Kibatay Cave: Into the Uncharted Caving Destination
Kibatay Cave is an uncharted caving destination located in Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet. As an unsung natural wonder, it is yet to debut as a spelunking destination.
Contents
Location
- Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet, Philippines
DENR Cave Classification
Not yet assessed or result not yet published.
Spelunking in Kibatay Cave
Kibatay Cave is an uncharted caving destination located in Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet.
Kapangan, the location of Kibatay cave, is blessed with natural scenes along its rugged mountains and hills. There are several caves, scenic mountains, water falls, and other natural wonders found within the municipality. Of the caves in the area, the Kibatay cave might be considered as the underdog.
As an unsung natural wonder in Kapangan, Kibatay Cave is yet to debut as a spelunking destination. Primarily, this could be due to its location, above grounds attracts more tourist traffic than subterranean places, and its spelunking length is not as major as other nearby caves.
Notwithstanding, it cannot be denied that this cave, has something to offer. The Sagubo locals and nearby barangay residents have already scaled its length. It may not be at par with Longog Cave, Dangwa Cave, and Bulalacao Cave when it comes to popularity but it does have interesting features. This is corroborated by the following Facebook posts of local tourists who dared see this underground destination.
Different rock formations are also seen inside, as evident in the succeeding embedded images. Stalactites and stalagmites are abundant.
Climbing through rocks and squeezing in tight spaces is also a part of the adventure, like in Aran cave in Tuba, Benguet.
Apparently, the entrance/exit is a tight squeeze like in Paterno Cave in Ambongdolan, Tublay. Make sure that you’ll get an extra set of clothing to change to after the spelunking activity.
The following video also showcases the inside of the cave.
In conclusion, the Kibatay Cave is not yet known to the spelunking community as of writing. However, this is already a place of wonder among Sagubo locals. It may take long until tourists will flock this area due to its distance from the nearest city. However, it is highly recommended that this could be added on the itinerary of tourists who are chasing waterfalls in Sagubo during rainy season.
Contact Person/Group
- Kapangan Tourism Facebook page
- Municipal Tourism Office address: Lomon, Paykek
- Municipal contact number: +63 998 577 6058; +63 907 705 4401
- LGU: (074) 619-0120
Registration/Guide Fees
To be updated once data is available. For the mean time, please do contact the above person/group/page/office for further details.
How to Get to to Kibatay Cave
- From outside Cordillera [lowlands]
- Get to Baguio City: Commute going to Baguio City thru a bus, though vans and jeepneys are also available among nearby municipalities. Fare depends on your origin. There are a lot of buses going up to Baguio City such a Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Joybus, minibuses from Region 1, etc. From Baguio City, transfer to a bus or PUJ bound to Kapangan.
- Baguio City to Kapangan: Commute either using bus or jeepney.
- Dakiwagan Bus and Dangwa Bus: Both are stationed at Dangwa terminal at the back of Baguio Centermall. Of the limited trips in a day, the earliest trip for both buses is at 5:30-6:00AM. Dakiwagan’s next trips are 10:30AM, and 3:00PM. Dangwa’s succeeding trips are 9:00AM, 10:30AM, 12:00NN, and 5:00PM. Both buses and PUJs are stationed at Dangwa Station at the back of Baguio Centermall. Alight in central Kapangan.
- If you are in La Trinidad, you may want to wait for the above buses in their stop overs in Marosan’s Restaurant and New Moon Restaurant (not sure which bus stops at which resto though) in Shilan at least 30 minutes interval from their departure time in Baguio City.
- From central Kapangan, take a jeep to Sagubo (best to ask the Kapangan Tourism Office jeepney regarding trips to Sagubo). Upon reaching Sagupo, proceed to the barangay hall for registration and orientation.
Note: Before heading for spelunking in Kibatay Cave, make sure that you have liaised with the Kapangan LGU/Tourism Office. This will greatly help you in your itinerary. Further, it will also save time and effort in case the cave is closed or the access roads are not accessible. Also, since tourist traffic to this site is not yet heavy, make sure to bring personal spelunking gears such as helmet (if you have your own) as well as individual head lamps.
Nearby Notable Caves/Underground Rivers
Reminders
- Be early in going to Kapangan if you plan on going back to Baguio City on the same day.
- Get in touch with the local government unit and to verify any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them time to prepare especially if you are going there as a group.
- Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
- 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. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
- DO NOT TOUCH the stone formations inside so that their growth will not be disrupted.
- Wear appropriate and comfortable non-slip, close-toed rubber shoes.
- Water! Yes, you’ll need it especially if you go there during summer time.
References
Embedded Facebook Posts and Youtube Video
Felix Jr., N. (2019 June 15). Kibatay Cave Adventure at Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet || very Nice [Youtube video]. Retrieved on 2019 December 11 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vKH74_HmfQ
Jepoy Lakwatsero. (2015 November 15). I once visited this not so known cave of Sagubo, Kapangan in 2011 known as… [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 December 11 from https://www.facebook.com/jepoylakwatsero/posts/1649270752008209
Paykek YOUTH Organization – PYO. (2016 June 13). Kibatay Cave [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 December 11 from https://www.facebook.com/pg/Paykek-YOUTH-Organization-PYO-571206456410864/photos/?tab=album&album_id=575294232668753
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!