Cavinti Cave Complex Daytour Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Background

Laguna is full of breathtaking natural attractions and one of them is the Cavinti Cave Complex located in Cavinti, Laguna. In nineteen towns in Laguna, Cavinti has the largest land area with a size of approximately 203.5 square kilometers. With the size of this province and the number of activities that can be done, you will definitely enjoy it no matter how many times you go back to the province of Laguna.

The Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex is the newest gem and most promoted eco-tourism destination in the province of Laguna. Cavinti Cave is located at Barangay Paowin, Cavinti, Laguna. It is just three to fours drive from the busy city of Metro Manila. Therefore, it has been a favorite weekend getaway for most Manilenos. If you are looking for some caving adventure near Metro Manila then this is for you.

Cavinti Cave is the second largest cave in the Philippines. Visitors can find rare kinds of calcite formations. It has several chambers and tunnels that have unique stalagmites, stalactites, straws, columns, flowstones, rock formations, and other speleothems. Also, the cave is beginner-friendly to explore and to do spelunking. Due to its gaining popularity in the Philippines, Cavinti Cave got featured in several TV shows such as Matanglawin, Biyahe ni Drew, and i-Witness documentary.

Cavinti Cave was first discovered in the year 2011 by a local farmer and resident named Gardo Sanchez. According to its past history, Gardo Sanchez unintentionally come across the opening of the cave when he was collecting pieces of wood for charcoal making. This is the kind of cave that the Cavinti local government will put the municipality on the map. So the LGU (Local Government Unit) and DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) were instructed to study this cave to see if it can be made a tourist destination.

Afterward, the municipality of Cavinti together with DENR and LGU officials initiated the exploration of the caves complex and underground river. After the exploration of the cave, it was opened to the public in the year 2013 as a class two cave or cave that the tourists can enter as long as they have a cave guide. As a result, the cave becomes the newest tourist spot in Cavinti.

Anyone who desires to try caving at the Cavinti Cave complex should anticipate some crawling along the way since there are sections that are really narrow and tiny. Also, tourists and visitors should expect themselves to get wet since water is flowing inside the caves complex. If you love to explore like me and you are a highly adventurous person, include this on the bucket list during the summer season. Experience the one-of-a-kind beauty of the Cavinti Cave complex. 

My adventure to Cavinti Cave

It’s been a long time since I do caving. The last time I do caving is way back in 2016 when we enter the Tinipak Cave in Tanay, Rizal as part of our side trip. When someone invited me to join the Cavinti Cave day tour, I immediately joined the tour after I’m done researching about the place. I’m so excited. The organizer gave me the itinerary, the expenses, and the things that we need to bring during the event. The caving event is on the upcoming Sunday. For this reason, I bought a dry bag and water pouch for my cellphone in order not to get wet and damaged during the caving event.

The event date is March 20, 2022. Therefore I arrive at our pick-up point place at Greenfield Mayflower Parking at 1:13 am Sunday morning. Overall, there are twenty-one members in the group chat and composed of two vans. When everybody arrives at the designated pick-up point, our van departs Manila and heads to Laguna around 1:26 am.

After two hours and fifty minutes of road travel, we arrived at Cavinti around 4:15 am. Because the registration is around 5 am, we have to wait for a little while. We go out of the van and we admire the full moon and countless stars from the beautiful night sky. Also, we shared some thoughts about the mountains we hike before.

After thirty-five minutes a tour guide came and assisted us to reach the parking area at 5 am. At the parking area, we saw a sari-sari store that sells souvenirs, keychains, mugs, shirts, and cellphone cases for thirty pesos only. Also, they sell coffee, bottled water, Tinola, and sausage with rice. For this reason, we buy some items and we have our breakfast at the small cottage near the sari-sari store.

At 6:05 am we left the parking area after the guide had given a sign to our driver to start driving towards the jump-off point of Cavinti Cave. We reach the jump-off point at 6:50 am after forty-five minutes of smooth road travel with the greenery view of Laguna. Then we leave in the van some of the things we don’t need in the caving tour. After our group has already done the final preparation, we start to walk going to the bunkhouse. 

The initial trail is on a downhill paved road and afterward, the trail becomes a muddy road. Midway in the muddy road, we see a small snake roaming around that caught our attention. As a result, we have to be attentive to the trail we are walking. At 7:20 am we reached the bunkhouse and the two tour guide named Roel Ansay and Jobert have been introduced to us. Then we have a short orientation about the guidelines and policies inside the cave. Also, they gave an informational briefing about the cave.

