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May 25, 2013

Exploring Bakwitan Cave of Tuburan, Surigao del Sur

GPS waypoint: Bakwitan Cave N9 17.660 E126 10.048
Location: Brgy. Tuburon, Municipality of Cortes, Province of Surigao del Sur

Community Shelter
The last of the activities slated for me in Cortes was Bakwitan Cave. This cave was the shelter of the locals from the Japanese occupation during WWII and also served as formidable bunker against the onslaught of a typhoon in 1984 that devastated the countryside.

Heading to Tuburon
Marino Tabugon, BUFA chairman, was once again my able guide. We rode up on his motorcycle to Barangay Tuburon to arrange the cave trekking with Brgy. Captain Vicente Malingin. With his 2 assistant, we proceeded to the cave on motorbikes and on foot.

Cortes, Surigao del Sur

Laswitan |

Bakwitan Cave |

Buybuyan Beach |

Capandan Sanctuary |

Light House |

Uba Marine Sanctuary guard house |

Sihagan Beach |

Campiri Rocks

Cave Entrance
The mouth of the cave was huge, including the overhang. It was unmistakeable (some cave entrance, like Dinakit Cave in Tandag is nothing but a small hole in the ground). It was so huge it seemed like an awning before the actual cave entry.

Cave Flies
One thing I noticed as we entered was the swarming of cave flies. They were little flying insects similar to a nik-nik. It was strange that they were even inside the cave, constantly annoying us. I even swallowed one as it dove inside my nose! First time in my caving experience.

Docile Snakes
Another interesting thing is the presence of snakes. I saw 2 that were visible (think of the others I didn't see!). Snakes are usually afraid of humans and would get out of the way long before you arrive at the scene. But these ones were not even bothered. They just stayed there even as we got closer with our flashlights. They didn't look agitated or nervous. They were very chilled-out actually.

Big Headroom
Like most of the caves I've been along the Surigao coastline, this cave has plenty of headroom to spare - no need to crawl down. In fact, you can fit a cathedral inside one of its chambers. Of course, the stalactite and stalagmite formations were the signature elements - in surreal array of shapes, form and sizes.

Ending Thoughts
Bakwitan Cave is not a very big cave. We stayed less than an hour and much of that was spent picture taking. Altogether, it's an interesting cave to explore for its unique features (including its resident flies and snakes). If you are within the area, or backpacking in Cortes, this is one activity definitely worth your while.

Many many thanks to LGU Officer, Vincent Duenas, BUFA Chairman, Marino Tabugon, Barangay Captain Vicente Malingin and his assistants!

--- TheLoneRider

ps - If you want me to objectively cover the features of your city or municipality or barangay for this website (fiesta, waterfall, mountain trail, lake, river, cave, food, islands, beach, etc.), email me.

Bakwitan Cave Tips and FYI

bring a headlamp for good measure and a hand torch for back-up (although the barangay will probably provide this)
wear shoes with good traction
bring extra clothes...you'll come out smelly and muddy
there is no bank. Bring cash.
as of this writing, the only lodging in Cortes, Kamalig, is not operational. It would be safe to say at this point that there is no lodging in Cortes. You can check with the LGU if they can arrange something for you, or you can go to Lanuza, the next municipality north, for lodging.

Bakwitan Cave Fees

P50/head, P250 for the tour guide

How to Get to Bakwitan Cave from Surigao City

take a jeep or tricycle in Surigao City for the bus termial. The sign board should say "Terminal" or "Gaisano". 10 mins, P8
Take a bus or van going to Tandag, but tell the conductor to drop you off Cortes junction
at the highway junction, take a motorcycle (aka habal-habal) for Barangay Tuburan, ~20 min, P25/pax
meet with the barangay captain to make arrangements

Cortes Travel Tips and FYI:

bring lotsa cash. There is no bank here. Others had to go to the next big city (no joking matter) just to replenish on cash
there is no internet here

How to Get to Cortes

from Tandag - take any northbound bus or jeep heading to Surigao City and ask to be dropped off at Cortes, 1 hour. If you take a jeep that specifically says "Cortes", take it. It will take you all the way to Cortes proper and to some of its barangays (and not just at the junction). If you take a bus, ask to be dropped off at Cortes, 1 hour. Then take a habal-habal for Cortes proper, 15 mins, P20.
from Surigao City - take any southbound bus for Tandag and ask to be dropped off at the Cortes junction, 4 hours. Then take a habal-habal for Cortes proper, 15 mins, P20.

