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| Sticking out at the tight mouth of Lagbasan Cave in Brgy. Kuden, SNA, Sultan Kudarat |
I’ve explored countless white-sand beaches, chased waterfalls, and encountered both the tiniest and largest of creatures in my travels. But there was one adventure I hadn't ticked off my list—caving. That changed in Kulaman, where I had my very first caving experience—and what an unforgettable one it was.
I’m incredibly grateful to DTI-Tacurong, especially Ma’am Nelly Dillera, and the dedicated team from DOT-Sultan Kudarat, with special thanks to Sir Noel Insular, for making this journey possible. Even now, the memories remain vivid—a thrilling descent into the unknown, deep within the limestone heart of Kulaman.
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| Manong Charito Santiago, the one who discovered Lagbasan Cave in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat last 2005. Sen. Ninoy Aquino is a 4th class municipality in the province of Sultan Kudarat. The town is named after the late Senator |
The Journey to Lagbasan Cave: An Unforgettable Caving Adventure in Kulaman
My co-bloggers and I woke up at dawn, excited and slightly nervous—we were about to go spelunking for the first time. After a quick breakfast, we climbed aboard the most unexpected ride of the day: a dump truck. Yes, you read that right. It was a bumpy but thrilling ride as we made our way to Barangay Kuden, the gateway to the Lagbasan Cave.
As we journeyed deeper into the highlands, we noticed signs of progress everywhere—road construction projects connecting remote barangays to the town center. It took us a couple of hours to reach the area, but it didn’t take long to spot the Barangay Hall, where we stopped for a short briefing. We were warmly welcomed by the barangay officials and the man who discovered the cave himself—Manong Charito Santiago. His stories made the cave feel even more special, like we were about to step into a hidden piece of history.
From there, we hopped back in and rode for another hour to Sitio Siokong, where the actual trek to the cave would begin.
Along the way, I couldn’t help but smile at the scenery—the forest-covered mountains, towering trees, and untouched greenery made the entire ride feel like a moving postcard. I remember thinking how lucky Senator Ninoy Aquino town is to be surrounded by such natural beauty. It’s a treasure worth protecting, and I silently hoped that the local government would remain firm against illegal logging. We need to preserve places like this—not just for us travelers, but for future generations.
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| What you can see inside Lagbasan Cave |
Then suddenly, the truck came to a halt. It was time to hike. With gear in hand and excitement in our hearts, we stepped off and began our trek toward the cave. But what was supposed to be a straightforward trail turned into a muddy challenge—the area had been drenched by almost a week of continuous rain, making every step slippery and unpredictable.
What started as a hike quickly felt like an obstacle course. But in true adventurer spirit, we pressed on—laughing, slipping, helping one another along the way. It wasn’t easy, but it made the experience even more memorable.
Lagbasan Cave: The Unexpected Adventure I Never Knew I Needed
"Do you think I can survive this?"
"How many kilometers do we have to walk?"
"Can I really do this?"
These were the questions running through my head. And honestly? I didn’t have the answers.
“Maybe I can… or maybe I should just turn back now.”
I was completely unprepared for caving. No helmet. No flashlight. My clothes weren’t exactly made for spelunking—and don’t even get me started on my sandals. I remember thinking, “What am I doing here?” But there I was, standing at the entrance of Lagbasan Cave, heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement.
Still, I went in.
Step by cautious step, I made my way into the darkness. I had to borrow light from a friend just to see where I was going. I moved slowly, taking extra care with every footfall. Despite everything, I couldn't resist snapping photos—pausing every few steps to capture the raw beauty around me.
Lagbasan Cave has two chambers, each one filled with spectacular cave formations. I won’t pretend to know all the technical terms, but one thing’s for sure—they were breathtaking. Stalactites and stalagmites surrounded us, like natural sculptures frozen in time. I couldn’t stop pressing the shutter. Our voices echoed through the chambers as we let out one "wow" after another.
To protect this hidden gem, the barangay officials have padlocked the entrance. If you're planning a visit, you’ll need to coordinate with the Department of Tourism - Sultan Kudarat, the Barangay Captain, or the cave's discoverer, Manong Charito. And take it from me—bring a helmet, a reliable flashlight, and shoes built for trekking.
My Lagbasan Cave experience was unlike any other adventure I've had. It was raw, real, and unforgettable. It wasn’t just about entering a cave—it was about stepping out of my comfort zone. I didn’t just survive it; I left a piece of my heart inside.
And if you're wondering why, just scroll down and see the photo below.
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| One heart of my sandal is missing |
