The Cajil Caves
One of the undiscovered treasures on Tablas Island is its many hidden limestone caves. Cajil Cave is really several interconnected natural caves located in Barangay Pag-Alad. During the World War II Roman Catholic Masses were held within the large cathedral-like cave.
We arm ourselves with flashlights and head lamps and wear secure footware (sneakers, not sandals). Dario goes to look for one or two boys from the Pag-Alad who know the Cajil Caves well enough to guide us! He arrives with a dozen eager fellows, all wanting to take us into the caves.
We travel through a couple of people's yards noting that you would really have to know where to go as there is no marked path through the rainforest! When we look at the passageway, we wonder if we will be able to fit!
We are soon able to stand fully upright and investigate the formations using our flashlights and headlamps. It is so dark. So secluded. No wonder it was used as a hiding place for the village people during World War II.
Using our flashlights to break the total darkness, we discover sparkling crystalline formations, hidden caverns, beautiful formations.
In one deep cavern, there were bats hanging. We unknowingly caught this one on film flying!
At one point we look way up to see daylight making its way through an opening.
We exit in a different spot than we entered. Our guides lead us back to the road. With further development this could be an entrance to the caves.
The Cajil Caves are unlabeled and somewhat hidden but local guides are anxious to show this wonder of nature to interested adventurers.
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