"Dagway sa Paraiso" it is.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this in the past few days, as to why I haven’t blogged about my beloved town, Moalboal, when in fact it is internationally known and is one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. Good thing my friend Ariz invited us to go caving over the weekend. The invitation was perfect.
There’s really something about caves which made me explore differently, as I swim, walk, climb, and crawl my way through its dark passage. We never really know what we can find inside, with only flashlights and headlamps as our source of light. This is my third time entering Moalboal’s Busay Cave and every experience always feels like it was my first.
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| 2015. My first caving experience here in Busay Cave with Ariz, Cherelle, Theobe and John. |
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| 2016. I explored the cave again with Angelie. |
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| 2019. Now my third time with Ariz, James, Ella (my sister), John Vincent and Michael. |
While there are many caves around the world that involves kiss-the-wall climb, long distance face-in-the-dirt crawl; there are also favorable and family-friendly caves where we can wander through on less-difficult paths. And Busay Cave in Moalboal, Cebu is one of the latter but you have to swim through cold waters to get in.
There are two ways on how you can enter the cave: it’s either you crawl your way on a narrow opening or swim through the freaking cold spring. I choose the second one. While Ella and our local guide decided to kiss the dirt. I and the rest of the group hurriedly swam our course so we can get through with this ice-cold water. I think the water is not cold; it’s freezing, like an ice bucket challenge kind.
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| Smiles on ice-cold waters. We decided to take a groufie before we swim our way to the cave. |
And then, there’s darkness. And a smell of urine-soaked damped cloth welcomed us.
Hello Stalactites and Stalagmites
Caving in Busay made me realize that fascination and charm can still be seen in the dark, there is beauty even in darkness. Waiting to be explored are the sights of stalactites and stalagmites, forming different rock formations and natural sculptures.
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| Photo credits to Cherelle Caballero from our 2015 caving trip. |
When we entered the cave, it looked different this time. I was really wondering in my mind why there are now dark colors on the edges of the rock formations. Until Ariz told us not to touch the rock formations because it can greatly affect its growth.
For those who are planning to try caving one day and those who already did, I hope this serves as a reminder to all that these stalactites and stalagmites should not be touched. The caves are alive because of the minerals on its existing surface and the oils on our hands and skins can compromise its growth.
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| Photo credits to Cherelle Caballero from our 2015 caving trip. |
There was supposed to be a traverse way at the end of the tunnel but our guide told us that it was now closed. So, we head our way back trail. That means I had to swim into the ice-cold waters again. Nope, not gonna happen. I decided to choose the other way.
I was shocked at how small the opening was. The cave hole is smaller than I imagined, where one can only fit in by literally planking above the dirt and move your way out slowly. Okay, kiss the dirt!
Enjoy the Cold Spring
No matter how many times my friends urge me to just chuckle the cold out because my body will get used to the chilly water after few minutes, I really can’t stand another ice bucket challenge feels again.
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| How did you guys manage the cold? |
The water in the spring is about chest-deep as for me but I think it won’t go beyond 5 feet. When we arrived there, some of the locals enjoyed jumping into the mini pool. I wanted to try but naah it’s too cold. I only dip my feet on it. I experienced a sensible calming effect on my senses. The instant shock from the chilly waters cooled down my aching head from a Saturday night chill of drinking blue kamikaze or whatever they call that drink was.
Perfect for Tight Budget Wanderers
Busay Cave is in Brgy. Busay, Moalboal Cebu and the trip are not that costly at all. You can ride “habal-habal” from the town going there for 50 pesos each person. The entrance fee is also manageable on the pocket as well as the nipa hut for rental. This is a perfect nature tripping. Go with your family or bring your friends. Explore differently.
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| Thanks to our local guide who captured this shot. |
Some Helpful Tips
If you have fear of confined places or darkness, if you don’t want to crawl on dirt, or be with bats, don’t do this. This is not for you.
But if you’re like me who loves to go for the extreme, always check the weather. Caves with flowing waters or streams are prone to flooding. Surely, you don’t want to experience what those Thai boys experienced when they got trapped inside the cave.
Don’t go spelunking alone. The place you’ll be exploring is dark and it’s dangerous. Plus, surely your phone won’t work inside when awful things happen.
If you want to try caving, expect that you’ll be swimming, crawling and climbing your way through. So, bring as little gear as possible.
If the tour operator doesn’t give helmets, and you happened to have one at home, bring it (Not the motorcycle helmets, duh!). There will be low-hanging, sharp and edgy stalactites that your vision might miss.
Again, if the tour operator doesn’t provide lamps, flashlights or headlamps, bring one. And oh, include extra batteries.
Wear something that won’t let you snag on sharp edges, like two-piece swimsuits perhaps? Just kidding. Wear comfortable and breathable clothes that will protect you from scrapes and cuts.
Bring cameras.
My Insights on This
It is always a humbling experience to explore the natural beauties the Earth had offered. These places can only be seen in movies and fairy tales before until the One who controls everything brought me to this point in my life.
These enchanting caves made me realize that there is beauty even at the darkest corners. Being surrounded by darkness is scary and dangerous, and no one would want to get trapped there alone. This experience affirmed me that I am guided all my way through this course of life. I was assured that my Ultimate Guide will never leave me and will be with me until the end of this magical underground.
I saw my past self entering a dark, cold and dangerous cave. But I also saw the Supreme Light Source. And if I lost my sight on where the Light is, I won’t be able to find my way out of the dark.
P.S.
Please throw your trash properly. It's really sad to see traces of human ignorance inside the cave.
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| Plastic trash we collected along the trail. |
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MALIPAYONG JOSEFINA
@happyemzey
(follow on facebook, twitter and instagram)
To God be all the glory and praise.
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