Into the Heart of Patag Cave.
Around a couple of months ago, my friends and I explored the majestic mountains of Mabuli where we discovered a wealth of hidden caves. I must say I feel blessed and fortunate enough to have explored these beauties firsthand that almost no one knew existed, except the locals living in Mabuli.
We had the privilege to explore three remarkable caves at that time which left us in awe of nature's wonder. The first two caves were huge and spacious and were a lot easier to find but the third one was hidden making us get inside through a tiny door (what seems a door) on the ground. If not for the local kids who accompanied us at that time, we undoubtedly would have missed the opportunity to discover and witness the hidden underground beauty of that cave.
You can find our adventures of the two caves here:
🍃Sweat Summit and-Splendor or Dose Kwartus Adventure
🍃Heavens Hole: Lapus-lapus Cave
The Patag Cave
Patag in our dialect means plain. I'm curious as to why the locals give the cave such a name. I was imagining a picturesque view of the cave. However, I wonder whether the cave beneath is as dark as night or if this is another cave in the mountains that is full of holes where beautiful rays of light filter through. I couldn't wait to finally see it!
The entrance of the cave seems like an opening of a tunnel leading to somewhere else. Only one person could pass through at a time. As I observed it closely, I could tell that the entrance was heading us down to the ground.
My fear started to creep in as I had a fear of getting suffocated. I was overthinking and scared of the possible danger we might encounter however my curiosity was also at its peak and seeing the local kids worry-free and untroubled as they got in somehow put my mind at ease.
My vision was adjusting from the very bright light outside to the dark pathways I was in at that time. I used my flashlight and was amazed to see the beautiful formations of stalactites that surrounded me. Most of the rock formation appeared to be icicle melting. From the size of each stalactite, it is evident that this cave is as old as the town itself.
The stalactites looked dry but still, their beauty was undeniable. It's either there's an environmental change in the cave or it is human interference that disrupted the growth of the stalactites.
I continued walking cautiously as I also marveled at each grand beauty that we passed by.
Not more than 10 minutes, I was surprised to see a bright light in the heart of the cave. So my guess was right, there was another hole in this cave above the ground. I took big steps at this time excited to see the grand beauty of the cave.
Alas! A sight to behold!
The radiant sunlight streaming through the cave's openings bathes the interior in a heavenly glow, unveiling the magnificent beauty within. I was speechless and in awe! The view of the cave's opening and the majestic icicle-like stalactites all around is truly breathtaking.
I stood there in silence, completely enchanted by the grandeur before my eyes. It's amazing how such incredible beauty can remain hidden within this mountain. My love for nature grew even stronger in that moment!
As we checked deeper inside the cave, we were no longer surprised to see traces of human activities inside. As usual, the cave has been exploited by locals. The locals harvest and keep on harvesting phosphate and mining some stones in the cave to sell it in the market. I cannot blame them if that's their only source of income however it's heartbreaking to know that these caves were never protected and preserved.
We stumbled upon a pale of water inside the cave which only means the cave's abundance of water which also signifies the supposed abundance of stalactites and stalagmites of the cave.
There were also stairs for easy access going down. Based on everything I saw, this cave is frequented by the locals. Hopefully, the time will come when the locals will find another source of income and realize the importance of protecting the environment and taking care of nature.
There's maybe a small hope of finally protecting the cave from exploitation. The idea of saving it from the harsh hands of the people may appear as dark as I first get into this cave, but I believe there is always a light at the end of the tunnel just like this light I saw further in the cave.
The entire exploration of the cave left me with a mix of emotions. My heart was brimming with wonder and deep appreciation for God's beautiful creation. However, I couldn't ignore the underlying sadness for the cave's current state. I sincerely wish that these caves will be given the opportunity to breathe and grow once more.
That's it for my adventure of Patag Cave. Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!😍😘🤗
For more caves to conquer!
Yes Ma'am to more caves!💚 Caving is such a great adventure and addicting too.☺️
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My, this is like those cave in a movie where a monster will suddenly appear, charrrr, lol. But no doubt it is very beautiful, its sad na di sya protected. Soon baka yong ganda nya kumupas na rin because of human too. So lucky of you, you had the chance to visit it. I am not sure if I can go inside. Lalo kapag maliliit na daanan nagiging morbid na mga naiisip ko ee, lol. Mala final destination ba, lol.
Haha. I like your imagination Miss Ruffa. Haha. It was such a great adventure. I think it's natural to get scared as one enters the cave but it is what gives the thrill and the view so rewarding at the end.
hahaha. Yong final destination talaga. Wla bang cave malapit sa inyu Miss Ruffa.?
