The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. And if you’re a nature lover, you’ll be happy to discover all of the unique creatures, plants and all the biodiversity the cave has to offer, more than 800 plant species, including 300 species of trees, 200 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles and 8 bat species call the cave home.
The entrance to the cave is only a short hike away from a nearby town, but the river, which is navigable by boat, is only accessible for up to 4 kilometers, because the critical lack of oxygen passed that point. If that wasn’t cool enough, in 2010, a group of geologists discovered that the underground river has a second floor, which creates several small waterfalls inside the cave.
The Rainbow Cave
This remarkable cave in China appears to have been made out of particles from a rainbow. It is called the Karst Cave, and it is said to have been whittled by an ancient river that flowed through it 500,000 years ago.
What makes the Karst so beautiful inside is that the composition of its rocks, stalactites and pillars, reflect a blend of yellow, blue, and purple. It is also known as the Reed Flute Cave. Back in the war, due its accessibility, the Chinese once used this cave as a hideout, specifically against air raids. Not only is it beautiful, but it has saved countless lives, too.
A Different Kind of Pearl
One can only imagine the myriad of wonders to be found in this deep, mysterious cave. The stalactites and the stalagmites themselves capture our attention, taking the form of altars inside. We are at awe by the knowledge of how they are formed out of soluble material and its dripping for many many years until they are hardened, even crystallized.
Caves are capable of coming up with their own version of pearls, too. They may not be as valuable as those from the South Sea, but they are smooth and wonderful to witness. They are formed by the dripping of calcite-heavy water onto dirt, which in time solidifies into a collection of smooth spheres.
Mysterious Depths: Part II
Plunging into the depths of a cave where atmospheric changes are drastic will undoubtedly take its toll on even the most experienced explorers and researchers. Conquering the full depth of the Krubera Cave will take a huge amount of time, if they ever come out successful. They will have to move from one campsite to another, wade through uncharted territory and murky waters of unknown composition.
The main challenge is to adapt to an environment in which we aren’t designed to live in. The milieu itself can be disorienting. Then, on top of that, imagine all the gear that needs to be lugged around to sustain the explorers for as long as needed, dragged through small tunnels into the deep unknown.
Surround Yourself With Ice
This icy sanctuary near the Mutnovsky Volcano in Russia is a fascinating cave system formed in the glaciers surrounding area by fumaroles, which are small vents that release gases and volcanic heat. The volcano's last eruption occurred in 2000.
If you happen to visit the cave at the right time you'll witness the sunlight penetrating the frozen cave walls, painting them in all colors of the rainbow.