Calbiga Cave Samar

Calbiga Cave – Samar – Philippines

The Calbiga Cave system in southern Samar is not well know outside of the spelunking community due to its relatively light exposure in the tourist guide books.

Samar is off the beaten track so a little more effort is needed to make a trip here. It also requires a guide with extensive local knowledge of the cave.

Calbiga has massive chambers in addition to hidden narrow passageways and underground rivers and lakes.

It was first explored in 1987 by an experienced spelunking team from Italy.They were impressed with the pristine condition of this enormous cave.

Joni Bonificio, an experienced caver from Samar got a group of interested participants to spend a few days  traveling through the Langun-Gobingob caves last week.

Most of the explorers were from the Philippines with a couple from Makati, a climber from Catarman and three from Cebu and one from Palawan.

A few foreigners were also invited to join the group.

It might be noted that this kind of trip should not be taken too lightly. It requires a fair bit of energy to climb over all those rocks and passageways and some rope climbing is necessary because of steep slippery trails

It would mean sure death if you lost your grip or footing and went plunging into the darkness.

Someone lost a water bottle and it ricocheted back and forth for a long ways before coming to rest.

We did not leave any garbage in the cave with the exception of that bottle.

Good foot wear is a prerequisite. Sturdy shoes to protect the feet from sharp rocks are even worn when wading or swimming through the rivers.

Be certain that your shoes are broken in so that you will avoid creating painful blisters. Take extra socks along.

These shoes will also protect the feet when walking through thick piles of bat poop (something that you will not be able to avoid near the cave entrances).

Base camps are set up where the heavy gear is left behind so the more difficult passages can be examined without the added grief of a large backpack.

Water is available in a few places so all the water containers are replenished when it is possible to do so.

You will sweat profusely as you negotiate your way through this difficult and warm terrain so it will be important to drink as much water as you can.

At the base camps coffee and food is prepared in a normal fashion but it will not be possible in most other areas.

It is also very important to carry in extra warm and dry clothing in plastic bags or the nights will be unpleasant. Chocolate and other energy foods are welcome too.

There is the occasional snake but they seem to be near the entrances, however a degree of caution is in order. They are non aggressive but it is best not to reach into dark cracks that you have not first look into with a torch. These Philippine cobras are quite poisonous.

Pace yourself and try to establish your footing before taking the next step.

In the rivers it is imperative that a person with a great deal of experience in this cave such as Joni is leading the team. It must be determined if the river is safe to cross.

During periods of heavy rain outside the cave the water levels can rise creating a very hazardous level. You must save the exploration of these passageways for another trip.

Calbiga Cave

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Calbiga Cave