Coron, Palawan, Philippines, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, beautiful lakes and lagoons and limestone cliffs and shipwrecks. No one thinks about exploring its caves and caverns. These offer a unique and adventurous experience.
Caves and Caverns – Cathedral Cave
Here’s a detailed list of caves and caverns to explore in Coron:
1. Kayangan Lake Cave:
- Location: Coron Island
- Highlights:
- Accessible by a short hike and a steep staircase, the Kayangan cave opens up to the breathtaking Kayangan Lake.
- The crystal-clear waters and limestone formations make it one of the most photographed spots in Coron if not the Philippines.
- Snorkeling and swimming in the lake provide an immersive experience in crystal clear blue waters.
- Highlights:
2. Barracuda Lake Cave:
- Location: Coron Island
- Highlights:
- This unique lake is known for its thermocline, where warm fresh water and cold salt water layers meet, creating a surreal experience for divers. Where the 2 different waters meet there is a ripple effect as the waters seem to almost repel each other.
- Divers can witness the phenomenon of a thermocline and if they are lucky, encounter the resident barracuda.
- The underwater rock formations add to the mystique of the lake.
- Highlights:
3. Malcapuya Island Cave:
- Location: Malcapuya Island
- Highlights:
- Malcapuya Island features a captivating cave that can be explored.
- The cave is part of the island-hopping tours in Coron and provides a cool respite from the sun.
- The surrounding beach and crystal-clear waters make it a picturesque location.
- Highlights:
4. Cayangan Cave:
- Location: Coron Island
- Highlights:
- Often visited during island-hopping tours, Cayangan Cave is famous for its scenic views and clear waters.
- A short climb up a viewing deck offers panoramic vistas of Coron Bay and the surrounding islands.
- The cave’s entrance is surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
- Highlights:
5. Calauit Safari Park Cave:
- Location: Busuanga Island
- Highlights:
- While primarily known for its wildlife sanctuary, Calauit Safari Park also has caves waiting to be explored.
- The park offers a mix of nature and adventure with various wildlife and cave exploration activities.
- Highlights:
6. Luluyuan Lake Cave:
- Location: Coron Island
- Highlights:
- Also known as Barracuda Lake, Luluyuan Lake Cave provides a serene and captivating underwater environment.
- The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and features unique rock formations both above and below the water’s surface.
- Highlights:
7. Cathedreal Cave:
- Location: Coron Island
- Highlights:
- Accessible by a small crevice, Cathedral Cave offers a surreal experience where saltwater and freshwater meet.
- The Cathedral Cave is a stunning limestone cave on Coron Island in Palawan, Philippines. It’s not a cave in the traditional sense, but rather a huge, open-air cavern with a natural skylight filling the cavern. That allows sunlight to pour in, lighting the interior and the water below. This creates an almost spiritual atmosphere, which is how it got its name….it feels like being inside a natural cathedral.
- The limestone karst formations surrounding the entry to the cave adds to the scenic beauty.
- Listed as one of the top caves in the Philippines, this cave is under water and accessible only by scuba diving. It’s recommended for professional divers only.
- Highlights:
Tips for Exploring Coron’s Caves and Caverns:
- Guided Tours: Many of the caves and caverns are part of island-hopping tours, and it’s recommended to explore them with experienced local guides who are familiar with the area.
- Safety Precautions: Always follow safety guidelines provided by tour operators. Some caves and caverns may have specific rules to protect the environment and ensure the safety of visitors.
- Swimming and Snorkeling Gear: Bring suitable gear for swimming and snorkeling, as many of these caves and caverns offer opportunities to explore underwater formations.
- Responsible Tourism: Practice responsible tourism by respecting the natural environment and following Leave No Trace principles. Avoid touching or disturbing cave formations.
Exploring Coron’s caves and caverns is a thrilling adventure that combines natural beauty, geological wonders, and a touch of mystery.
Each cave has its own unique features, contributing to the diverse and captivating landscapes of Coron in Palawan.
