We saved one of Palawan's star attractions for our last full day on the island; Sabang's world famous underground river.
Our guide book describes it thus: 'A journey into the darkness of this riverine cave is a truly unique experience - you really will feel like a character in Jules Verne's Journey to the centre of the earth'.
And I think that sums it up nicely.
It's thought to be the longest subterranean river in the world. Stretching 8 km from an opening in the limestone cliffs as it twists and turns further and further inland.
Bloody great it is too.
We boarded a small boat and for the next 45 minutes were treated to the awe-inspiring sight of 50ft stalactites, gothic rock formations and tens of thousands of bats - all snoozing, but apparently still capable of going to the toilet in their sleep, hence the need for our protective headwear.
The 2 hour hike back to Sabang was almost as memorable as the visit to the cave. Thick rainforest alive with the sights and sounds of exotic fauna made quite an impression. The undisputed highlight being when we came across a feral dog engaged in a protracted stand-off with a monkey.
Normally my money would have been on the dog. But once the monkey showed us the size of his teeth I changed my mind - and while it was thrilling to be within a few feet of the cheeky chappy - we all retreated a step or two at the sight of his incisors.
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