We are balikbayan visitors in our 70s who recently experienced the exciting boat ride along the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR). Although we enjoyed the one-day excursion, we had to endure a couple of dangerous situations which we know could have been avoided. We would therefore like to propose the following improvements, particularly for the sake of other elderly tourists:
1. The loading and unloading area (considered as the “wharf”). One of us almost lost her footing when two big waves suddenly slapped our boat. She was lucky because she was being helped up the steps to the “wharf” by the boat man and a fellow passenger. Easy and safe access to the motorized boats should be provided. Boats should be properly anchored in anticipation of strong waves that may hit the boat while passengers are boarding and disembarking. Would it be possible to move this area closer to the beach?
2. Walking trail to the river. There should be a safe pathway to the waiting area. Hand rails should be provided for visitors who are traversing the wooden planks. The raw trail should be leveled; plants and roots obstructing it should be cut and cleared.
3. Waiting area. Chairs are provided for those waiting for their turn to tour the river, but the area is sandy. It could be leveled so that the chairs are anchored safely to the ground.
4. Helmets and vests. The helmets and vests provided on the boats go from one person to another, an unhygienic practice. Could these items be sanitized after each use?
May we also suggest that brochures and flyers be provided not only at the Underground River but at all other tourist destinations? True, tour guides provide information along the way, but written materials could bolster word-of-mouth invitations to family and friends and help visitors remember the places long after their visit.
We make these suggestions in the hope that the safety and wellbeing of future visitors to Puerto Princesa, particularly the Underground River, will be assured. We ourselves look forward to making a return trip so that we can once again enjoy the river and the city’s other tourist attractions.
—ESTER E. EUSEBIO, PAT TANCO
and PERLITA T. CARIÑO, maderdir@yahoo.com