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Travel & Experiences

Offbeat Traveler: New 7 Wonders of Nature

Located on the island province of Palawan in the Philippines, Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park features limestone rock formations and an underground river that empties into the sea. The rock formations, comprising about 90% of the park, include pinnacles, shafts and dolines (sinkholes). The subterranean river, the Cabayugan, travels under Mt. St. Paul and empties into St. Paul's Bay, flowing underground for most of its length. Tourists interested in seeing the underground river can take a 45-minute guided tour led by park officials.

Located on the island province of Palawan in the Philippines, Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park features limestone rock formations and an underground river that empties into the sea. The rock formations, comprising about 90% of the park, include pinnacles, shafts and dolines (sinkholes). The subterranean river, the Cabayugan, travels under Mt. St. Paul and empties into St. Paul’s Bay, flowing underground for most of its length. Tourists interested in seeing the underground river can take a 45-minute guided tour led by park officials.  (Rolex Dela Pena / EPA)

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After a global vote, the New7Wonders Foundation announced last week its list for the new seven wonders of nature. The Swiss organization, founded in 2001 by filmmaker Bernard Weber, started with over 440 locations from more than 220 countries. From there, it whittled its nominees to 28 finalists that included the Great Barrier Reef, the Dead Sea and the Grand Canyon. Winners will be confirmed in early 2012 after results are verified.

Here’s a look at the destinations recognized by the foundation.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

This group of islands in Indonesia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place in the world where you’ll find Komodo dragons, the world’s largest extant lizard species. They’re about as close as you’ll get to living dinosaurs. A type of monitor lizard, Komodo dragons grow about 10 feet long and can weigh about 300 pounds (more than a baby elephant). If you’re not up for chasing these massive lizards (or being chased by them -- they’re quick on their feet), Komodo National Park is also known for its diverse marine environments. Its waters are popular for diving and host over 260 species of reef-building coral, 70 species of sponges and over 1,000 species of fish.   (Romeo Gacad / AFP / Getty Images)

Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain rises about 3,500 feet above sea level in Cape Town, South Africa. It consists of a two-mile wide plateau bounded by two peaks, Lion’s Head to the northwest and Devil’s Peak to the northeast. The mountain is home to an abundant variety of flora, including orchids, daisies and silver trees.

Table Mountain is a part of Table Mountain National Park, South Africa’s most-visited national park.  (Nic Bothma / EPA)

Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island lies about 50 miles south of the Korean peninsula. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island comprises three noteworthy sites: Geomunoreum lava tubes, Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone and Mount Halla (pictured). UNESCO considers Geomunoreum the finest lava tube system in the world due to its multicolored and elaborate rock formations. The Seongsan Ilchulbong lava cone rises starkly from the ocean, making for an impressive sight. Mount Halla features waterfalls, rock formations and a lake-filled crater at its peak.  (Jeju Provincial Government / EPA)

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