LIBTEC CRYSTAL CAVE (a.k.a. QUILLING CRYSTAL CAVE)

LIBTEC CRYSTAL CAVE (a.k.a. QUILLING CRYSTAL CAVE)

Updated Article is migrated in this link:

https://pinoyspelunker.com/libtec-crystal-cave-a-k-a-quilling-crystal-cave/

LOCATION:		Brgy. Libtec, Dolores, Abra, Philippines.
HOW TO GET THERE:		From Manila: Partas Bus (fare and schedule here) or Dominion Transit Bus bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 9 hours. From Baguio City: Take a Partas Bus (Php314.00) or a mini bus (Php250.00) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 6 hours. Private vehicles: Directions can be easily asked from the friendly Abra locals.
		Bangued to Libtec, Dolores: Single motor: Around Php600.00 (negotiable; round trip, with side trips) Jeepney + Tricycle: Take a jeep at Bangued bound to Dolores then drop at Talugtog crossing. From there, take a tricycle to Libtec.
		Drop-off to cave entrance: During rainy season when the road is muddy, it takes at least 30 minutes walk. Expect that to be shorter during summer when the non-cemented part is passable.
		Spelunking duration: About an hour.
JUMP-OFF POINT:		Libtec Road, Libtec, Dolores
CONTACT PERSONS:		(074) 752-9278; 752-8081 (Mayor’s Office); 0926-403-4485 (Barangay Chairman).
FEES/RENTALS/FACILITIES:
	Registration Fee:	None.
	Guide Fee:	Negotiable.
	Shoes, lamp, knee & elbow pads rental:	None.
	Shower facility:	None. Not needed.
CHARACTERISTICS
	Mineral deposit formations:	Highly abundant.
	Underground river:	None.
	Bat population:	Numerous.
	Chambers:	Multi-chambered; more on caverns.
	Human artefacts:	None discovered yet.
	Cave fill:	Bat droppings and soil partially covering the floor.

Description

Libtec Crystal Cave, also known as Quilling Crystal Cave, is located in Dolores, a municipality in the nature-blessed province of Abra. A haven of bats, this full of mineral deposit cave is an easy spelunking destination.

The cave is situated in Barangay Libtec, hence the name Libtec Crystal Cave. The “crystal” comes from the microcrystals on the surface of the mineral deposits that shines when light is focused into it. According to the locals, even before the Second World War when Libtec is not yet populated the presence of the cave is already known to hunters and trappers from nearby areas such as Tayum, Abra. Decades after the Japanese regime, treasure hunters had also explored the caves, hoping that some Japanese treasures were kept and left there. Today, it is a bat-hunting ground as the cave is heavily populated with kurarapnit (bats). Bat droppings had also been gathered by the locals to be used as fertilizer. Possibly, other animals use the chambers as a habitat especially those near the exits.

Libtec Crystal Cave, like the Sibud-Sibud Cave in Tineg, is also a multi-chambered cave with a continuous cavern covering most of its length. It also boasts a multitude of beautifully-formed mineral deposits in the form of stalagmites, stalactites, straws, drapery, and flowstones. The length of the cave is not even close to a kilometer but the walls, floor, and roof are teeming with beautifully-formed and -colored mineral deposits. There are a lot of stone formation like a bird, banana blossom, horse, and many more.

Unlike Sagada Caves and Aran Cave, spelunking in Libtec Crystal Cave is not as arduous. Crawling, sliding, wading through icy water and rappelling are not required. It is a generally easy-take-you-time adventure inside the cave. There are two entry points (could also be utilized as exit points), however, only one is being utilized since the other is located halfway along the length of the cave. It is also noticeable numerous fallen blocks of mineral stones, most probably breakdown happened during earthquakes. As you enter and marvel at the formations inside, you will also be serenaded by the flaps and squeaks of bats.

