The number 1 Philippine cave on my bucket list explored! Want to see the Phils.' said cradle of civilization? Here's how:
1. Plane ride: Manila- Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan
2.From Puerto Prinsesa, ride a tricycle ( pay P 20 ) going to the van terminals and look for the QUEZON sign
3. Ride a van and pay P 300.00- travel time is about 3 hrs.
4. Upon reaching the Quezon van terminal, ride a tricycle (pay P 10) going to the National Museum office.
note: National museum is open on weekends until 4 PM , but it is not advisable to go there later than 2 PM.You may want to check what's in the museum too, that showcases the cultural and natural heritage of Palawan.
5. Secure a permit going to the Tabon Cave complex, pay P 20.00
6. Ride a tricycle ( pay P 20) going to the Phil. Coast Guard office near the port.
7. Present your permit to the coast guard officer and register
8. Rent a boat in the port for P 800 going to Lipuun Point where Tabon cave is located ( max of 6 riders) or you can opt to rent is by yourself the rate will be the same.
9. Boat ride is wavy! Lasts about an hour.
10. Present you permit to the Tabon cave 'museum' guide, register and enjoy the trek to the caves!
No words can ever describe my feelings while doing the trip to this very significant cave system that was first introduced to me as a kid from my elementary days on my Sibika subject. Who has not been taught about the Tabon caves in elementary school?
After the very long van ride from up PP to the mid section of Palawan in Quezon and almost an hour boat ride towards Lipuun Point, we reached the island at around 2PM after we left PP at 9am. I didn't expect hard caving though since I know that areas of archaeological significance will be closed to the public or any visitors.
The complex has about a hundred caves according to the National Museum curator based at the Tabon cave, only 7 is open to the public and due to time constraint arriving at around 2 PM, we only visited the first 4 so that we can catch the UV express van ride going back to PP on time. There are no hotels in Quezon, Palawan and the last van ride going back to PP departs at 5 PM.
The caves in Tabon are elevated ranging from up to 10 up to 100 meters on the highest point. Liyang cave is the first cave you will see and pass through, a big chamber with lots of bats and guano.
Below is the Diwata cave where our ancestors did their worship...
The view from the cave site to the sea...
Tabon Cave may not be a challenge to a spelunker in terms of doing the actual caving, but it can really give one a chill and amazement on the fact how our ancestors lived their lives before, how they thrived in the caves and even on how they managed to reach this place where it is also said that before the "tulay na lupa" is still there.
The place and the view is really wonderful. You have to see this for yourself if you love caving and is interested in archaeology at the same time!
1. Plane ride: Manila- Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan
2.From Puerto Prinsesa, ride a tricycle ( pay P 20 ) going to the van terminals and look for the QUEZON sign
3. Ride a van and pay P 300.00- travel time is about 3 hrs.
4. Upon reaching the Quezon van terminal, ride a tricycle (pay P 10) going to the National Museum office.
note: National museum is open on weekends until 4 PM , but it is not advisable to go there later than 2 PM.You may want to check what's in the museum too, that showcases the cultural and natural heritage of Palawan.
5. Secure a permit going to the Tabon Cave complex, pay P 20.00
6. Ride a tricycle ( pay P 20) going to the Phil. Coast Guard office near the port.
7. Present your permit to the coast guard officer and register
8. Rent a boat in the port for P 800 going to Lipuun Point where Tabon cave is located ( max of 6 riders) or you can opt to rent is by yourself the rate will be the same.
9. Boat ride is wavy! Lasts about an hour.
10. Present you permit to the Tabon cave 'museum' guide, register and enjoy the trek to the caves!
No words can ever describe my feelings while doing the trip to this very significant cave system that was first introduced to me as a kid from my elementary days on my Sibika subject. Who has not been taught about the Tabon caves in elementary school?
After the very long van ride from up PP to the mid section of Palawan in Quezon and almost an hour boat ride towards Lipuun Point, we reached the island at around 2PM after we left PP at 9am. I didn't expect hard caving though since I know that areas of archaeological significance will be closed to the public or any visitors.
The complex has about a hundred caves according to the National Museum curator based at the Tabon cave, only 7 is open to the public and due to time constraint arriving at around 2 PM, we only visited the first 4 so that we can catch the UV express van ride going back to PP on time. There are no hotels in Quezon, Palawan and the last van ride going back to PP departs at 5 PM.
The caves in Tabon are elevated ranging from up to 10 up to 100 meters on the highest point. Liyang cave is the first cave you will see and pass through, a big chamber with lots of bats and guano.
A 20 minute climb and trek on the stairs, the Tabon Cave itself...
This is the Tabon Cave and that ledge was the area where the discoverer, Dr. Robert Fox and the National Museum worked during their excavations.
So it is not actually caving, but a visit to these archaeological site, akin to visiting a museum, well, this is really a living museum.
Below is the Diwata cave where our ancestors did their worship...
Igang Cave came next after about a hundred more stair climb...
Lots of climbing towards the other caves. The Manunggul Cave below was the last cave we visited. It is where the most famous archaeological find, the Manunggul jars were excavated. Those jars are the urn of the departed...
The beautiful natural bridge above the Manunggul cave
Four caves visited hurriedly on a span of 3 hours, we have to hurry back to Quezon van terminal as we bid goodbye to our awesome guide who had been assigned here for more than a decade.
Tabon Cave may not be a challenge to a spelunker in terms of doing the actual caving, but it can really give one a chill and amazement on the fact how our ancestors lived their lives before, how they thrived in the caves and even on how they managed to reach this place where it is also said that before the "tulay na lupa" is still there.
The place and the view is really wonderful. You have to see this for yourself if you love caving and is interested in archaeology at the same time!
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