Just a short boat ride from Tiktikan Lagoon are three caves open for exploration. The popular Crystal Cave and Bolitas Cave are easy and accessible which are often visited by tourist. The third cave, Tundan Cave sees less visitors as it is longer and requires an extra fee for exploration. Since I have only limited time to explore I picked what the guides considered the best among them, Tundan Cave. It may be more than half a kilometer long but the cave formations are remarkable.
Tundan Cave
The tourist center for cave exploration is quite organized. Aside from loving the view leading to the cave, the center have a mini store (sari-sari store) which was quite amusing. Helmets, flashlights are available for guests. A short briefing on what to expect on the caves were given. A P20 entrance fee for each cave and an extra P100 for Tundan Cave.
We had to climb a short flight of stairs to reach the entrance of Tundan Cave. Quite an unassuming entrance. Small opening beneath a set of trees. Never would I expect such a deep interesting cave beneath.
Shimmering Rock Formations
Tundan Cave starts with a wide open chamber and passage. Swiftlets and bats share space lingering within the cave. The first impressive formation we passed by was beautiful pillar that looks like a bunch of latundan bananas. The rock formation inspired the name of the cave, Tundan.
Things begin to get more interesting as we go deeper. We went through a narrow canyon-like passage leading to a section where we had to go all fours because of the low-ceiling. I like how pristine the formations here are. Then a small opening we had to squirm through. Here I thank my yoga powers that I can flexibly adjust and fit through easily.
The second set of rock formation that caught my eye is a large clump of pillars in the middle of the cave chamber one can go around. A few more walk about 500 meters deep is a beautiful set of shimmering draperies of stalactites. Something I don’t commonly see elsewhere. I took my time photographing these wonders. Tundan Cave is another unexpected gem in Bucas Grande I’m glad I was able to explore. Maybe when I go back, I’ll explore the other two popular caves.
My Bucas Grande Island tour is organized by Island Vacation Travel and Tours
Island Vacation Travel and Tours
Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Contact: +63917.677.7010
Email: [email protected]
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
