The Sohoton Caves of Eastern Visayas

CEBU, Philippines - For many years, Samar remained a quiet province in Eastern Visayas. Accessibility was difficult, almost close to impossible. Accommodation was limited, barely none existent. Although attractions were plenty, they were never harnessed. 

Rugged, remote and rustic best describe the island with its share of natural beauty and splendor, rocky cliffs, unspoiled forests and lush greeneries.

And finally progress and development have come on its way. Tourists and local folks are enchantingly lured to explore the coastlines, mountains and awesome caves.

With the increasing popularity for adventure tourism, spelunking in the Sohoton Caves offers a unique experience to commune with nature, explore the area’s wonders and promote cultural exchanges.

Through a grant from the Department of Tourism’s Grassroots Entrepreneurship in Ecotourism (GREET) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) we attended the launch of the Sohoton Eco-Adventure Tour (SEAT) product. It is managed and operated by the Sohoton Services Association (SSA) and the Basey Tourism Services Association (BATOSAN) composed largely of community-oriented out-of-school youths, hardworking farmers and innovative housewives. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Local Government Unit of Basey, likewise provide support to the associations.

After crossing the famous San Juanico Strait in barangay Binungtuan in Basey, we took a relaxing river cruise to barangay Inuntan where glimpses of children wading in its banks, women washing clothes and doing their daily chores while fishermen fixed their fish nets and boats were sights too endearing to forget. Smiling local residents both young and old waved at passing visitors. The scenery and images continuously changed as we meandered in different clear waterways surrounded by green vegetation.

Upon reaching the jump-off point to Sohoton Caves, we registered at the Visitor Center where an orientation of dos and don’ts was provided. One had the option to take a kayak or a pump boat to reach the actual cave. A trail led us to a hanging bridge where magnificent lime stones and overhangs come into full view in all their splendor.

The Sohoton Caves is an 840-hectare park blessed with fascinating geological features such as rock holes, underground rivers and numerous flowstones and dripstones. Imagination comes to play where lots of creativity assisted us to interpret the various rock formations that resembled the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Great Wall of China, the Philippine Eagle, among others.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “Finding a balance between conservation and tourism depicts the important role of stakeholders to ensure utmost protection of the environment.” He further stated that, “Proper mechanism should be ensured for their preservation while at the same time giving opportunities for local communities residing around the cave system to benefit through livelihood and employment generation.”

Basey Mayor Wilfredo Estorninos stressed that “Entrusting the Local Government Unit with conserving the natural resources of Sohoton is a challenge. More than this is to look for opportunities where communities can generate livelihood and employment without destroying the environment.” He also added that, “The partnership between the LGU and the DOT, including the DENR and UNDP has made it possible to improve the current physical and human conditions of Basey.”

Dave Smith from the New Zealand’s Department of Conservation mentioned that “Sohoton and its cave systems provide a multitude of adventure for varied types of tourists.” He emphasized though that “improvements are necessary to make the experience more educational and interesting.”

Taking on the opinion of Mr. Smith, the DOT, led by Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., Director Ma. Victoria Jasmin and Director Rolando Cañizal together with technical experts, is set to introduce some enhancements to ensure that the Sohoton Caves become a must-see attraction.