After that, we secure our hard helmet and we have our solo picture and group pictures taken at the Cavinti Cave entrance poster. Then our two tour guides give a go signal to start trekking going to the Cavinti Cave. Unfortunately at this point, I forgot to bring one of my flashlights inside the bag. Luckily, Madel gave me her extra flashlight. At 7:38 am, we start the river crossing going to the cave. We pass two wooden installed bridges. Then a few minutes later we reached the forest section.

After navigating through the forest section, we arrive at the Cavinti Cave entrance or the mouth of the cave where we go in and where we go out. Reaching the entrance of the cave is such an exceptional feeling I feel the excitement. Then our tour guide reminds us that we need to make sure that our essential belongings are safe and waterproof since we will have to pass water that is chest-deep later.

We are now ready for our caving adventure. We open our flashlights and we start exploring the cave. A narrow tunnel was revealed to us. Then we need to watch our heads as we walk by. The water in the cave is so cold. Also, it’s quite slippery and dark inside the cave so we need to be very careful as much as possible.

After several minutes of walking inside the cave, our group enters the first chamber. We can see the gigantic stalactite and gigantic stalagmite formation. According to our guide, stalactite is the name when it is on top, stalagmite is the name when it is in the bottom part. When the two meet they are called columns. Then he explained us how the stalagmite is formed. The water from above will drop to the ground. As the water drop to the ground. The alkaline deposits get thicker and thicker until they take shape.

All I can say is wow. I’m amazed by what I saw. I noticed that the height of the rock formation is almost 20 to 25 feet. Without a doubt, this is the largest stalagmite and largest stalactite I have seen in my entire life. It so freaking huge. Almost three times the size of a man. As a result, we take individual pictures and snap photos of the amazing rock formation. According to our guide, this kind of cave where 1 foot or 12 inches of rock formation takes about 500 to 800 years to form. 

After that, we continue exploring the cave and we saw fruit bats and insect bats. Then our guide showed us the fountain of youth at 8:22 am. For this reason, we take solo pictures of the fountain of youth. A few moments later our tour guide showed me the ceiling of the cave. He told me that no one have ever stepped on the ceiling of the cave which is almost twenty meters high. Also, he showed me the hermit rock formation. 

As I walk, towards the second chamber I said to myself that this cave is mind-boggling. We saw rock formations such as rimstone, chicken wings, and chicken feet. It is one of the most amazing cave formations I’ve ever seen. At 8:33 am, we reached the second chamber of the Cavinti Cave. The guide told us that if we go to all fourteen chambers of the Cavinti Cave it will take us more than five hours. So all we did was basic caving.

As we continue to walk inside Cavinti Cave, the water went deeper and deeper about chest-deep. Then a few moments later we reached the Cavinti Cave skyline around 9 am, where the area is so vast. It’s amazingly beautiful. We take our time for an Instagram-worthy picture. After that, I noticed that we are only in a portion of this cave but the extent is already super wide. We can see huge stalagmites which means that the cave has been standing for a long time. I think the size of the cave is equal to the size of the Cubao underpass. I can already tell that this is truly the second largest cave in the Philippines.

According to our guide, it’s called Cavinti Cathedral Cave because there are many limestone formations that look like a saint in the church. Then to our left side, there is a rock formation that looks like a Black Nazarene. On the other side of the Cathedral Cave, there is a small waterfall. The water here is only shallow up to the waist only. So we have a quick shower in the falls to experience its cold water and we have our pictures taken at this mini waterfall. 

Then the guide showed me the tooth of the cave which is the most unique one. The name of the teeth of the cave is called drapery. The guide told me that what happened here thousand years ago was there was an earthquake then there was a shift in the rocks.

After done taking pictures at the famous attraction in the cave, our group did a backtrail. Then I noticed that the walkway will show you how bright it is even if it’s dark inside the cave. We can still see what we were stepping on even if there’s water. Moreover, we can see what force of the water created the cave section.

We notice the scallops at the bottom are large and the scallops at the top are small. The cause of these holes is water flow at the bottom is gentle so the scallops and grooves are big. On the other hand, the water flow at the top is violent or forceful so the scallops at the top are small and piercing because the fast water created the section of the cave.