Attractions in Cortes and nearby area

Lubcon Falls - from Tandag, take jeep for Cantillan or Cortes and ask the driver to drop you off at Lubcon Falls, P25, 30 mins, 15 kms
Laswitan - strong waves crashing against the rocks and spilling over to fill up a rock pool (while you're dipping in it)
Campiri Rocks - going over huge boulders, dipping in a rock pool, standing on a rock summit as waves hits and splash against it, and to cap all, you rest on the base of the light house perched on top of the rocks in full view of the magnificent Pacific Ocean
Bakwitan Cave - a refuge by the towns folk during the Japanese occupation and during the typhoon of 2004
Buybuyan Beach - small beach, almost like a personal beach, fine white sand (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
Sihagan Beach - fine white sand for long walks on a beach (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
Burgos Togonan Falls
Uba Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
Capandan Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
Balibadon Marine Sanctuary
Mabahin Marine Sanctuary
Tigao Marine Sanctuary
Poblacion Marine Sanctuary

Lodging in Cortes

Kamalig - this is the only lodging in Cortes, P600/head. Best to make arrangements with Cortes LGU before coming over

Cortes LGU

for more information on anything and everything about Cortes, you can get in touch with Vincent Duenas of the Cortes LGU: 0907.444.6551 or email divecortes@yahoo.com.ph

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
(along the Surigao coastline from Surigao City to Surigao del Sur)

Surigao City

Rite of Passage on Cantrasa Shoal Jul 12, 2013
Karma Yoga in Surigao City July 5, 2013
The Wooden Footbridge and Waterfall of Cantiasay, Surigao City July 1, 2013
Outdoor Adventure Tour in Nonoc Island, Surigao City Jul 1-2, 2013
The Deadly Bitaugan Whirlpool of Surigao City Jun 26, 2013
Beaching it at Pebble Beach and Looc Beach, Surigao City Jun 22-24, 2013
Exploring Silop Cave of Surigao City Jun 22, 2013
Free-Diving the Coral Reef of Birok Islet, Surigao City June 12, 2013
Boat Ride through the Floating Village of Day-asan June 12, 2013

Surigao del Norte

Island Hopping Adventures in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte July 23-25, 2013
Exploring Siargao's Cloud 9 July 18-20, 2013
Judging Del Carmen's Beauty Pagent and Street Dancing July 15-16, 2013
Diving the Reef of Cagtinae, Surigao del Norte Jul 7, 2013

Cantilan

Ayoke Island May 27, 2013
Casarica Island May 27, 2013
General Island May 27, 2013

Carmen

Sua Cold Spring - in Brgy Esperanza. From main highway, get off at Madrid terminal and take motorcycle ride for the spring. If coming from Lanuza, get off at crossing of Cangcaban then take habal-habal for the spring
Hubason River May 18, 2013

Lanuza

Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary May 17, 2013 - coral reef, snorkeling, cafe. Also a short walk to Magkawas Falls.
Magkawas Falls in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur May 16, 2013
Silop Spring May 16, 2013
Campamento Cave May 16, 2013
Herrera Ancestral Home

Cortes

Lubcon Falls - from Tandag, take jeep for Cantilan or Cortes and ask the driver to drop you off at Lubcon Falls, P25, 30 mins, 15 kms
Burgos Togonan Falls
Laswitan - strong waves crashing against the rocks and spilling over to fill up a rock pool (while you're dipping in it)
Campiri Rocks - going over huge boulders, dipping in a rock pool, standing on a rock summit as waves hits and splash against it, and to cap all, you rest on the base of the light house perched on top of the rocks in full view of the magnificent Pacific Ocean
Bakwitan Cave - a refuge by the towns folk during the Japanese occupation and during the typhoon of 2004
Buybuyan Beach - small beach, almost like a personal beach, fine white sand (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
Sihagan Beach - fine white sand for long walks on a beach (there are no commercial establishments on the beach...its undeveloped)
Uba Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
Capandan Marine Sanctuaries - scuba dive with gear from the LGU. At P250 per dive, you can't beat it!
Balibadon Marine Sanctuary
Mabahin Marine Sanctuary
Tigao Marine Sanctuary
Poblacion Marine Sanctuary

Tandag

Exploring Dayao Cave of Tandag, Surigao del Sur May 12, 2013
Brgy. Bongtud - Twin Linungao Island, Mancagangi Island & MPA (Marine Protected Area - fish sanctuary)