Factors that hinder the promotion of this beautiful cave include the distance from the NCR where local tourists usually come from, lack of hourly public transportation, and the often misunderstood peace stigma of Abra. Like Sibud-Sibud Cave, Libtec Crystal Cave also has no standard guide fee, guides are not yet trained like those in the heavily populated cave tourist destinations, and no spelunking device rentals. Fortunately, the barangay is very keen with the safety of the tourists. At least one guide is often dispatched to accompany the tourists.

Other notable tourist destinations in the municipality are the Libtec Underground River, Simmimbaan Picnic Groove and a private resort.  

Reminders:
·	In hiring transportation, there is no standard hire rate; approximate trip duration takes as much an hour.
·	Wear a comfortable non-slip, close-toed rubber shoes. Do not use flip-flops especially during rainy season.
·	Do not vandalize the rocks nor take any physical memento from the cave. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
·	Do not touch or step on the surfaces of live dripstones. These are usually colored white and with continuous water dropping in it.
·	Be guided by the Leave No Trace mantra. Take only pictures and memories with you. Leave the stones and mineral deposit formations behind. As of early 2016, a lot of the stone formations have been vandalized, some of the tips of the draperys and stalactites have been cut and taken as memento.
·	Do not forget to bring water for rehydration and individual flashlight especially if you are a group.

Gallery

The entrance. This is the only part where you need to stoop-walk.

A closer look at the entrance.

You would immediately be welcomed with this.

The roof near the entrance of the cave.

Unfortunately, the beauty of the cave have been besmirched many times in the past.

This could have been more beautiful if the tips have been spared by vandal and thieves.

Dripstones like these are all over the place.

Each wall has its own personality.

One of the few instances where you need to half climb your way.

Flowstones and shields are also everywhere.

Notice the myriad of colors the formations has to offer.

A part of one of the uncounted columns.

A stone resembling a heart.

A cluster of uhm… what do they resemble?

The cavernous space inside the cave.

Everywhere you look, there would always be something that would catch your attention.

These dripstones seem like sentries in a hollow place.

Is it a bird? A gargoyle?

This seems like a short curtain.

When stalactites and stalagmites meet, they often form a solid pillar.

A flower? Banana blossom? Whatever it looks like to you, this could have been perfect without the vandalized part.

I have always wondered at the picturesque effect of the different colors of the mineral deposits.

This is the most beautiful part, I must say. I call it the “grotto”. If the cave is a novel, this could have been its climax.

A closer look at the upper portion of the “grotto”.

I really wanted to cry when we reached this point. I wanted to cry for a couple of reasons: one, the desecration of this nature’s art has a bitter tug to my heart; two, the beauty [and could have been more majestic without the vandalism] of the place that gives a church-like feeling.

On the other side of the “grotto” are formations untouched by vandals.

A colorful column.

These dripstones are still alive. Decades need to pass before a considerable increase in size is seen.

The exact location of the source of the water drops and the mineral content of the drops are bid factors in shaping these stones.

This shape could be a lot more different in the future.

You would almost always forget to close your mouth when you gaze upon things as stunning as this.

A dome-shaped part of the roof.

I don’t know what to call these, but they are sure pretty to look at.

Dang it! Its a horse!

With the rugae, you would liken it to a scrotal sac.

A majestic column.

Its white color and shape makes it unique.

A clenched fist or a heart maybe?

The wall-that-is-not-just-a-wall.

Oh please close your mouth, lol.

By the way, the previous images were as gargantuan as this. A lot of them are even of bigger size.

A colorful, mineral deposit formation-full crevice.

These screechers would always be present wherever you go inside this cave.

A small chamber. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to explore it including the other chambers. It’s for you to discover the wonders inside when you go there.

NOTE: I initially planned to go to the Libtec Underground River. However, the place is closed to visitors during rainy season as it is filled with water. By chance, the Barangay Chairman mentioned the Libtec Crystal Cave, hence this article. The history of the cave was given by 2016 Libtec Barangay Chairman. I was saddened at the extent of vandalism inside the cave. Despite of this, what you will see inside would still capture your heart.