After nearly three hours we finally finish exploring the Cavinti Cave, we exit the cave at 9:40 am. Then we start to trek again going back to the jump-off point. We arrive at the bunkhouse at 10 am. We rest and take pictures again. After that, we continue our trek and reached the cemented pathway at 10:30 am after twenty minutes of trekking in the muddy trail.

In the muddy trail, some of the girls took off their sandals and do barefoot walking because of the heavy mud on their sandals and shoes. Also in the muddy trail, I saw some bulldozers who do their part to pave the road. The guide told me this is part of boosting tourism in Cavinti, Laguna. Then I noticed we are the only group that went inside the Cavinti Cave that day. We finished the trek at 10:45 am and we order taho for satisfying our craving needs.

We left the jump-off point at 11:06 am. On the way, we saw again the greenery of the province of Laguna. It was so irresistible. I can’t close my eyes because of this amazing view. It was so peaceful. On the other hand, I noticed that there was no mode of transportation like bus and jeep going to Cavinti Cave. We have two stopovers to have a sightseeing of the mesmerizing Lumot Mahipon Lake and Caliraya Lake.

Then we reach Janna’s place which is our side trip to the itinerary at 12:18 pm. We have our lunch and drinking session there.  After three hours of staying, we left Janna’s place at 3:36 pm.

Then after three hours and thirty-five minutes of smooth travel, we arrived at Metro Manila safe and sound. I came home at 7:30 pm. Thank God for making our trip to Cavinti Cave safe and unforgettable. Also, I want to thank Madel for lending me his extra flashlight and Joe for organizing this day tour event.

It was indeed a super enjoyable weekend. The trip is all worth it. We have positive vibes all the way. Trekking and spelunking in one day is such a wonderful and fulfilling day. We have a great adventure and we met newfound friends. Our group has unstoppable picture taking, and unlimited fun while exploring Cavinti Cave.

While I was writing this, I felt happy narrating the events of that day, as I truly admire the charm of the Cavinti Cave. Overall my adventure to Cavinti Cave sums up with this amazing quote “Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.”

Things to bring on your visit to Cavinti Cave:

High powered flashlight or headlamp
Extra clothes
Dry fit shirt
Dry bag, don’t forget to waterproof your things
Waterproof pouch
Bottled water
Toiletries like wet wipes and tissue paper
Small towel
Camera
Valid ID for emergency purposes
Alcohol or any hand sanitizer
Personal medicine, First Aid Kit
Trash bag
Extra hiking sandals or slippers
Extra money

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Cavinti Cave

1AM – Assembly at a designated place
2AM – ETD going to Cavinti, Laguna
5AM – ETA Cavinti, registration, secure guide, breakfast, and final preparation
7AM – Ride a van going to the jump-off point
7:30AM – Start trek to the bunkhouse, orientation, secure hard helmet
8AM – River crossing
8:15AM – Arrival at the Cavinti Cave entrance
8:30AM – First chamber, photo ops
8:40AM – Proceed to the second chamber
9:30AM – Arrival at Cathedral Cave, picture taking
10AM – Return to the bunkhouse
10:20AM – Bunkhouse, start the trek going back to the jump-off point
11AM – Arrive at the jump-off point
12:20PM – Side trip to other places in Laguna
4PM – ETD going back to Metro Manila
7PM – ETA Manila, home sweet home

Note: the sample above itinerary is not absolute or will not be 100 percent perfect due to many factors such as the actual pacing, situation at the time of the event, weather condition, delay, traffic, etc.

How to Go to Cavinti Cave

By private vehicle

Option 1:

1. From Quezon City, take the Rizal route via Marcos Highway, Sumulong passing through Antipolo city, the Rizal towns of Teresa, Baras, Morong, Tanay, Pililla, and the Laguna towns of Mabitac, Famy, Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan.
2. After passing by the elevated portion of Manila East Road in Kalayaan town, turn left and proceed to Caliraya Cavinti Road until you reach Bumbungan Eco-park. The approximate travel time is three hours.

Option 2:

1. From Makati City, take the South Luzon Expressway and exit Calamba. Then proceed towards SM City Calamba and turn right. Follow the main road passing through the municipality of Los Banos, Calauan, Victoria, Pila, Santa Cruz, and Lumban.
2. After you pass the Lumban Public Market, turn right to go to Lake Caliraya. Then continue driving until you reach the Bumbungan Eco-park which is the main jump-off point to Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex.

