at Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, the ride to the dive site is one hour long.

The dive site, considered to be the first-ever inside a park in this city, is part of the Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST), which includes the Jungle Trail, and the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.

Among other attractions in Isla Felomina, where the dive site is located, are the sunset area, overview of Sabang Bay, and rock climbing.

Maclang said part of the set up in opening the dive site is for the IFA to be registered and accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for legitimacy of operation.

She noted that a bigger chunk of the income of the dive site will go the IFA to help have livelihood for the members. The rest will go to the maintenance of the facilities.

“The PPSRNP will not get a share from the income of the dive site. This is because what we want is to help the members of the association have livelihood,” she said.

She added the role of the park management will be to guide and support the IFA, especially in crafting their policies and for accreditation in the City Tourism Office. (PNA) JMC/CARF/GANB/EDS