Bathala Cave
The Caves of Bathala are eight different caves, named Church Cave, Secret Cave, Python Cave, Cemetrey Cave, Lihim Cave, Underground Cave, River Cave and Kay Mendez Cave. They are located in a 19 hectares big area, at about 700m asl. The small karst contains even more caves, but they are not explored or named.
The biggest cave is called Kuweba ng Simbahan (Cave of the Church), as it was used for worship. It was believed to be the home of Amang Bathala, the Supreme God of the Tagalogs, the indegneous inhabitants of the Philippines. The cave is big enough for 100 people.
It seems the cave has always attracted extremists, terrorists and religious sects. The Pulajan Movement worshipped their Supreme God here to regain the potency of their amulets. They believed that their amulets could protect them from the bullets of the American colonizers and their Filipinos allies. The fanatical group was founded by Faustino Ablen, an illiterate peasant. He teclared himself Pope.
The next were the Samahang Tatlong Persona Solo Dios, who stayed at the cave for a long time during the early 1900s. This sect was formed in Mount Banahaw in Quezon by Agapito Illustrisimo. The beleive that Banahaw and Bathala Cave are spiritually connected. They still have a center at the cave.
The next cave is 100m away and called Cemetrey Cave, as it was used as a burial site. Excavations revealed earthen jars, china jars, coffin fragments and human relics, including 13 skulls. The excavation was carried out by the French archaeologist Alfred Marche.
The Python Cave is guarded by numerous living pythons. The strange thing is, that the snakes are normally dangerous and aggressive, but here at the cave they are not harmful. They are said to have never harmed visitors. Visitors even take pictures as close as 35cm. The locals explain this with the fact that the snakes are the pets of Bathala.
The Caves of Bathala are eight different caves, named Church Cave, Secret Cave, Python Cave, Cemetrey Cave, Lihim Cave, Underground Cave, River Cave and Kay Mendez Cave. They are located in a 19 hectares big area, at about 700m asl. The small karst contains even more caves, but they are not explored or named.
The biggest cave is called Kuweba ng Simbahan (Cave of the Church), as it was used for worship. It was believed to be the home of Amang Bathala, the Supreme God of the Tagalogs, the indegneous inhabitants of the Philippines. The cave is big enough for 100 people.
It seems the cave has always attracted extremists, terrorists and religious sects. The Pulajan Movement worshipped their Supreme God here to regain the potency of their amulets. They believed that their amulets could protect them from the bullets of the American colonizers and their Filipinos allies. The fanatical group was founded by Faustino Ablen, an illiterate peasant. He teclared himself Pope.
The next were the Samahang Tatlong Persona Solo Dios, who stayed at the cave for a long time during the early 1900s. This sect was formed in Mount Banahaw in Quezon by Agapito Illustrisimo. The beleive that Banahaw and Bathala Cave are spiritually connected. They still have a center at the cave.
The next cave is 100m away and called Cemetrey Cave, as it was used as a burial site. Excavations revealed earthen jars, china jars, coffin fragments and human relics, including 13 skulls. The excavation was carried out by the French archaeologist Alfred Marche.
The Python Cave is guarded by numerous living pythons. The strange thing is, that the snakes are normally dangerous and aggressive, but here at the cave they are not harmful. They are said to have never harmed visitors. Visitors even take pictures as close as 35cm. The locals explain this with the fact that the snakes are the pets of Bathala.
Excerpt: ShowCaves.cOM
What to do:
- Trek down to the depth of this cave and witness Rock Phytons.
Location:
- Sta Cruz, Marinduque Philippines
Rate:
- You can negotiate with the local guides. They do charge a bit but definitely affordable and it’s worth it.
hey wazzup… iam a native of marinduque also… oo ngani…hehe…this is good, i’ll try to upload photos from our prev vacation in bathala…banot island…ganda…i am really proud of it…godbless, have a great day!!!
…lloydfike
Caves are fragile. Boots can scuff rocks; stalactites break easily; touching the rock can affect it chemically; and the presence of many people can raise the temperature. To preserve these unique environments, some countries restrict access to caves and monitor conditions closely.
I hope the provincial government will monitor the conditions of the newly discovered caves ( Bitik and Tarug) in Marinduque as part of its eco tourism project so that guests will not ruined the unique environment inside the two caves. Kevin Mike, thank you for your comments about monitoring caves condition for its preservation and enjoyment.
i was born in lusok near ipil its been a cave since i was born.the last i visited the cave was in 1970’s so bad i was not able to visit the last time i went home,but for sure this time 2010 i will with friends and family. i’m proud we have this unique caves just few miles away from my birthplace.
for more information on bathala caves, go to: http://knol.google.com/k/bathala/an-inquiry-into-the-cultural-and/oriisg07s98b/3# or https://acrobat.com/#d=CQ6nItPwdx-mtjhyhFqUdg.