The caves played a role during World War II, when the Phillipines were occupied by the Japanese. The American Forces landed near Hinoba-an and used the town as their island headquarters. The submarine USS Gledgeon landed at Ubong Point and occupied Ubong Cave as command post. The cave was used to supply guerillas with food and arms. The caves are named after their location, Ubong Point, which is a peninsula on the west coast of the island near the former timber town Hinoba-an. There are even more caves, or at least cave ruins, like Salvacion, which forms an underground swimming pool. Most caves are easily accessible, but very secluded, so it is best to join a party or take a guide to find them. The location is developed for tourists and has several resortshttps://www.showcaves.com/english/ph/caves/Ubong.html
Another venture in the Philippines that I’m thrilled to share with you is our memorable journey to Obong Cave. An underrated place that holds a silent mysterious beauty. It was a 4 and 1/2 hours tr from our hometown. Though we’ve been to this area a few times before. This specific tourist attraction was often left behind in our prior trips. So this time while our granddaughter was still in the country, we decided to delve it together. To create new memories before she leaves again.
The travel felt long but the awesome views made it easy to enjoy. We stayed in Nabulao Resort close to Obong Cave. After putting our things in our rooms we went to the beach to catch the sunset. The view immediately refreshed our tired minds. The place was beautiful with the sun smoothly immersing toward the horizon. Our granddaughter got off her inflatable boat and asked her grandfather to be with her. The sky transformed into a painting. The horizon shining with colors of gold, orange and pink. Looking at them together packed my heart with pure glee. But at the same time a quiet woe rested in my chest. I knew that soon she would leave again and moments like this would become precious memories.
The next day, our escapade to Obong Cave began. We waited for our boat at the shore. The 10 minutes ride was packed with liveliness. Especially from our granddaughter whose eyes glittered with awe. Every time she saw a flying fish bouncing out of the water she would scream and point keenly making us smile even more. When the rocky cliffs of Obong Cave finally came into view our conversation faded into awe. It was an alluring sight. A tapered passage design into the rocky formation girded by clear turquoise water.
We anchored at the side. A local greeted us who would guide us through the cave. He gave each of us a hard hat for safety. He prompted us about the low ceilings and spiky rocks inside. We started our ascent up a wooden ladder clipped to the rough cliffside. As we moved inside the world around us changed. Darkness enfolded us like a silent covert waiting to be found. The source of light was the ray from our guide’s headlamp. It divulged the cave’s aged marvels. The stalactites hung from above like stuck mist. The rough ceilings and walls emerged as though they had been shaped by time. My granddaughter’s eyes broadened in surprise. Her oddity looked boundless as she asked one question after another about the rock formations.
As we ventured deeper a strong smell greeted us. Our guide explained that it was bat droppings. My husband and I were wearing masks. I was having a mild allergic reaction and he had a cough. Our granddaughter simply covered her nose with her hand and smirked. We reached the portion where hundreds of bats hung quietly above us. My granddaughter got scared. Her grandfather gently reassured her. The fear turned to fascination. We even took a playful photo together, pointing up as if showing off our new cave friends.
As we continued, another opening revealed itself, a natural archway connecting the cave to the sea. The rock layout looked like the shape of a giant fish. It felt like nature was showing off a masterpiece hidden from the world. We stood there in awe. The lure of the place felt untouched, raw and sacred. It was a view that humbled us, nudging us how wonderful and dynamic nature was.
We made our way toward the far side of the cave. A larger chamber opened up before us. The walls were naturally coated in earthy tones, browns, beige and patches of mossy green that implied the vapor and creation within the cave. It was impressive like stepping into a secret world shaped by patience and time. But as we looked around, our awe was interrupted by an unfortunate sight, vandalism! Names and random markings were carved into the ancient rock. Recklessly left by people who didn’t understand the ethics of protecting nature. It was painful to see such beauty mocked. Rather than pondering the damage we chose to appreciate the lure that remained, the untouched formations, the quiet mystery of the cave, and the serene atmosphere that surrounded us.
After exploring the cave’s marvels we exited through another large opening and a rocky uneven ceiling. We took a few family photos laughing and enjoying the time. We went to a nearby resort for lunch and a short swim before we hit back to our hotel. Obong Cave prompted us that true treasures aren’t always found in crowded places. They lie hidden in quiet corners of the world patiently waiting for hearts ready to embrace their magic.
Photos taken using Samsung S21 Collage using Canva