I personally havent visited a cave yet because im scared to visit one. hahaha. but if i get the chance to visit Mabuli, i'll try to check Patag Cave. Thank you for sharing. Greetings :)
It's normal to get scared Miss Jane. I myself always get scared but that's what I love about caving. Its darkness, its mystery and its breathtaking view at the end of the adventure is all worth it.
Peru sa totoo lng, sobrang matakutin ako., Haha.
Marami kase akong naririnig na may mga nakatira daw na engkanto saa caves hahaha. But yes, isa to sa bucket list kong puntahan.
It's a sad reality that the people who are supposed to take care and protect the natural resources seem to forget that their role is very crucial. But good thing that we have writers and bloggers who have noticed it. Thank you for sharing this mam @callmesmile.
I'm planning to tap our town's tourism department sir about the status of the cave. And hopefully they will protect and preserve this natural resources.
I honestly am torn between sharing this to public or just let the cave remain hidden, Hopefully the LGU will do something about it.
Reading your posts always gets me giggling and in full of awe. Gosh, I love the pictures of the cave, the presence of pale of bucket, and I do love the picture a blue light shone into the cave.
Ohhh.😍 such a kind words coming from you Maam. I appreciate the compliments.😍
The light was my favorite too. It feels hope.🤗
You are much welcome. That's very good to know ma'am 😊😊.
The lightening from the opening is amazing, look at the bucket it tells a lot.
This is a fun activity and a little scary hehe. But I am sure y’all had an amazing time. God’s creation is indeed beautiful.
This made me remember uncharted, you are a true adventurer.
Thanks for sharing this nice view with us.
The light coming from the holes was one of my favorite views in the cave. It means and feels hope.😍 Yeah the bucket and the stairs are pieces of evidence of the locals' activity in the cave.
That was one of the best adventures that I have had. Scary at first but it's very interesting and thrilling. hehe
Is Uncharted a movie?
Thank you Miss Lizi for dropping by. Have a great weekend.😍
Wow! Mabuli's hidden gem. I am at so much awe how much our beloved town, Tabogon has so much to offer in terms of beautiful sceneries, caves and so much in tourism. These caves really deserve to be well taken cared of. Thank you so much ma'am for sharing this hidden gem!☺︎♡
Hope our LGU will try to make a program to protect and preserve our caves. We have plenty of enchanting and majestic caves waiting to be discovered! Hope the LGUs will not turn a blind eye to this.
Wow. Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure ma'am @callmesmile It's so amazingly formed. It's very delightful to observe the beauties of nature. Nature around us has a lot to give and it's up to us to explore its splendor.
You're welcome and thank you sir for appreciating this wonder of nature in our town.😍
How majestic mam smile! Nice ang mga hayag gikan sa small opening sa babaw. Pero hadlok gihapon ko maghunahuna. Overthinking malala basta ing ani heheh. I hope mabuhi syagbalik ui. Syaangabsa stalactites. Nindot unta kaau.
Hopefully jd Maam mabuhi ug balik ang cave, we';; there are some parts of the cave where stalactites are growing, but I am worried ma dry rjd ang tnan. huhu. unless the LGu will make a move, close the cave for it to grow and regenerate. Same sa caves sa Catmon, gi close nila for 5 years to give life back to the cave. Hopefully inani sd sa amuang cave. huhu
hehe., di jd malikayan mag overthink Maam. Silent jd kaau mi as we enter, isig paniid sa palibot nga sarang ngit-ngita. haha
This is a beautiful treasure for the locals in the commmunity. I hope everyone in the community will took part in taking care and preserving the place. It will also be another opportunity for them to boost tourism in the place.
Hopefully Maam Genet. I'm torn between sharing these photos to the public or keeping it myself nlng, ky basin musamot ka patay ang cave f adtuon na sa mga tawo dn magpasagad ra ug hikap. I learned that once i touch ang stalactites and stalagmites ky mamatay or mu dry cya. huhu
I love to try doing adventures like that but I just won't because I am too afraid I'm not able to grasp air when I already inside 😅😅.
Haha., we have the same fear. I also was scared to get suffocated inside the cave, but guess what, I don't know why but it feels like the cave underneath has its air. The whole atmosphere is cold and silent. You can hear the droplets.
Hiya, @choogirl here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2048.
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😍thank you so much @choogirl and the whole @pinmapple team. Happy weekend to you all.😍
Thank you so much @outdoor.life team.🙏 Happy weekend guys.🤗
Wow😮What a beautiful views❤️So Amazing!Thank you for sharing Ma'am @callmesmile ❤️
Naa rjd ni sa atung lungsod Maam.😍
Yes,pero never in my life nga nakatry ko ug sulod mga caves mahadlok ko basin naay mga bitin,hehehe😀😀😀