Exploring the caves of the Philippines

Tabon Caves, Palawan, The Philippines

The best way to get to Tabon caves is by boat. In fact, it’s really the only way.

I jump on a small wooden fishing vessel and we push off from the dock. In the distance, I can see our destination.

It looks like an island covered in green forests. Deep blue water with just a hint of choppiness lies between us. The sails unfurl and we rush forward.

I chat with the Filipino captain, who speaks some basic English. In our conversation, I learn that it’s not actually an island we’re heading towards – it’s more of a peninsula.

However, it’s attached to the mainland but by a dense mangrove forest that’s almost impossible to easily pass through. Hence the boat.

Here on Palawan – the largest but least developed island province of the Philippines – Tabon Caves is one of the most significant sites. However, visitor numbers are tiny compared with the extremely popular Puerto Princesa Underground River, the highlight of a visit to Palawan.

There are two main reasons why the Tabon Caves are so significant.

It’s partly for their natural aesthetics… and the limestone formations certainly make for some great exploring and some stunning views. But it’s also because of the history.

Part of the skull of a human was found here in one of the caves and scientists say it is about 22,000 years old. Archaeologists have also found pottery, jewellery and tools that are up to 47,000 years old.

This is the oldest evidence of humans found in the Philippines and suggests people lived here a very long time ago!

It’s hard not to think about that as I go into the caves, torch in hand, and try to imagine people sleeping and eating here tens of thousands of years ago.

I climb through a small entrance in a cliff and let my eyes adjust to the cave I’ve just entered. As I look around, I realise that it’s as large as a concert hall – and almost as loud with the screeching of the bats that fly around me.

I wave the torch around, trying to see if the animals are coming close. I don’t think they are but it’s unnerving and I find myself ducking quite often, just in case. I’m sure I also let out a squeal or two.

There are almost 30 caves that have been properly and explored and mapped but only seven are open to the public.

They’re not all as big as the one with the bats – another one is more like a tunnel and I have to duck down and weave my way through the stalactites and stalagmites until I reach an exit at the other end.

It only takes an hour to see them all but that feels like enough because you have to walk up and down steep steps to reach each of them. With the humid air of the Philippines outside, the caves are nice and cool.

It’s a nice mixture of nature and history here at the caves and there’s even a bit of adventure thrown into the mix – although it’s nothing too difficult.

It’s another example of the beauty and rich colours here on Palawan that is turning this into a popular destination within the Philippines.

Time Travel Turtle was a guest of Expedia UK but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES?

See my Philippines Travel Guide

To help you plan your trip to the Philippines:

• Take a trip along the famous Underground River
• See why Taal Volcano is still so dangerous
• This island was critical to the war – now see it yourself
• Should we really celebrate these World Heritage Site churches?
• Vigan is famous but I think it’s overrated!
• Explore the beautiful rice terraces of Batad
• Spend some time with the ancient Batak tribe
• One of the world’s biggest discoveries was in these caves!

Let someone else do the work for you:

You may also want to consider taking a tour of the Philippines, rather than organising everything on your own. It’s also a nice way to have company if you are travelling solo.

I am a ‘Wanderer’ with G Adventures and they have great tours of the Philippines.

You could consider:

• Northern Philippines Adventure (9 days)
• Philippines Palawan Adventure (9 days)
• Northern Philippines and Palawan Adventure (16 days)

When I travel internationally, I always get insurance. It’s not worth the risk, in case there’s a medical emergency or another serious incident. I recommend you should use World Nomads for your trip.