Spelunking in the Twin Caves of Sohoton

On my previous blog, I have mentioned the two caves in the secret Sohoton Cove with a cave passageway only accessible during low tide. The two caves are accompanied by a water adventure which makes it thrilling and fun.

For this blog, the spelunking adventures don't have the water adventures like the previous two cave. It's the typical cave we often heard and saw on the textbook whenever the topic is about stalactites and stalagmites. These two caves boast rock formations in various sizes and shapes. It was dubbed as twin caves since they are adjacent to each other. Although these two are the exact opposite of one another.

_{At this time, my colleagues and I were on our way down.}

En Route To Sohoton Gamay

From our accommodation, we rode with the pump boat to Sohoton Gamay from where the twin caves are located. On my second travel, we stayed in Tiktikan Lagoon and Resort. It was a fifteen-minute boat ride from there to our destination. The boat was included in the package we availed.

Trekking

To reach the two adjacent caves, we had to trek and follow the trail up to the hill. A helmet and a flashlight were given for the spelunking activity. The trail is surrounded by trees and flowers. We were serenaded by the sound of nature which makes the climbing fun. It sounded like they were cheering for us. The climbing took only for a few minutes but it was good enough to make us sweat.

Crystal Cave

_{LEFT: My first travel was with my previous colleagues, the Geo-SAFER family.
RIGHT: Second travel with my sister @goiinmary, classmates in high school, and their friends and boyfriends.}

Flashlights were turned on upon reaching the mouth of Crystal Cave. Unlike other caves, the Crystal cave immediately showcased some of its rock formations. It was full of stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and sizes. Our tour guide was discussing how these rock formations were formed like the columns, flowstones, and other rock formations. These were formed either because of Stalactites or Stalagmites or both.

The cave's namesake came from some of the stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations that twinkle and sparkles when light shines upon them. The quartz crystals embedded in the rock glitters beautifully in the dark, like the stars in the night. These glittering formations are for your eyes only to preserve the crystals. A single and slightest touch can scrape the crystals off. There were boundaries installed but it was still mentioned by the tour guide to prevent such thing to happen.

_{These are some of the rock formations that are in the Crystal Cave. These are the giant columns that are formed when stalactites and stalagmites meet. It can also be that the stalactites reached the cave's floor or the stalagmites reached the cave's ceiling. Can you see the sparkles?}

Crystal cave is an open-ended cave. On my first travel, after more than a hundred meters of walking into the cave, our guide instructed that we are near the wishing well. We were fortunate there was still water flowing in the area. The way to the well was very slippery because of the droplets coming from the stalactites. We had to bend over and balance our way while avoiding the stalactites and stalagmites at the same time. We reached the area one at a time, then we threw coins and made our wish.

Bolitas Cave

_{This is the Bolitas cave narrow entrance.}

After the wishing well, we were instructed not to go further for safety purposes. The rest of the Crystal Cave will be a mystery to us. With that, we went back to the mouth of Crystal Cave to "supposedly" explore another cave called Bolitas Cave. The name of the cave refers to the tiny spherical stones on the cave ground. It resembles pellets or tiny metal balls used in ball bearings. These spherical stones are droplets from the tiny and sharp stalactites of this cave. Also, Bolitas Cave is home to Balinsasayaw of swiftlet. It is a rare bird that produces very expensive and edible nests.

After the guide had discussed the cave's name, he announced that those who are asthmatic and have heart failures are not allowed to go inside. For the reason that it's the exact opposite of the spacious and chill walk in the Crystal Cave. Going into the Bolitas cave requires you to belly crawl and to wiggle yourself into the center of the cave. Then another belly crawl from the center of the cave towards the entrance.

The cave entrance was very tight, and the ceiling was so low. I am asthmatic, but as a stubborn girl, I wanted to go inside. My other friends exited their way out of the cave. Let's just say most of us are quite big and healthy.

Because of the narrow passageway, only one person could pass through at a time. Ella and I wanted to go inside. Our tour guide can't accompany us. Ella attempted going first. Wearing a helmet is not allowed. Later on, she crawled backward and then told me that it's not safe for me to go in. I might have an asthma attack. It was very disappointing that I was unable to explore fully the Bolitas cave. I only knew what was inside because of our guide.

When all of us were out in the cave, we followed the trail again for another good sweat. We returned the helmet and flashlight we rented and then rode back to our pump boat for another adventure.