SIBUD-SIBUD CAVE

SIBUD-SIBUD CAVE

Updated article is migrated to this link:

https://pinoyspelunker.com/sibud-sibud-cave/

LOCATION:		Brgy. Alaoa, Tineg, Abra, Philippines.
HOW TO GET THERE:		From Manila: Partas Bus (fare and schedule here) or Dominion Transit Bus bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 9 hours. From Baguio City: Take a Partas Bus (Php314.00) or a mini bus (Php250.00) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 6 hours. Private vehicles: Directions can be easily asked from the friendly Abra locals.
		Bangued to Tineg transportation cost: Single motor: Around Php1000.00 (negotiable; round trip, with side trips) Jeepney: Around Php3,000.00 (negotiable; round trip, with side trips)
		Drop-off to cave entrance: About 30 minutes (on foot).
		Spelunking duration: About an hour (traverse).
JUMP-OFF POINT:		Tineg Road, Alaoa, Tineg
CONTACT PERSON:		(074 752-5758; 0999-994-0948 (Mayor's Office); 0936-429-7232 (Alex, Barangay Alaoa Treasurer); 0917-705-7029 (Mark).
FEES/RENTALS/FACILITIES:
	Registration Fee:	None.
	Guide Fee:	Php200.00 (maximum of 10 pax/guide).
	Shoes, lamp, knee & elbow pads rental:	None.
	Shower facility:	None. Not needed.
CHARACTERISTICS
	Mineral deposit formations:	Highly abundant.
	Underground river:	None.
	Bat population:	Numerous.
	Chambers:	Multi-chambered; more on caverns.
	Human artefacts:	None discovered yet.
	Cave fill:	Bat droppings and soil partially covering the floor.

Description

A cave newly put under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Sibud-Sibud Cave in Tineg, Abra, with its offering of multitude of mineral deposit formations without the usual wall cliff hanging to crawling through narrow crevices, is slowly gaining its momentum in spelunking tourism.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is situated in Barangay Alaoa in the beautiful, mountainous Municipality of Tineg, Abra. According to the locals, the cave was named Sibud-Sibud because it had been a habitat of numerous birds decades ago. Its name is derived from the Adasen word sibud, meaning bird. Unfortunately, only bats occupy its chambers this days. Possibly, there might be other birds seeking sanctuary as well as accidental animal inhabitants in the chambers near the exits. Its approximated year of discovery has not yet been established, though the locals verbalized that it has always been there as a bat-hunting ground of their forefathers.

Sibud-Sibud Cave is a multi-chambered cave with a couple of caverns and beautifully-formed mineral deposits. There are two entry point to the cave, thus a traverse route can be done; though, the tourist may opt to trace back his initial point of entry as his exit. Unlike other caves, Sibud-Sibud as a Class III cave, does not require tourists to crawl or slide through crevices, wade through icy waters, or climb stone walls. It is an easy trek save one area where climbing through a makeshift wooden ladder is needed. Portions of the cave floor are wet from the accumulated continuous drips from the rocks above. Mineral deposit formations are numerous starting a few meters from each entry points, thus giving tourists immediate wonderment. These formations like small to giant banana blossom, heart, flaccid, uncircumcised male genitalia (complete with scrotum), dome-like roof, golden walls, terraces and others are all over the place, from the walls, the floor, to the roof of the cave. Add the flapping and squeaking of hundreds of bats, it is a surreal experience.  It is a haven for non-rigorous itinerary spelunkers.

