The Central Cave in Samar is a large dome beneath a karst mountain. Inside this vast, silent realm are sparkling formations of immense beauty.
Gypsum crystals embedded in the massive columns, enormous flowstone curtains, walls of speleothem formations, and still-growing stalagmites give them a shimmer.
These are also translucent, which is why they glow when illuminated from behind. Such is a true indication of their condition: raw and pure.
As such, you will see them in their actual geological processes. Like the stalactite and stalagmite forming a column with a few additional drips, or the draperies forming hard rock lines along its length.
This domain has been preserved in large part due to its inaccessibility. You must tread carefully for both safety and preservation. Those priceless rock formations can be destroyed with even the slightest touch.
To get there, you’ll need Joni “the cave master” Bonifacio as your guide. He is the most familiar with this cave because he explored it alongside Elezar Labtic of Huplag Speleologists. Since vertical caving is involved, he will teach you caving skills such as the single rope method (SRT).
Yes, the cave’s entry and exit location is a sinkhole.
For further details, check these caving narratives from Adrenaline Romance and TravelUp.
Photos courtesy of Rhea Bobiles and Joni Bonifacio
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