Bulabog Puti-an is Dingle's natural wonder
Entrance to the Lapus-lapus Cave
Iloilo is overflowing with natural wonders, such as the mysterious Tinagong Dagat in the mountains of Lambunao to the secret twin-waterfall of Barasalon Cave in Janiuay; Rafflesia garden in San Joaquin to the white sand bar beach of Bolobadiangan in Concepcion. These outdoor gems offer endless recreational opportunities open and free for everyone to enjoy.
There are other natural areas, each on its own unique way, that showcases Iloilo's rich environmental diversity.
Dingle, a fourth class town in the central area of the province and 36 kilometers away from the city of Iloilo, is blessed with a wealth of special natural areas. You won't have to wander far to find beautiful and unique caves, thick old growth forests and eco-systems filled with fascinating flora and fauna. Soak up the scenery in Bulabog Puti-an and discover the best this town has to offer.
Bulabog Puti-an is the only limestone rock formation in Panay excluding Guimaras. It was designated a National Park through Congressional Bill No. 1651, and such is considered a "nationally significant area." It occupies a land area of 834.033 hectares covering five of its 33 villages. It offers superb hiking where one can marvel to some of its unique caves.
Bulabog Putian National Park
The park contains 13 known caves (Lungib, Hapu-Hapo, Ma-arhong, Guiso, Mistranza, Linganero, Lapus-Lapus, Ticondal, Butac, Tuco, San Roque, Pitong Liko and Nautod). These caves have become some of the most exciting and finest known caves in the region. Some have become significant historic site in the park's setting. Each cave is unique and is a mixture of different shapes and sizes of passage. Some are tight and narrow, while others can be very low and wide. Most of these caves are undeveloped, so there are no lights, stairs, nor walkways. They are often wet, muddy and cold. Expect ladder climbs, pool crossings, tight crawls and free climbing, but most can be traversed during normal conditions.
Step back in time as you explore the historic Mistranza Cave. The cave is a dwelling place for an estimated 20,000 fruit bats. It has environment friendly to ropes and equipment and therefore does not require a technique and gear that one normally uses on the surface. Through the years of exploration, many discoveries have been made. In the historic section of this cave, remnants of the past that include inscriptions in Spanish written by Katipuneros before the advent of the Second World War can be found intact in its protective environment.
Some offers even more than just its size. Visitors of Tuco Cave are drawn by its delicate and unique, never-before-seen beauty of stalactites and stalagmites.
Natural formations in Guiso Cave
Guiso Cave holds the longest distance from entrance to exit. In fact, it has three entrances and a single exit. It is also home to 18 different species of bats. This cave is extremely popular in the local area and is considered a good cave for beginners. The cave is a lot of fun and will be enjoyed by anyone seeking a little adventure.
Visitors can enjoy self-guided or guided tours and explorations to all its caves, camping around the site and more. Tours are offered all year by reservation, and are conducted by experienced, highly trained cave guides.
We should understand that these caves have been undisturbed in a silent splendor for thousands of years. They are protected by law and there are fine imposed on those who would destroy any part of the cave environment. It is a truly unique experience, combining challenging exploration with history and folklore. We must bring respect for the cave, and a strong personal philosophy of cave stewardship that is: take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill nothing but time.