Can I join your group for caving trips as a tourist?
A lot of the trips we do require specialized training and the use of safety equipment thus are not suitable for tourists. We do recommend that you visit places with accredited and trained cave guides to give you an introduction to caves, so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Isn’t caving dangerous?
Like many outdoor sports, caving entails its share of risks. Using the right equipment, getting the right training, and knowing when it is safe to enter caves minimize the risks, but the dangers can never be completely eliminated. The Gaia Exploration Club takes calculated risks, but safety is our number one priority.
Aren’t there snakes and other dangerous creatures in caves?
Snakes and other creatures in the cave are more scared of cavers and would rather be left alone. Steer clear of cave creatures, including bats and swiftlets, as your visit disturbs their natural living cycles. We are after all only temporary visitors into their home. Snakes are usually at or close to the entrance, where they prey on bats and other animals. They can’t survive deeper in caves dues to lack of light and suitable food sources. Aside from these reptiles, there are no creatures deep in caves that are large enough to endanger humans.
What’s the difference between caving and spelunking?
The two terms are synonymous., however “spelunking” is an outdated term that’s no longer used by modern cavers to describe what they do. “Caving” has become the more acceptable of the two terms.
What are the fitness requirements of caving?
Caves are a three-dimensional environment that challenges explorers with a variety of obstacles and elements such as boulders, mud, and water of various depths. Thu, cavers should have good overall fitness, specifically cardiovascular and muscular endurance and flexibility.
What is the “leave no trace” rule for caving?
As with all wilderness areas on earth’s surface, cavers should strive to minimize their impact under earth’s surface. This means not leaving anything behind to mark their passage or the presence of the caving team. All trash is taken out of the cave and no physical marks are left on cave formations or walls. Designated trails are also set underground, which can be marked by flagging tape, to prevent future caving teams from walking on pristine formations or surfaces.
I was offered a cave crystal souvenir at a cave tour. Is this alright to collect them?
No. According to the Section 7 of the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act, collecting cave formations or speleothems is illegal. These formations take thousands of years to form and they should be left in place for future generations to appreciate.
I have a cave on our property. Does that mean I own the cave?
According to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act, caves and cave resources are owned by the State. Landowners with caves inside their private lands shall secure the necessary permit from the DENR for the use, collection, or removal of any cave resource.