Despite of the beauty of the cave, the distance, lack of public transportation and the often misunderstood stigma of Abra are high hurdles in its promotion as an excellent ecotourism destination. As of writing, the Sibud-Sibud Cave has an informal tourist program. There are two local guides who have been accompanying tourists in and out of the cave. Interestingly, it is a father-son tandem. The younger guide, Jamsie, lives at the start of the hike. Devoid of the innuendos and catch phrases learned from a standard guide training, the local guides are very much sensitive in safeguarding the well-being of the tourists, en route and inside the cave. Ask the history of the place and the cave and the guide would give you his personal experiences as well as knowledge passed by their forefathers. It is basically an innocent, honest guiding.

This year, Sibud-Sibud Cave have been identified as Class III cave and added in the hundreds of caves under the protection and management of DENR. As embodied in Memorandum Circular 2016-05 signed by DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, this classification ensures the preservation of the caves for the enjoyment of the public (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2016). Class III caves can easily be explored by inexperienced tourist albeit with the assistance of guides.

Other notable tourist destinations in the municipality are the Camouflage Rock formation, Kaparkan Falls (Molawin Falls), Tineg River and several water falls.

Reminders:
·	It is highly advisable to arrange transportation (if you are commuting) in advance before going there.
·	There are no public vehicles traversing the Bangued-Tineg route as of August 2016. It can be reached through private car or hiring single motor or four-wheeled vehicles.
·	In hiring transportation, there is no standard hire rate; approximate trip duration takes as much as 2 hours; the road from Bangued is predominantly paved with few kilometers of rough road in the municipality just before Tineg.
·	Wear a comfortable non-slip, close toed rubber shoes (not sports sneakers puh-lease!).
·	Do not vandalize the rocks nor take any physical memento from the cave. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
·	Be guided by the Leave No Trace mantra. Take only pictures and memories with you. Leave the stones and mineral deposit formations behind.

Gallery

An outward view from one of the two entry points.

This is it, lets go! Wait… Notice the vandalized stone; fortunately, it is only outside the cave.

Further inside the entrance. It looks ominously narrow but you can actually stoop walk through it.

Once you are through the entrance, you will be greeted by this. And the wide-eye-open-mouth syndrome starts.

Aside from the formations, you will also be greeted by the inhabitants with squeaks and flapping sounds.

Feast your eyes on the numerous banana blossom-like formations along the walls and ceiling.

Don’t forget to close your mouth, a bat may accidentally dive into it.

I call it the “Angel’s Wings”.

Here’s a closer look at the wings.

A heart, perhaps?

Speleothem columns

Another trigger to the wide-eye-open-mouth syndrome.

A closer look. By the way, these are about 5-7 feet high.

Even the ceiling is undeniably a nature’s masterpiece.

The kakaw fruit. I’m not sure if this can also be classified as a speleothem column.

Bats and bats of bats and bats!

Its like heaven and earth trying their best to reach each other.

Some of the narrow pathways.

Bleeding heart.

This made me remember the anime FairyTail [anime addicts can only relate to this J].

The dirt or mud may have caused this richer color of the formations in this area.

An evidence showing that the cave is very much alive.

It takes years for a centimeter to grow in these live stones.

This gives me a church-like feeling.

A cavern!

One of the cavern ceiling divider.

A prisoner heart? A misshapen angel? 

A dark chamber.

Well, I will let your imagination grow wild in this formation. I rest my case as to what it resembles.

I am really amazed at the multitude of colors on the surfaces of the formations.

Its time go to a lower level.

The makeshift wooden ladder. Careful in descending through this, because one the rungs is broken.

Notice the deep color of the stone as well as the trickle of water.

The dome at the lower level.

Careful when you pass through this part, your head might be snagged J.

Just like the other one, I rest my case in telling you what this resembles. Let your imagination work.

Blossoms and hearts guarded by the bats.

A wider view of the bat cavern.

An adjacent chamber.

A wall near the exit.

The ceiling! The ceiling!

This is the ceiling at the other end of the cave.

The inconspicuous exit!

REFERENCE:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (2016). DENR puts 39 more caves under protection. Retrieved from http://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-features/latest-news/2619-denr-puts-39-more-caves-under-protection.html.