The Cacupangan Cave System, located in Pangasinan, is a subterranean wonder which has an underground river, teeming with exciting limestone formations, and houses several fauna and flora.
Contents
Location of Cacupangan Cave System
Address: Brgy. Villacorta and Brgy. Tagudin, Mabini, Pangasinan
Google Map:
DENR Cave Classification
No published classification yet under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Unfortunately, even with several researches conducted in the Cacupangan Cave System about its fauna (macro and micro) and flora, it is not yet officially classified by the DENR.
Cacupangan Cave System Characteristics
- Length: 4 kilometers [1]
- Spelunking duration:
- Mineral deposit formations: Abundant
- Is underground river present?: Yes
- Bat population: Numerous and of different species
- Multichamber: Yes
- Human artefacts: None
- Cave floor fill: Soil, mud, stones, guano
Spelunking in Cacupangan Cave System
The name of the cave was derived from the “kupang” trees (Parkia timoriana) widespread all over the area and line the road leading to the cave. It is 4-kilometer stretch of limestone and underground river beneath the lands of at least four barangays. Trogloxenes residing inside include whip spiders, vinegaroons, bright orange Hirtipes crabs, slimy eels [1].
The Cacupangan Cave System is found in Mabini, named after the sublime paralytic Philippine hero. It was once part of the Province of Zambales and formerly known as Balincaguin or “Bali lan Caguin”. This is a Zambal phrase which translates to “Abode of Bats” [2]. Currently, this 3rd class municipality is now under the Province of Pangasinan. The municipality has a population of 24,765 which produces mangoes, cashew nuts, vegetables, poultry, baskets & sawali [3].
The cave system has multiple entrances/exits spanning over Barangays Tagudin, De Guzman, Barlo, and San Pedro. A portion of the cave has a massive rimstone formation, wherein the locals call it Binmatya (from the word “batya” meaning basin).
Interestingly, the cave offers a lot of limestone formations, rimstone pools and calcite crystals. The breathtaking sizes of the stalactite and stalagmite formations is a proof that it has been delicately carved out by nature over centuries.
Several types if guano with their own unique assemblages of associated arthropods were observed. A total of 42 morpho-species were recorded, including four possible new cave-restricted species, calling for the protection of the cave sites [4]. A scops owl (Otus megalotis) was also seen in the twilight zone of the cave [5].
The cave was first explored by Charles M. Nelson, his wife and friends. By 2006, the cave had undergone a subterranean survey. As of writing, the owner of the land has developed the surrounding area of the cave entrance. A wooden staircase makes passing thru the entrance easier. Moreover, facilities for camping and picnics are also available outside of the cave.
The following embeds are from tourists who went to Cacupangan Cave.
Contact Person/Group
- LGU Mabini Pangasinan Facebook Page
- Pangasinan Tourism Facebook Page
- Email: info@mabini-pangasinan.gov.ph
Registration/Guide Fees
- Registration fee: Php50.00
- Environmental fee: Php25.00
- Guide fee: Php400.00
- Gear Rentals: Php100.00
- There are also picnic tables for rent at the entrance
How to Get to Cacupangan Cave System
From Manila, there are buses plying Manila-Pangasinan route.
- Take a CISCO Bus, Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus Co., Viron Transitor Five Star Bus to Dagupan, Pangasinan. Bus fare ranges from Php300.00-450.00
- From Dagupan, take a bus or jeep bound to Sta. Cruz. Ask the driver to drop you near the municipal hall in Mabini, Pangasinan.
- Go to the Municipal Hall for registration. From there, take a tricycle for Cacupangan.
From Baguio City
- Take a Sta. Cruz-bound Victory Liner Bus in Gov. Pack Station. Tell the driver to drop you near the municipal hall in Mabini, Pangasinan. You may also take a Dagupan-bound bus, then change to Sta.Cruz bus in Dagupan bus terminal.
- Go to the Municipal Hall for registration. From there, take a tricycle for Cacupangan.
Nearby Notable Caves/Underground
- Binmatya Cave
- Ara-saas & Sto. Rosario Cave
- Cabalyorisa Cave Complex
- Tinmori Tower Karst
- Nearest spelunking destinations from the close regions: Aran Cave, Tinedkaw Cave, Ambongdolan Caves, Busibus Cave, Diadyan Cave, Capisaan Cave.
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 could be arduous depending in your usual physical activity, 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 a subterranean river inside, bring zip bags for your gadgets. Also, consider re-scheduling your activity if there had been a continuous heavy rain in the area.
References
[1] Alvarez, J. and Cruz, F., 2016. Exploring Mabini’s Underworld – OVCRE. [online] Ovcre.uplb.edu.ph. Available at <https://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph/press/features/item/119-exploring-mabini-s-underworld> [Accessed 25 June 2020].
[2] Municipal Government of Mabini [LGU-Mabini]. Municipal Comprehensive Land-Use Plan of Mabini, Pangasinan. 2014. Philippines.
[3] The Official Website of the Province of Pangasinan. n.d. Mabini. [online] Available at: <https://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/cities/mabini/> [Accessed 25 June 2020].
[4] Encinares, J., 2016. Guano-Dwelling Arthropod Communities Of Cave Systems In Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines, And Knowledge, Attitudes And Practices Of Key Cave Users. [online] Scinet.dost.gov.ph. Available at:<http://scinet.dost.gov.ph/union/ShowSearchResult.phps=2&f=&p=&x=&page=&sid=1&id=Guano-dwelling+arthropod+communities+of+cave+systems+in+Mabini%2C+Pangasinan%2C+Philippines%2C+and+knowledge%2C+attitudes+and+practices+of+key+cave+users&Mtype=THESES> [Accessed 25 June 2020].
[5] Project Noah. n.d. Luzon Lowland Scops Owl. [online] Available at: <https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/9096786> [Accessed 25 June 2020].
Header picture courtesy of www.pangasinan.gov.ph
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!
