Darkness often evokes fear and a sense of danger. It’s frequently labeled as an “unsafe zone,” but what if this misunderstood realm is actually a place for growth and the seat of wisdom? Would you dare to explore your depths and discover your true capabilities?
This October, I was invited to join a three-day camping and spelunking trip to the Philippines’ largest cave system—the Langun-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga, Samar. Covering an area of 900 square meters and spanning over 12 other cave systems, it was once considered the second-largest cave in Asia, only recently surpassed by new discoveries.
Despite having visited several caves before, camping inside one piqued my interest like never before. I was eager to feel the thrill and hear my heart pound with excitement.
To Gobingob’s Mouth
Our adventure began after lunch, with an hour-long ascent through a dense jungle from the jump-off point to a viewing deck built by the local government. The cave’s entrance, resembling a hungry monster’s gaping mouth, reminded me of Cebu’s White Cave opening.
After a short orientation and a prayer, we descended into the darkness. Goodbye outside world, hello darkness, my old friend.
To the “Stage” We Go
The cave greeted us with stunning rock formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. However, some areas bore the scars of past exploitation by locals and Taiwanese businessmen who sold cave gems as ornamentals. Fortunately, the local government now protects this natural wonder. After some bouldering and trekking through mud and rocks, we arrived at the “Stage,” a caramelized version of the famous Big Hero 6 superhero, Baymax.
Scampering Around the Football Field
By six in the evening, we had reached the “Football Field,” a stadium-sized area inhabited by gigantic cave crickets. After setting up camp and preparing dinner, we fetched water from a nearby pool inhabited by blind fish and white crabs.
Exploring the “Inferno”
Yes, you’ve read it right. We’re going to Inferno. Post-dinner, we explored the Upper Gobingob Chamber, marveling at strange rock formations and white crystals. The limited capacity of our headlamps and flashlights couldn’t capture their natural beauty, offering yet another reason for readers to experience this adventure themselves.
Going Through the Depths of Langun
Obviously, there’s no sense of time inside the cave. You explore in the darkness. You sleep through the darkness. You wake up through the darkness. By five in the morning, we started preparing our breakfast and then began packing our things in preparation for the second day of exploration.
We were bound to leave the Football Field and traverse to the connecting Langun Cave system. This time, it involves serious technical roping and rappelling down to the abyss. It wasn’t as scary as it seemed—probably because I had been thoroughly practicing rappelling during our Canyoning activity in Biliran.
What really made the traverse memorable was the trek across the mountain of bat shits (guano). Believe me, challenging is an understatement. You have to be quick and flexible. In an instant, your feet can dive into a knee-deep trail that would dig up loads of bat shits, cockroaches, and crickets.
I See the Light!
Emerging into the light was a breath of fresh air. We were greeted by the opening of Langun Cave, adorned with majestic stalactites. After cleaning ourselves, we relaxed with the group.
At twilight, a spectacular sight unfolded as a massive number of bats emerged from the cave entrance, creating a perfectly choreographed dance.
Down, Down to Lower Langun
The night was eerie, filled with sounds from unseen creatures and dancing fireflies. Our final mission was to explore Lower Langun. It took longer to enter, as a snake guarded the entrance. After an hour of waiting, the guides allowed us to proceed. We rappelled several meters and squeezed through a three-meter hole, with a silent snake watching our progress from above.
Beyond the narrow entrance lay a vast system of knee-deep mud, natural tubs, cave terraces, rivers, and waterfalls, a sight reserved for the brave. Sleeping in the cave was an adventure in itself, with snakes and other creatures as our nightly companions. The guides kept watch, ensuring our safety as we slept, unaware of the snakes passing by.
Up, Up, and Away
Like any other struggle, everything comes to an end. On the third day, we bid goodbye to the darkness. However, going back to the town proper requires four hours of direct ascending through rocky trails and thick forests. This activity demanded multiple disciplines: hiking, spelunking, rappelling, river trekking, and rock climbing—all at once!
Reflections on Fear and Growth During Our Three-Day Camping Inside Langun-Gobingob Cave
Many asked if I was scared during the activity. Of course, I was. Fear paves the road we walk, pushing us to our limits and revealing how amazing we can become. It draws us out of our comfort zones. In the end, it’s not the light at the tunnel’s end that gives us hope but the light within us. Sometimes, the best days are born from our darkest moments.
Camping and spelunking are not for the faint-hearted and should always be undertaken with a reliable team.
For a guided tour, contact Sir Joni Bonifacio of Trexplore the Adventures at (055-2512301 / 5438550) or (0919-294-3865 / 0927-675-0062), or visit Trexplore for more details.
How to Get to Langun-Gobingob?
- Flights are available from Manila to Calbayog City, Manila to Tacloban City, Cebu City to Tacloban City, and Cebu City to Calbayog City.
- V-hires are available in going to Calbiga.
- Daily trips from Cebu City to Ormoc City are available while a scheduled M-W-F is followed for a Cebu City to Calbayog City trip.
Tips for This Three-Day Camping Inside Langun-Gobingob Cave
- Practice light backpacking and bring only essentials.
- You can bring your own meals or ask the team to prepare food for an extra charge.
- Avoid direct contact with stalagmites and stalactites to prevent damage.
- Don’t urinate or defecate inside the caves; guides provide containers for waste.
- Enjoy!
Here’s a video compilation of our trip. 😊😊😊
Dakilanglaagan 