Bayukbuk Cave: My First Spelunking Experience

Caving is often undertaken for the enjoyment of the outdoor activity or for physical exercise, as well as original exploration, similar to mountaineering or diving. I already visited a cave way back in high school in Calbiga Samar, but it was just a short view and we never actually went inside the cave, just in it's opening since it requires 2 days to explore the cave.

As part of our Manalmon Trip last June 15, we went on caving to Bayukbuk cave.  It’s just a small cave actually, it took us less than an hour to venture inside. You need to pay Php30 each for the caving tour. Inside there is a Music Hall where music can be created by just tapping the rocks. We rappelled for about 14 feet high going down without gears just a rope. Ropes are used for descending or ascending pitches. Since it was my first time, my legs felt shaky and my palms got hurt.  We crawled, we ducked inside the Bayukbuk cave. There are openings or wholes that you think you won't fit in but we were able to pass through. Trusting your guide is a big thing. 

We also encountered a ladder swing inside. Looking at it may seems easy but you really need to exert effort to balance your body and care less about the dirt because any wrong move can lead to a danger situation. It is advisable to bring small bag for water and camera because you'll be using both your hands.

There were times I felt scared. Caves can be dangerous places, falling, falling rocks and physical exhaustion are the main risks.  If these things happen just pray, and be strong because you are already inside and there is no turning back.

with commander Dioso! - thanks to Fonzy for the Pic ;)

That's Fonz