Spelunking: Caving In to the Fun

When it comes to outdoor activities, most people prefer the heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping action. However, there are still those that need not be death-defying – the thrilling but much more subdued activity called spelunking, otherwise known as caving or cave exploration, for one. Sometimes, it is referred to as potholing, which is considered more 'extreme.'

What's in the name? Back in the 1940s, American Clay Perry wrote about a group of men and boys exploring caves in New England and calling themselves “spelunkers.” This term and “spelunking” became the accepted terms until the 1960s when they were already considered inappropriate. The “cavers” were then considered more trained and knowledgeable.

Spelunking Away

With these explorations, people get to visit caves and bask at the wonder Mother Nature has blessed us with. And indeed, the Philippines is blessed with many natural caves, what has made the sport popular in the first place and kept tourists coming back for more.

Spelunking may seem more subdued, but in truth, it could be one of the most daring things to do in the Philippines. In one’s whole life, for that matter. It is an activity fast gaining grounds. The mere decision to go spelunking is, in fact, already a leap for travelers wary of the perceived dangers of walking in caves, real or imagined. It is already a form of conquering fears like fears of bats, snakes, crocodiles, and unimaginable sea monsters that people do get to imagine. Spelunking has definitely created more cave enthusiasts, and with good reason.

A great caving experience gives the explorer a wonderful “encounter” with natural cave architectures and formations through challenging routes. Many of these caves are the most exotic and majestic to behold. Some caves in mountains and beaches have yet to be discovered and being the first to do so gives a different kind of high.

There are caves that carry with them enchanting mysteries specifically due to old beliefs of local folks that sometimes keep them from entering the caves. Some have rituals and ceremonies done to appease the supernatural beings, some bury their dead in the caves.

Where Best to Explore

The Sagada caves are often used as burial grounds. They are believed to reach the ends of the earth mainly because they are so deep. In Tuguegarao is the Callo cave that is home to thousands of bats. It is more famous, however, for its natural formations of stalagmite and stalactite arches, creating a church-like structure. Meanwhile, Mt. Banahaw in Quezon is more popular for the stories that have been associated with it. The people living around it often have stories of the supernatural kind to tell, particularly the olden folks. During the Holy Week, Mt. Banahaw is braved by travelers who wish to experience its magic and make sacrifices in return for a big request. Lastly, there is Tabon cave in Palawan, renowned for the fossilized skull and artifacts excavated from it, with “Tabon Man” believed to have lived during the Ice Age.

How to Go Spelunking

While caving is not a high-risk sport, there are still some things to watch out for. There's hypothermia, falling, flooding and physical exhaustion. But as long as cavers follow the rules, there should not be much problems.
Caving includes negotiation of pitches, squeezes, ropes (for descending and ascending over steep or slippery passages), and water. To get to the destination, there are lots of crawling and climbing to be had. It actually requires a lot of physical exercise, making spelunking in league with mountaineering and diving.

With the exception of the required hard hats to protect heads from bumping and hitting rocks, as well as from falling rocks, clothes to wear will depend on the cave environment. In cold caves, warm clothes should keep the caver warm (e.g. furry suits, polypropelene underwear, and water-proof oversuit). For warm caves, lighter clothes would be advisable (and again, thin polyprolene clothing). When caves are wet and have stream passages, wetsuits may be worn.

For the feet, boots are necessary – hiking boots for dry caves, rubber boots (with neoprene socks or “wetsocks”). Knee pads, elbow pads and gloves are sometimes used to protect self against abrasions and while crawling. Meanwhile, “In pristine areas and for restoration, clean oversuits and powder-free, non-latex surgical gloves are used to protect the cave itself from contaminants” (Wikipedia).

Other than the aforementioned clothes and protective gear, it is always good to bring first aid kits, emergency equipment, food, and even secured containers for when nature does call.

Cavers Beware

Many more caves are waiting to be explored. But as they are owned by Mother Nature herself, visitors are asked to behave responsibly during explorations. Caves are vulnerable. One damage may already cost hundreds, if not thousands, of years for Mother Nature to recreate.

That is why many restorations and preservations are being done. Even something as simple as taking pictures, particularly using a flash, may affect the rock formations. It is, therefore, requested that people be in their best behavior as instructed and requested by local authorities and tour guides. In Callao cave, in fact, only a maximum of 12 people are allowed in at the same time.

As always, too, visitors are expected to respect the caves and respect the townsfolk’s beliefs. One need not bring many things with him for more mobility. It is imperative that he remembers to not litter around the caves. One reason that caves get destroyed is the human tendencies to disregard nature.

Restrictions aside, the whole spelunking experience is one tourists should never miss. Finding at least one cave should not be so much problem. Many local communities have made these explorations as part of their tourism efforts and livelihood.

For the real adventurer, the best adventure could be one that combines thrill and nature. So for that great get-away, the Philippines is the perfect place for some awesome spelunking experience.

Cave in to the fun. Go spelunking away!

Sources:
www.Travel/MapsofWorld.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.IvanHenares.com