As of the meantime, visitors are required to drop by at Cavinti Municipal Office to secure a permit before going to Cavinti Underground River and Cave so as to monitor the number of persons visiting the cave since it was only operational last March 30, 2013. You can also visit their facebook account or email them ahead of time regarding the date of your visit.
We are from Santa Cruz, Laguna so travel time from Santa Cruz to Cavinti Municipal Office was approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. Pagsanjan Bridge was closed due to road constructions so we took the Caliraya Road instead. From Cavinti Municipal Office to Brgy. Paowin was approximately 15mins away.
Actual travel to Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex
We did not expect the trip approximately 16 kilometers of bumpy, rough, up and down road going to the cave. I can actually describe it as "alog bituka ride."
One consideration that must be noted is the weather. Best if you go there during summer. The rain will surely make the road very slippery and muddy. Take note, only few houses were there so if ever you will get stuck, you will have to walk that 16 kilometers road to seek help. Make sure to double check the vehicle you are using before the trip. Cars will have a hard time in that rough road so you might want to consider 4-wheel drive or large engine vehicles.
For commuters, according to Municipal office, you can hire a jeepney for 2500 or 100/pax roundtrip.
When you reach the site, there are personnel that will assist you. They will also discuss the do's and don'ts before entering the cave.
You will ride a balsa to cross the river about 20 meters long. Expect to trek for about 2-5 minutes to reach the entrance of the cave.
The Cave Itself
One word to describe it was "UNBELIEVABLE." I cannot say in numerical form the actual distance of the cave when we took the tour. As what Kuya Rommel, the guide, said "kasing laki ng Cubao ilalim." I cannot believe it at first that the cave was that spacious inside. It was full of stalactites and stalagmites. It was astonishing. The grandness formation of those rocks. I will let the pictures speak for itself.
Stalactites
Remember letter "C" for ceiling. Formation arises from the ceiling.
Stalagmites
Remember letter "G" for ground. formation that arises from the ground.
And when stalactites and stalagmites meet or come in contact with each other, it is now called "column."
Inside the cave was total darkness. Your eyes will never compensate the darkness inside so better if you bring portable emergency light in color white or LED flashlights. We brought 2 LED flashlights and one yellow light flashlight. The latter did not help us much because it was really dark. There are parts of the cave that's dry, some areas are muddy and wet, so make sure not to use slippers. Best if you use rubber shoes or trekking slippers.
Also, be cautious inside the cave. Always watch your step. There are so many rock formations inside, some of it were really sharp so it will surely hurt if you slipped. Anyway, safety hats will be provided. No kids 12 years old below are allowed inside which is justifiable because kids might freak out inside since it's really dark. You don't want accident to happen. Since it was 16 kilometers rough road drive with only few houses nearby, we don't want to take the risk. And also there was no cellphone reception in the area.
The actual experience was breathtaking! World class experience!
P.S.
Free entrance for the meantime. So be quick to visit Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex.
For more pictures, please click the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jerwin_lim/sets/72157633188686577/