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.
Contents
Location of Tinedkaw Cave
Address: Central Tawang, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines
Google Map:
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.
Tinedkaw Cave Characteristics
- Length: Unknown
- Spelunking duration: Unknown
- Mineral deposit formations: Abundant
- Underground river: None
- Bat population: Abundant
- Multichamber: Yes
- Human artefacts: None
- Cave floor fill: Guano, mud, stones
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
- Vandalism. It is very common that ill-disciplined self-proclaimed spelunkers write graffiti or scratch words or names over stone surfaces.
- Destruction of speleothems (stone formations) due to carelessness and ignorance of subterranean ecosystem preservation. Example, touching the stone formations, climbing over stone formations for photo ops, taking parts of stone formations or subterranean flora as memento.
- Disruption of of fauna routine due to undue noises and unnecessary and destructive activities.
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.
Contact Person/Group
- Since Tinedkaw Cave is categorized as Class II by the DENR, it is not open for tourism but researchers and exploration teams may contact the La Trinidad LGU and the DENR in securing permit to conduct any activity inside.
Registration/Guide Fees
- Not yet open for any tourism activity
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.
Nearby Notable Caves/Underground Rivers & Tourist Sites
- Dinog Cave in Wangal, La Trinidad
- Witness how Ambongdolan Caves (Bengaongao Cave and Paterno Cave) in Ambongdolan, Tublay had been a part of our national history
- Explore the three waterfalls inside Aran Cave in Camp 3, Tuba
- Savor the stress-free environment in Mt. Kalugong Eco-Park in Cruz, La Trinidad
- Be mesmerized with world class work of arts in BenCab Museum in Asin, Tuba
- Eat authentic highland foods in Farmer’s Daughter Restaurant in Tam-awan, Baguio City
- Enjoy the beauty of nature as you traverse the Mt. Ulap trail
- Take a picture in the Strawberry Farm
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.
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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