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| Samar island is the third biggest island of the Philippines, but very often neglected by visitors going to main tourist destinations like Palawan, Bihol or Luzon. Samar has much to offer, mainly to whom searching for wild nature, pristine caves (many of them unexplored yet), waterfalls and jungle hikes. Do not expect high standard tourist infrastructure, various hotels and busy beaches, but you will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences from this mountain region hiding the biggest cave in Philippines (Langun Gobingob Cave, or sometimes called Calbiga cave) and many more. |
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This cache will show you one of the most beautiful waterfall in Philippines and one of the most stunning places I've ever visited. Pinipisakan falls are river cascades right below monumental portal of the Sulpan cave where the river comes from. The cache itself is hidden deep in the cave and you need to explore it to claim your point.
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| Basically, you have two options how to get there. The safe one is tohire a guide who will manage all permits, transportation, porters and equipment for camping and caving. The trip will take you usually two days with overnight near the waterfalls. It is easy to get in touch with a guide over FB and plan your trip in advance. There are professional guides providing trips to this place. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like a recommendation. |
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The second option is a bit more challenging, but feasible doing your own trip. Actually, even this option means you will rely on local services except you have your own boat with engine. The most convenient way to get there is following:
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- Get to San Jorge by van / bus. There are regular routes betweenCatbalogan and Calbayog (we paid 100,pp from Catbalogan)
- Buy a permit in San Jorge municipal office, see WP1 (we paid 100,pp)
- Get Habal Habal (motorbike) From San Jorge to Bianca Aurora (WP2). You can get one on the street or they may help you in municipal office (we paid 300,return for 2 pax)
- Do not forget visit Bianca Aurora falls in Bianca Aurora (WP3)
- Get Bonka bonka (boat) from Bianca Aurora to aproximately 2km from Pinipisakan falls (WP4). You cannot continue through San Jorge river further due to the stream and you will have to walk from this point. It can be challenging getting boat in the village as there is no regular service and you rely on locals being available. It can make sense hiring boat together with porters (we paid 1500,for a whole boat return and 1000,for 2 youngsters as porters). The boat trip can take around 3 hours, depending on water level as you have to fight with the stream and push a boat if needed.
- The walk is up and down with scrambling parts, it can be muddy and slippery. You will have to hike for about two hours until you reach camping ground (WP5). There are not any amenities, just piece of flat ground. From here it is about 100m to the falls (WP6).
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Once you are ready for your underground adventure, cross the river right in opposite of the camping ground and find small path going above the bank maybe 30m downstream. You can use tree branches to hold in case stream is strong. You should be careful and use the rope if needed. If the stream is not strong, you can swim right to the first waterfall instead and climb it there on a left side. Check it first and decide your way.
Path will lead you above first waterfall. From here continue further upstream until you see cave portal and last waterfall (WP7). If you have more water, it can be also challenging and you have to keep on your left climbing it to the top. Otherwise you should be able to climb it even in the middle and "walk" up. It is a pleasant jump on the way back. Finally, you are entering Suplan Cave! |
| Navigation in the cave is quite easy. Looking at the map, you have entered via Pinipisakan entrance (E4). Continue through muddy Pleasure dome. Well, it's not real mud, but don't worry, you will wash this bat poo in a river soon :-) |
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Then you have to swim and wade for a while, about 300m, until you reach the big chamber with western slope going up to the Hunger Chambre and further to Cabalighutan Entrance (E3 WP8). This is not an obvious junction, just a chamber, so continue to the next big dome where river continues East and North to the Sump and dry huge corridor goes West and North to the Sulpan Humaket entrance (E1 WP9). This is the chamber where cache is hidden. |
The cache is hidden in one of the most elevated area in the SouthWest part. Look at the spoiler picture to identify one of the most significant stalagnate there.
Then you can explore the rest of the cave, we spent 6 hours inside and visited the other two main entrances. |
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Security notice:
Do the trip on your own only if you are experienced and well equipped. Otherwise ask for full guide services.
You should be fit enough to walk for several hours in hot and humid conditions in rough, steep and slippery terrain.
Bring enough food and water. The locals drink water from the river, but it is not clean enough and I strongly recommend to filter or boil it.
Do not take unnecessary risks and always evaluate weather and water level to avoid flooding before entering the cave.
Stream can be strong after rain to get into the cave.
Always wear a helmet inside, have enough batteries and a spare torch with you.
You will have to swim in the cave. Take appropriate clothing, wear closed shoes and a life vest if needed.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. |