Note: For directions going to Cavinti, search “Cavinti Laguna” or “Bumbungan Eco-park” at Google Maps or Waze app.

Reminders and Tips:

• Before going to Cavinti Cave, make sure you check first the weather forecast in Laguna. The best time to go there is on a bright sunny day or in the summer season. Do not attempt to go there during the rainy season. The caves are closed during heavy rainfall, tropical typhoons, and low-pressure area. For this reason, any scheduled trip will be canceled during this time.

• It is recommended to make arrangements prior to your visit. The cut-off time for a day tour event going to the cave is 12 pm. For more details kindly visit their official Facebook page.

• To lessen your expense on a day tour trip bring your own food and water.

• Prepare yourself to get wet as the water in the cave can be a chest-deep. It is important to bring extra clothes.

• Cavinti Cave is a beginner-friendly cave. Navigating inside the cave is challenging but easy if you follow the local guide instructions. 

• Wear non-slippery footwear such as hiking sandals.

• Waterproof and secure your important things such as your cellphone and camera. Much better you have drybags for the protection of your essential things inside the Cavinti Cave.

• Bring flashlights because inside the cave is too dark. Also, it is important when doing spelunking to wear a helmet always in order to avoid any injury to your head.

• The technique for entering the chamber or tunnel is through a duck walk, do not stand immediately to not be injured by sharp stalactite formation.

• It will take more than 1000 to 2000 years for the stalactite and stalagmite to come together. This is the treasure that the caves have hidden for hundreds of thousands or millions of years before they were formed. So do not touch the end of the stalactite and stalagmite so as not to disturb their growth. The oil on our skin can be a reason to prevent calcite from sticking to the rock.

• Never forget to always follow the Leave No Trace principle. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time and keep nothing but memories.

• Plan ahead and prepare. Dispose of garbage properly. Leave what you find, leave rocks, plants, archeological artifacts, and other objects as found to allow others to experience the sense of discovery. Minimize the impact on the environment. We must protect the eco-life balance of our habitat. Respect the wildlife and be considerate of other visitors. 

• The caving fee is 500 pesos per person. For the foreigners, it is 1000 pesos per head.

• The tour guide fee is 400 pesos per group.

• I extremely recommend getting an organized tour when you plan to visit Cavinti Cave for simplicity, convenience, to lessen your expense, and to not worry about the transportation in and out of Laguna. Included in the Cavinti Cave day tour package are van roundtrip (Manila-Laguna-Manila), guide fee, tour coordinator fee, caving fee, hard helmet, environmental fee, driver’s meal, and entrance fee. Excluded in the package day tour are personal food and shower fees.

• For disclaimer, the tour organizer may have the right to cancel the event if not reach the number of target participants or if the weather is not good, or any reasonable reason to cancel the event especially if your safety is in the line. 

• No smoking inside the cave. It is strictly prohibited. Also, no permit is no entry in the cave.

• One local tour guide will be assigned for a maximum of ten people in the group.

• For any advance booking and reservation please call this number, 0948-157-1774/0912-806-7356, 0915-293-4238/0963-878-3289, 0912-898-7520, telephone number – 523-0152/523-0129 loc. 106.

• The other option is you can visit the tourism section office at Cavinti Municipal Hall on weekdays or you can go to the tourism information center.

• It is forbidden to take any kind of limestone formation inside the Cavinti Cave and you will make them as a souvenir. 

• Vandalism is prohibited. Do not write inside the cave.

• The water found in the cave is Alkaline water meaning it can be drunk.

• There are resorts near Cavinti where you can spend overnight.

• The bottled water at the sari-sari store beside the parking area cost 20 to 40 pesos depending on the size of the bottled water. 

• Above all, it is forbidden to touch stalactite and stalagmite rock formation because human natural oil can affect the rock formation. Just let it be and enjoy the beautiful view.
  
  
  
  

There you have it. Enjoy every moment you have because in life there are no rewinds. Also, take moment to realize how blessed you are. On the whole, I hope this Cavinti Cave day tour travel guide and reference has been beneficial to you and galvanized you to try spelunking. Moreover, don’t forget to share this with your loved ones, companions, and friends if ever you plan on doing the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex day tour too. Remember sharing is caring. God bless us all and thanks for reading. Until next time.