Bohol Island is made up of extensive karst (limestone) formations, such as sinkholes, ravines, the curious Chocolate Hills, and a large number of caves, many of them unexplored. It is considered by most as a cave country and got its name from the word “buho”, meaning “hole” from which spring water usually gush forth.
To date, there are more or less 1,400 caves that were discovered throughout the island. The caves are often found near coastal towns of the island with a few situated inland yet near to rivers and streams. The caves in southwestern and northwestern Bohol are made up of Pliocene limestone, and tend to be narrow, long, and wet; while those in southeastern Bohol are Miocene limestone that tend to be larger, deeper and drier.
During cave explorations, one may come across streams whose source is a hole in the ground, only to flow a few kilometers further on and disappear underground then gush forth again in the distance. This is a sign that caves exist in the area.
The underground world of the caves already explored was found to be beautiful, with astounding stone formations called stalagmites and stalactites and ponds. Many bizarre invertebrates like the albino crabs were found. They evolved and adapted to their dark environment. Bats inhabit most of the caves though.
Most of these caves were used as hideouts during wars. Some are easily accessible yet others need climbing equipments and climbing expertise in order to enter. Some caves are dangerous in the rain as water levels inside may rise up rapidly. For the 1st timers, it is highly advised that they seek guidance and proper orientation from local cavers to avoid untoward accidents.
Equipments used are main and back-up lighting systems, to ropes, slings, carabiners plus other technical gear. But these depend upon the cave to be visited so it is quite important to have expert guides during each trip.
Fairly a new sport in the Philippines, it is considered with suspicion for some who hold superstitious beliefs regarding the caves. Some town officials and local residents may also be wary of these trips believing that cavers come for known Japanese treasures.
Surveyed and mapped caves in Bohol were found to be moderate in size and with ponds. Others show severe earthquake damage particularly in Guindulman town. Most caves are vertical drops that lead to horizontal passages, many of which are interlocking, and need climbing equipment and require experience. Some thrilling passages can only be entered by submerging oneself underwater.
Several caves are within the ancestral domain of Eskaya tribe, which covers portions of Guindulman, Duero and Bilar. Cavers have to get permission from tribal leaders before exploring, for failure to respect tribal customs and traditions could lead to these areas being closed.
Spelunking / Cave Exploration
The Francisco Dagohoy Cave in the town of Danao was once the headquarters of the Boholano patriot Dagohoy who led an extended rebellion against Spain starting in the first half of the 1700’s.
One of the many crystal-studded passages within the cave’s maze has an underwater route leading to dry land and was often used by Dagohoy and his men to escape the clutches of the Spaniards. The largest cave, however, is Sudlon Cave, nestled in a lovely mountain environment and is home to a huge population of bats.
The Hinagdanan Cave is the most popular and easy to reach among the caves of Bohol province. Classified as a karst cave, it is located in the town of Dauis in Panglao Island.
The cave boasts of a large number of stalactites and stalagmites and leads to an underground spring pool where visitors can take a dip. Water is icy cold where the spring gushes forth yet a bit warm at the outlet where it meets the sea.
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