One of the country’s best yet often overlooked destination for spelunkers, Capisaan is a vast cave system that features dramatic chambers, rare and stunning rock formations, and multiple entrances that make it both challenging and rewarding to explore.
Stretching some 4.2 kilometers from end to end, Capisaan Cave ranks as the fifth longest cave system in the country.
Nestled in the limestone-rich village of Capisaan within the mountain town of Kasibu, this cave system is home to nine known entrances, making it an intriguing destination for spelunkers and adventure travelers alike.
As per local accounts, the first visitors to the cave were not tourists but bat hunters who frequented the cave to capture bats for food.
It was only in 1999, after a thorough exploration of the cave, that its potential as a spelunking site was recognized.
Recognized as a National Geological Monument, the cavernous interior is filled with extraordinary cave formations, creating a stunning underground landscape.
The cave’s rock formations are among the best in the country, displaying shapes that evoke a remarkable blend of drapes, cascades, landmasses, fortresses, and even figures resembling humans.
The most striking characteristics are the sparkling mineral layers that accentuate a stunning variety of uncommon calcite structures. And unlike other caves which are dry and terrestrial, Capisaan houses a subterranean river within.
The cave system is alive with wildlife, including native and endemic plant and animal species. At least four different bat species inhabit various areas of the cave, and over 900 birds from 60 species have been documented.
Capisaan has nine known entrances, including the main entrances of Lion, Alayan, and Sabrina, along with three others located in Barangay Malukbo.
The 4-kilometer trail offers visitors a challenging yet gratifying spelunking experience. Guests can anticipate not-so-usual cave interiors as they embark on the guided tour.
Visitors should be ready to get wet for most of the journey, as water is a constant presence inside the cave. The traverse is not a simple walk; it involves crawling, climbing, and wading through waist-deep water. Local guides are essential for ensuring safety and proper navigation.
There are four exploration paths available for tourists:
- The through and through routes, which run from Lion to Alayan and vice versa, taking between 3-6 hours from end to end.
- The halfway routes, which go from Sang-at Salug to Alayan and vice versa, and taking about 2–3 hours.
For safety reasons, however, only the halfway routes are accessible to visitors, to prevent prolonged stays underground.
Capisaan Cave is more than just a spelunking destination; it is a geologist’s dream with its extensive cave system and natural formations. It provides an immersive adventure into the natural marvels beneath the mountains of Nueva Vizcaya, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts in search of an off-the-beaten-path experience.