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Tinedkaw Cave: A Subterranean Wonder in La Trinidad, Benguet

GIL MILAN
tinedkaw cave

Tinedkaw Cave in La Trinidad, Benguet is a Class II subterranean ecosystem under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

CAUTION: Tinedkaw Cave is not yet open to the public. It is categorized under Class II–meaning, any conduct of activity within the cave is prohibited until safety measures are put in place to protect the spelunkers and the cave ecosystem. That means, you cannot go inside the cave without permission from the LGU and DENR.

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Location of Tinedkaw Cave

Address: Central Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

Google Map:

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DENR Cave Classification

Class II according to DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2012-03 [1]. Class II are caves with areas or portions which have hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, archeological, cultural, historical, and biological values or high quality ecosystem [2]. It may be necessary to close sections of these caves seasonally or permanently.

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Tinedkaw Cave Characteristics

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Spelunking in Tinedkaw Cave

Located in the salad bowl of the Philippines, Tinedkaw Cave has a potential of becoming a major tourism site in the municipality.

Tinedkaw Cave is situated at the capital of Benguet, just one jeepney ride away from Baguio City and some hiking. Its location is a big factor in getting more spelunkers, possibly even surpassing the foot falls of Ambongdolan Caves. This could be an alternative or be a part of itinerary of tourists bound for the Strawberry Farm.

The cave have been discovered during World War II where the locals used it as a hiding place [3]. Accordingly, the name ‘Tinedkaw’ came from the rock formation in the entrance which resembles a beak of a bird. Lately, it resurfaced again as some mushroom hunters chanced upon its entrance [4].

This beautiful cave, but seemingly out of reach of avid spelunkers, is classified as Class II by the DENR [1]. This was made official and published as early as 2012. This classification is attributed to its hazardous nature of exploration as well as delicate formations and fauna inside.

The Tinedkaw cave have been explored by locals during and after WWII. This is evident in some social media posts, with the earliest on 2011.

The following made it to the social media in the month of May 2020:

Negative Impact of Unauthorized Entry

Any authorized entry should be guided by trained personnel with a good practice of the leave-no-trace principles.

In some caves that I have seen, LGUs and governing agencies have instituted measures to prevent trespassing. In Sierra Cave in Cagayan, a gate was constructed at the entrance. Another cave has a warning post outside detailing the consequences of unauthorized entry.

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Contact Person/Group

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Registration/Guide Fees

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How to Get to Tinedkaw Cave

Anyone planning to go to Tinedkaw Cave should contact and secure permits first from the LGU. From Baguio City, take any jeep or taxi for La Trinidad and drop by at the Municipal Hall in Km. 5 if you want to do it en face. Necessary permits may also be needed from the DENR. Their office is located in Wangal-Motorpool Road in Barangay Wangal. Try asking for assistance from the LGU for guides to Tinedkaw Cave.

Any unauthorized entry to the cave may destroy centuries of rock formations. Majority of cave enthusiasts are not aware that centimeter-growth of speleothems (most known types are stalactites and stalagmites) are achieved by decades of continuous dripping of mineral rich water. Thus, undisciplined touching of these ‘live’ stone formations can destroy a stone formed through decades.

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Nearby Notable Caves/Underground Rivers & Tourist Sites

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Reminders

Again, DO NOT attempt to go inside Tinedkaw Cave without permission from the LGU and DENR. It is listed as Class II because it is a hazardous place and the ecosystem inside needs protecting. This will remain so until proper measures are met in conducting safe activity [for the humans and the place] inside the cave.

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References

[1] Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2012. DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2012-03: List Of Classified Caves [PDF file]. Quezon City, p.1. Available at: <https://bmb.gov.ph/index.php/e-library/laws-and-policies/denr-memorandum-circular-order/dmc-dmo-2007-2016> [Accessed 20 December 2019].

[2] Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2007. DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2007-04: Procedure in Cave Classification [PDF file]. Available at <http://www.bmb.gov.ph/index.php/e-library/laws-and-policies/denr-memorandum-circular-order/dmc-dmo-2007-2016> [Accessed 20 December 2019].

[3] Fonang, J. A., 2012. The Tinedkaw Cave [Facebook status update]. Available at <https://www.facebook.com/notes/barangay-tawang/the-tinedkaw-cave/305580922842699/> [Accessed 20 December 2019].

[4] Wowcordillera.com. 2020. Mushroom Hunters Accidentally Discovered New Cave In Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet. [online] Available at: <https://www.wowcordillera.com/2020/05/mushroom-hunters-accidentally.html> [Accessed 29 May 2020].

Header Image

Apuggad, L. 2011. Tinedkaw Cave [Facebook album]. Available at: <https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=152398318188856&set=a.152397714855583&type=3&theater> [Accessed 29 May 2020].

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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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