Stalagmites

“Between the country’s lush mountains and beaches are caves waiting to be explored or better yet, discovered for the first time.”

One fine Sunday morning and a 4 Kilometer run from home plus additional 5 Kilometer fun run that I joined that day. The run was a blast but that physical experience did not stop me to endure the rest of the day exploring a cave.

Unprepared, we went home for me to bring my photo gear for some cave photography. As all are packed and ready to go… (Seemed I heard those already somewhere) – Seventy Two (72) Kilometers from Davao City.

The place name is more familiar to be called “Yellow Gate Adventure Resort” and locals called it Santo Ñino of the Woods.

Exploring the cave

The road going to the destination is smooth as it was the road going to Buda- Cagayan de Oro. Scenic views of mountain valleys of Paquibato , Arakan Valley on both sides of the way. The resort can be easily identified as the gate is yellow  and is located just right after the second passage of mountain split road.

Climate is cool that day in the area and I noticed a zipline and as what the yellowgate staff said it was 360 and 320 meters long and has a height of 100-150 meters. The view is more on forested hills.

There is a minimal rent fee for the guide and the gear like skull guard. The cave we visited is named Okloy Cave. From their main building, it took 5 minutes of walk down to a cemented trail until we reached the small cave opening. The mouth of the cave is narrow and situated in a dense forested area where sun rays nearly pass through the ground.

Stalactites

Na name of the cave is somewhat unique but as found out explained by the resort staff that “Okloy” is the name of one of the person who frequently or initially discovered the cave thus named Okloy Cave.

The cave entrance passage is tight for about 5 meters downward. There’s no underground river or flowing water inside its wall but the cave is wet due to waters dropping from the tip of the stalactites on its ceilings.

The cave appearance is just a big circle inside with a sloping terrain full of stalagmites which need a very careful movement to avoid being step into.

Okloy Cave Photo by Arthur Yap

Some stalagmites are broken maybe due to previous visitors in the area. Some portions of the cave are in white colors and it will looked like a very delicate porcelain when hit with a light source.

We got in at around Ten in the morning and we got out around one thirty in the afternoon.

Explored the cave with Arthur Yap of The RTours and took some images for your viewing pleasure guys.

Good thing that this cave is being cared for to avoid much further destruction. We enjoyed exploring this cave with much enthusiasm to have others a glimpse of what nature’s beauty there is underground which less people have witnessed or accessed.

Enjoy!