Banselan Cave: A Hidden Wonder in Conner, Apayao
Banselan cave, the most famous tourist spot in Conner, Apayao, offers amazing rock formations as well as troglobites.
Contents
Location
- Cupis, Conner, Apayao, Philippines
DENR Cave Classification
Not yet assessed or result not yet published.
Banselan Cave
Banselan cave, the most famous tourist spot in Conner, Apayao, offers amazing rock formations as well as troglobites.
Banselan cave is one of the top famous tourist spots in the 4th class Province of Apayao, located at the northernmost tip of the Luzon mainland. It is bounded on the east by the province of Cagayan, on the west by Ilocos Norte and Abra, and on the south by Kalinga (Department of Interior and Local Government-CAR).
Interestingly, the cave is around half an hour walk from the community proper of the municipality. It is composed of three chambers with different magnificent stalagmite and stalactite formations. This is unique in its own way because it has 3 meters mini falls in one of its caverns (Conner Apayao Tourist Spots and Culture, 2014) .
Moreover, the cave is very much alive as water still seeps through and over its surfaces as well as the evidence of troglobites. Animals such as bats, crabs, rare spiders and others are also inside (Conner Apayao Tourist Spots and Culture, 2014).
Like the cave in Abra, Sibud-Sibud Cave, continuous drips of water and even pooling at some points is necessary in the flourishing of the rock formations as well as the subterranean fauna found within.
Furthermore, this cave is best for spelunking, trekking and for picnic activities. In order to reach the cave, you must pass through a river, the picturesque Bagumbong River. This is surely a relaxing destination for all adventure seekers and spelunkers (Conner Apayao Tourist Spots and Culture, 2014).
The following embedded images will complete the story of how magnificent the cave is.
Microgours, minute terraces over the surface of a rock formation, is evident in the image below. This is commonly created by sustained cyclic fluctuations in the volume of mineral-rich water flowing over.
The continuous dripping of water in Banselan Cave is a key factor in limestone formations. According to a study, and contrary to popular belief, the key factors are not time, but water, acid and lime (Creation Research, 2015). However, this does not mean that you can destroy or touch stone formations easily.
Aside from bats as common cave inhabitants, spiders and crabs are also residing inside Banselan Cave. As part of the LNT principle inside caves, try to not disturb these animals as you explore inside.
The following embedded images will give brief details on the beauty of the cave.
Typical in a cave, Banselan cave also has an entrance through rocky side of a hill.
Contact Person/Group
- Rebekah Mamba (Provincial Tourism Officer): +63 927 241 7343
- Provincial Tourism email: apayaotourism@gmail.com
- Conner Municipal Facebook Page: Local Tourism of Conner
- Apayao Provincial Facebook Page: Apayao Tourism
Registration/Guide/Other Fees
- Fees will be updated once data are available.
How to Get to Banselan Cave
- By land from Manila, Baguio City or Tuguegarao: Take a Victory Liner (Kamias or Sampaloc), Florida Bus (Kamuning and Lacon Ave., Sampaloc), Five Star Bus (Kamuning), or EMC (Kamuning) to Tuguegarao. Once in Tuguegarao, hail a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at UV Van station near Jollibee Shell going to Conner. Then take a van bound to Conner/Kabugao. You can also take a Victory Liner to Tuao then ride a jeep or bus bound to Conner. If you are in Baguio City, ride a GL Transit (behind Baguio Centermall) or a van (terminal in Slaughter Compound) from Baguio City to Conner.
- By air via Tuguegarao: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Tuguegarao daily from Manila, travel time is an hour. From Tuguegarao Airport, get a tricycle to take you to bus or van terminal going to Conner, Apayao.
Note:
Contact the LGU first before heading there especially during monsoon season. This is to prevent undue hassles on each party when closure of caves and roads are temporarily implemented for safety purposes.
Reminders
- Always practice leave-no-trace principle. I have to highlight to please not leave anything inside, do not vandalize, and do not take any physical memento from the cave. Always treat nature with respect.
- The activity is arduous, thus bring enough water to quench your thirst.
- It is highly advisable to check if the road is closed or if the cave is temporarily closed. This is common during rainy season or after days of heavy rain.
- Wear a comfortable non-slip rubber foot wear.
- Get a complete extra set of clothes to change to after the activity.
- Since there is water inside, bring zip bags for your gadgets. Also, consider re-scheduling your activity if there had been a continuous heavy rain in the area.
Nearby Caves/Underground Rivers
- Apayao: Lussok cave and underground river, Alabang cave, Manacota cave and underground river, Purit cave, Bellang cave
- Region II: San Carlos cave, Sierra cave, Callao cave, Diadyan cave
References
Conner Apayao Tourist Spots and Culture. (2014 July 11). Banselan Cave is one of the most famous tourist spot in the municipality [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 December 12 from https://www.facebook.com/conner.touristspots/posts/1396682817219101
Creation Research. (2015 January 09). Stalactite report no. 1-01/09/2015. Retrieved on 2019 December 12 from https://www.creationresearch.net/2281-stalactite-report-1-01-09-2015
Department of Interior and Local Government-CAR. Apayao quick facts. Retrieved on 2019 December 12 from https://www.dilgcar.com/index.php/2015-07-10-07-15-03/province-of-apayao
Embedded Images/Posts
Conner Apayao Tourist Spots and Culture. (2014 July 11). Banselan Cave is one of the most famous tourist spot in the municipality [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 December 12 from https://www.facebook.com/conner.touristspots/posts/1396682817219101
Provincial Government of Apayao, Philippines. (2014 July 29). Banselan [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 December 12 from https://www.facebook.com/pg/apayaoipasindayaw/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1904843032987951
Header Image
Conner Apayao Tourist Spots and Culture. (2014 July 11). Banselan Cave is one of the most famous tourist spot in the municipality [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 December 12 from https://www.facebook.com/conner.touristspots/photos/pcb.1396682817219101/1396682760552440/?type=3&theater
Disclaimer: As much as we want to give the most accurate information for the readers, change will always occur (e.g., contact number, transportation, fees, etc.). With this, please do comment below any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Iyaman!
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