Spelunking is among the activities in Rodriguez, Rizal. The eminent Pamitinan cave draws attention to tourist not just for the beauty it holds but also for the remarkable history of Japanese soldiers during World War II; the cave became their basement during the war.
In the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range lies the Pamitinan cave. It is located in Brgy.San Rafael, Rodriguez Rizal. It is also near Wawa Dam. The cave is formerly known as the '"Cave of Bernardo Carpio"'. Its former name is derived from Bernardo Carpio, a figure in Philippine mythology who was rebuked by the gods because of his insolence. Legend states that he was chained forever in the Montalban gorge, cursed to keep two mountains from colliding with each other.
On April 12, 1895, Andres Bonifacio along with eight other katipuneros declared the Philippines independence from the Spanish empire inside this cave. The walls still bear inscriptions of "Viva la Independencia Filipinas" from the time of the Philippine Revolution. On June 21, 1996, Pamitinan cave was declared a historic site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
On our first day in Rodriguez Rizal we explored Pamitinan Cave before hiking Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan with further instruction of our guide, Kuya Albert. It would have been hiking the mountains first then a side trip of Pamitinan Cave but due to circumstances it became the other way around. We were prohibited to hike the mountains after our visit to the cave because it was almost evening and camping in the summit is strictly not allowed. So we camped at the available area offered by one of the authorized guide, Kuya Oliver also known as "Kuya Harang" atleast for our group and reschedule our hike early the next day.
Our guide is quite hilarious in exaggerating his words and very supportive. He’s also excellent in what he does but needless to say he's bogus in terms of qualification as a guide. He volunteered himself as a backup guide to accommodate the unexpected large numbers of hikers that day. Getting a guide and all registration needed is arranged at the Tourism Office.
On April 12, 1895, Andres Bonifacio along with eight other katipuneros declared the Philippines independence from the Spanish empire inside this cave. The walls still bear inscriptions of "Viva la Independencia Filipinas" from the time of the Philippine Revolution. On June 21, 1996, Pamitinan cave was declared a historic site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
On our first day in Rodriguez Rizal we explored Pamitinan Cave before hiking Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan with further instruction of our guide, Kuya Albert. It would have been hiking the mountains first then a side trip of Pamitinan Cave but due to circumstances it became the other way around. We were prohibited to hike the mountains after our visit to the cave because it was almost evening and camping in the summit is strictly not allowed. So we camped at the available area offered by one of the authorized guide, Kuya Oliver also known as "Kuya Harang" atleast for our group and reschedule our hike early the next day.
Our guide is quite hilarious in exaggerating his words and very supportive. He’s also excellent in what he does but needless to say he's bogus in terms of qualification as a guide. He volunteered himself as a backup guide to accommodate the unexpected large numbers of hikers that day. Getting a guide and all registration needed is arranged at the Tourism Office.
The trail going to the cave is open with moderate difficulty passing through a bridge and homestead, scaling through sharp and open rocks. Use of gloves is highly recommended to prevent cuts and blisters. Flashlight or lamp is mandatory. It will be a total blackout when pursuing the cave up to the end point. Also make sure to wear helmet for safety purpose. Substantial needs such as food and water should always be brought along the visit, it will be needed.
We experience hiking, crawling, rappelling and climbing throughout the visit. Our visit was also filled with stories about the history of the cave as told by our guide during the whole journey. You should always be attentive about the instructions given by the guide and observant on your handles. For instance, there are number of cracks that are illicit to hold and falling rocks are common.
A visible signage made of copper is visible from the trail, written in Japanese Language with a subtitle of English words "Give them eternal rest, O Lord, and let them share Your Glory". It dated 1977 and believed that it was a tribute to the fallen Filipino and Japanese soldiers during the World War II.
If you want to do spelunking, try Pamitinan Cave. Girth aside, anyone can make the trip with no spelunking experience necessary
Top view of the Cave with the signage
Outside appearance of the Cave
Outside appearance of the Cave, pictured is a friend named Amie, also known as the Hardcore
My buddy, Jan
Us
The members of Epic Travels PH and Lets Camp Outdoor, tag along is our guide kuya Albert
Epic Travels PH crew, from left to right: Jun, Rose, and Alvin
Things to Bring
- Gloves
- Trekking shoes/sandals
- Water or rehydration fluids
- Extra clothes
- Trail foods
- Flashlight
- Helmet
How
to get there
Public
Transport. If you are coming from North or South EDSA, ride any bus passing or going to Cubao or take an MRT ride and go down at Cubao MRT station. Look for the FX heading to Eastwood near MRT Station. Lastly, once you're in Eastwood, look for a tricycle ride heading to Sitio Wawa.
Private
Transport.
From Cubao you may choose to go to Montalban via Aurora Boulevard passing
through Marikina and San Mateo.
Sample Itinerary
0500am
Meet up at Cubao
0600am
ETD to Eastwood
0700am
ETA at Eastwood
0730am
ETA at Tourism office of Rodriguez, Rizal; Register, Secure guide, rest
0800am
Start hike to Pamitinan Cave
0900am
Arrive at the Cave, Exploration, Photo and Video ops
1000am
Snacks, rest
1130am
Lunch
0100pm
Sidetrip: Wawa Dam or Bat Cave
0400pm
Return to Tourism Office
0500pm
ETD to Cubao
Expenses (as of July 2015)
Cubao - Eastwood: P50 x 2 = P100 (Back and Forth)
Eastwood - Wawa: P15 x 2 = P30 (Back and Forth)
Entrance Fee: P2.00 with an additional fee of P5/head
Guide Fee: P200 - P500
Possible Sidetrip
- Bat Cave
- Wawa Dam
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Photo Credit: Maan Villamor
Photo Credit: Maan Villamor
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