TheLoneRider
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Country > Philippines > Antique > Libertad
Date > 2016 > Dec
Section > Traveling | Caving

caving

Exploring Maanghit Cave in Libertad Dec 9, 2016

Exploring Maanghit Cave in Libertad

Location Google Map: Maanghit Cave, Barangay Union, Libertad (municipality), Antique (province), Philippines

Armpit Smell
Word around Antique is that Libertad has the Maanghit Cave. It smells of bat dung, thus the name (translates to Armpit Cave). That's the first thing that gets your attention at the cave mouth. Bat dung used to be harvested as natural fertilizer, but that practice has since been banned.

On The Trail
Note: You can't go to the cave without registering with the tourism office at the municipality first. And it's wise to do so, because they provide the guides - and yes, you need a guide! Don't attempt to do this on your own.

From Ati Cave, we went back on the road to the jump-off trail. We set out on foot until we reached the Bungan Bungan Spring, another tourist offering. We didn't bathe yet. Access to Maanghit Cave from Bungan Bungan Spring is through a meter-wide dirt trail. As of this writing, the trail is being groomed, set to complete before Christmas. I would suggest taking this trail on the way to the cave, but taking the river trail (you walk on the shallow river) on the way back - ask your guide.

The entrance to the cave is marked by steps that lead to the deeper sections.

Exploring Maanghit Cave in Libertad
the highlight of this cave is the tunnel trek in knee-deep subterranean stream coming out of a spring

Cave Interior
Careful! I banged my head 5 times on the low-lying stalactites - if not for my helmet, I would be carried out on a stretcher!

Some narrow passages opened up to cathedral-like expanse. There were big insects on the cave wall. Many interesting formations inside - from one looking like a horse's dick to another looking like a saint statue. You are limited only by your vivid imagination. The main passage branched-off to other passages that are left unexplored.

Subterranan Stream
Going deeper, we came upon a knee-deep stream running along what resembled a natural tunnel. We followed it upstream until we came to a pool where the stream came from. It didn't look like the spring source. The pool is deep but no one knows exactly how deep or where it leads to. This would be an exciting and daring dive for cave divers!

It was not a traverse. We came back the same way. Altogether, we were inside the cave about 45 minutes. Since the cave has not been fully explored, you can actually spend days inside it!

Ending Thoughts
Maanghit Cave is deep, cavernous,narrow, expansive and not yet fully explored. Add the walk along the subterranean stream and you have a destination worth going out of your way for.

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider

on the foot trail passing by workers completing the trail
stairway down to the inner cave
stalactites at the cave mouth
steps with hand-rail deeper into the cave...the steps stopped at some point...you still get the Indiana Jones feel :)
Tarantula spider
see the horse's dick? then you also have a vivid imagination :)
the line from where bat dung (guano) was dug out for harvesting
start of the water trek inside the cave
we continued forging through
the deep pond where the stream begins...but nobody knows how deep it goes or how far it leads to the spring source
heading back
class picture with Mr. Galahad Garcia and the guide

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(Dec 14, 2016) Pangihan Cave is right smack within the Malay Poblacion. It has 8 connecting chambers although the guide with only take you to 2 bat-filled chambers. It is muddy with stone steps but has no subterranean stream. Total length is 275 meters with stalactites and stalagmites.....more »»


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(Dec 9, 2016) Bungan-Bungan Spring is actually a small river coming from the spring deep inside Maanghit Cave. After the grimmy cave visit, it's the perfect place to dip, immerse and soak! It's so convenient, you actually pass it on the way back.....more »»

Google Map Libertad, Philippines

tourist attractions in Libertad tourist attractions hotels in Libertad lodging
  • Eliab Lodging Place - usually full with long-term transients so call first - landline: 036.272.168 | mobile: 0939.318.7737
    across the street from the market along the highway
  • Barizo J Lodge - lodging by the port for passengers who don't want to be left by the boat | 0999.157.2851
    right by the port - 11°46'44.68"N, 121°53'30.05"E
government offices in Libertad government
  • tourism office Tourism Office - register here for the Maanghit Cave visit
    municipal hall

Libertad Cost Index

(US$1 = PHP 49.87 as of Dec 12, 2016)

Libertad FYI / Tips

How to Get to Libertad

Attractions in Libertad

Libertad Blogs by TheLoneRider

Suggested itinerary on the WEST coast of Panay Island from Boracay going south

  1. Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
  2. Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
  3. Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
  4. Pandan - Malumpati Spring
  5. Libertad - Maanghit Cave, Ati Cave and Bungan-Bungan Spring
  6. Sebaste - Igpasungaw Waterfall
  7. Culasi - Malalison Island
  8. Tibiao - hot kawa-bath, white water river rafting, Bugtong Bato Waterfall, rice terraces, Tibiao Bakery, pottery, fish spa
  9. Anini-y - Nogas Island, scuba diving

Suggested itinerary on the EAST coast of Panay Island from Boracay going south

  1. Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
  2. Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
  3. Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
  4. Kalibo - Bakhawan Eco-Park, Tigayon Hill
  5. Tambak - oysters
  6. Capiz - Roxas City
  7. Carles | Estancia - Gigantes Island Boat Tour, Lighthouse of Gigantes Island and Bakwitan Cave of Gigantes Island
  8. Iloilo - Batchoy Indulgence
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