10 Marvelous Caves in the Philippines You Should Visit
22 April 2023The Philippines is doubtless one of the most beautiful countries in the world to bear witness to what the best Mother Nature has to offer. We have the globally recognized white-sand beach of Boracay Island, and Palawan alone is gifted and inundating with natural beauty, making it easily the top natural tourist destination for local and international guests.
Aside from exquisite beaches, picturesque mountaintops, and simply stunning natural landscapes, we also have plenty of marvelous caves that people can visit for fun and adventure. If you're one such person who loves seeing the best of nature and all its splendor, then a spelunking exploration is for you. In this article, get to know the top spots to catch the most amazing caverns in the Philippines.
1. Puerto Princesa Underground River
Spanning 8.2 kilometers in length, the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan is the longest cave in the Philippines and is very popular around the world. It was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1999 and was globally honored as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012. Simply put, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is the most popular and sought-after cave in the country, and for all the right reasons.
2. Callao Cave
Deriving from the Spanish word "callado" meaning quiet or serene, Callao Cave has been classified as an Eco-Tourism Zone by the local government of Cagayan. Callao Cave is where the first ancient human species was found in the country. The Cagayan cave consists of seven chambers, one of which was turned into an actual chapel for its appearance resembling a cathedral. It is the only Roman Catholic church found inside a cave.
3. Tabon Caves
Monikered the "Cradle of Civilization," the Tabon Caves in Palawan is yet another popular destination for spelunking. It also holds immense historical significance as it is where one of the oldest remains of Homo Sapiens has been discovered in Southeast Asia. The cave system is also the location of the infamous Tabon Man, which is widely regarded to be one of the country's earliest human skeleton remains. The Tabon Cave Complex was also a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, and its vast importance prompted the national government since the 1970s to protect the site from any environmental damage.
4. Calbiga Caves
Also known as Langun-Gobingob Caves, Calbiga Caves is recognized as the largest cave system in the country and the second biggest in Asia with over 2,968 hectares in length. Located in Eastern Samar, Calbiga Caves is a magnificent piece of nature housing several bat species and other cave animals lurking in its midst. Once you're inside the cave, you will be greeted with its stupendous splendor of massive chambers resembling classic architecture.
5. Hinagdanan Cave
Translated as "laddered" in Cebuano, Hinagdanan Cave is a top tourist spot in Bohol besides the Chocolate Hills. The humongous karst cave features formidable formations of stalactites and stalagmites complemented with a freshwater lagoon. Before its discovery as a cavern, it used to be the hideout of locals from the wrath of the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II.
6. Aglipay Caves
Named after the municipality in Quirino where it stands, as well as after Gregorio Aglipay, the Philippine Independent Church's founder, Aglipay Caves is an underground adventure of stalagmites, stalactites, and other splendid rock formations. It has a total of eight explorable caves that tourists can enjoy sightseeing. In addition, there is a butterfly sanctuary around the vicinity. If you want to go on a picnic date with the family or go camping with friends, you can do so as well.
7. Odloman Caves
Home to the cave capital of the Philippines in Negros Oriental, Odloman Cave is just one of the hundreds of caves located in the town of Mabinay alone. It stands proud as the second largest cave in the Philippines after the Calbiga Caves in Eastern Samar. To get to the entrance, you will have to swim in an underground river, which will definitely be worth it once you bear witness to its awe-inspiring caverns and galleries.
8. Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave
Considered the deepest cave in the Philippines, the Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave is nestled in Sagada, Mountain Province. During World War II, it was the hiding quarters of Filipino guerillas and soldiers from the Japanese invaders. This cave is one of the most majestic for its natural rock formations and, the deeper you go into the cave, will give you a memorable experience that will prompt you to admire nature more and take tons of Instagrammable pictures.
9. Jackpot Cave
With a depth of around 115 meters and a length of roughly 355 meters, the Jackpot Cave in the province of Cagayan is acknowledged as the Philippines' second deepest cave. This is a famous tourist attraction in Cagayan, which is highly regarded as the perfect site for both aspiring and experienced spelunkers. Once inside, expect to be soaked and muddied, so be sure to only wear comfy clothes that you wouldn't mind disposing of after.
10. Biak-na-Bato
Finally, the Biak-na-Bato National Park is a popular destination in Bulacan for spelunking and other natural attractions and adventures. Historically, the Biak-na-Bato used to be the headquarters of our Katipuneros who fought the Spanish regime in the late 1800s. The National Park is ideal for hiking trips, crossing rivers, admiring rock and limestone formations, and visiting multiple caves such as Madlum Cave, Bahay Paniki, and Bayukbok Cave Trail. It is located in San Miguel town in the province of Bulacan.
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