4: Unusual Cave in El Nido

I almost forgot an important part of our Island Hopping Tour in El Nido, Palawan. It was actually part of the islands we early visited in the morning. It was actually the 3rd island we anchored in, the Cudugnon Island, and we came here for the Cudugnon Cave. It is one of the farthest island in Tour B.

Caves normally have very mysterious appeal to me. Somehow i always wonder if there will be something unusual hidden in there, that could be obvious to many or i might be the only one to see!

 The entrance to the cave is at the right side of these boulders, excitement could have enveloped me that i forgot to take a photo of the entrance while still outside. So sorry about that! These outside landscape is so mesmerizing that had me staring for several minutes, what a lovely rock garden, nature made!

I was so fascinated when we were lined up to that very small hole (below right at the above photo), assisted by our guide. Vests were removed and put on that small bottom opening as pads, so we will not scratch our back going in. It was a difficult entry because we made contortions so our body can fit in there. The guides already mastered the strategy, so he gave instructions step by step; e.g. put your right arm first, push your upper body on the ledge, then pull your legs up, etc, etc.

Some of us are already inside, others are still coming in. Inner chamber is wide, lighted only by two holes from the side and from the top. It is impossible to reach those openings from inside, i have the feeling that maybe the entry we came in paved the discovery of this cave.

openings at the top serve as light source

 This is another area we went through a small slit on the wall. The guide went up there to take our group photos while on the ground. I am amazed at the different colors on the walls, made from mineral deposits.

 This looks shiny and metallic with the light. I wonder what minerals line these walls, it is also interesting. The passage of water is visible on those walls.

 This is another unusual structure of a wall surface. The minerals here can be more porous leading to these texture when mixed with water.

At the top are also interesting structures from by water through time. At left looks like two fairies in translucent gowns, can you visualize what i mean? At the right even shows roots from plants outside that eventually creeped in here through the crevices. This will eventually weaken these boulders as the roots and plants grow.

 Some of us take turns in having photos on the rock ledges. This is their first time to be in places like this.

  The boulders touching the sea outside the cave

Vegetation on the boulders outside the cave

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