What is cave diving? It is scuba diving inside a cave. Simple isn’t it? Not quite. It is a complicated game of the human spirit wanting to perfect skills in the most challenging environment. This is not to scare everyone but cave diving is listed as the most dangerous sport in the world. Although there … Continue reading What is cave diving?
Punta Bilar Dive Center, Surigao City
A base for cave diving exploration in Southern Philippines is Punta Bilar Dive Center, Surigao City. PBDC has technical and cave dive equipment and several well-built survey and exploration boats. It has supported the expeditions in Hinatuan Enchanted River, Lake Bababu and other notable underwater discoveries.
Cave Classification according to PAWB- DENR
According to the Cave Classification Manual by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Department of Environment and Natural Resources Republic of the Philippines 2008, such caves after assessment may be classified as follows: Class I. Caves with delicate and fragile geological formations, threatened species, archeological and paleontological values, and extremely hazardous conditions. Allowable use may include … Continue reading Cave Classification according to PAWB- DENR
The 6th Casili Spring Exploration 2012
6 down, a few more trips to go--from the looks of it..
Lake Tiktikan
By Jake Miranda|April 22, 2013, (Doro the Explorer) One of the more popular tourist spots in Mindanao this summer is Sohoton Cove. This hidden lagoon of limestone rocks is the well-advertised attraction of Bucas Grande island in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Its popularity is second only to nearby Siargao island. However, there … Continue reading Lake Tiktikan
A Dive From The Sea and Out To The Lake (Exploring Lake Bababu)
The 6th Lake Bababu Underwater Cave Expedition By Jake Miranda, TDI This article is dedicated to my dear cousin, Dr. Edgar Vincent “Gagay” T. Miranda, who passed away last January 21, 2013. One of the most exciting things you can do in your life is go cave diving in Lake Bababu. Traverse the whole length … Continue reading A Dive From The Sea and Out To The Lake (Exploring Lake Bababu)
The 1st Hinatuan Enchanted River Head Spring Exploration 2010
Article by Doc Amores.
The 1st Hinatuan Enchanted River- Surigao del Sur Exploration was conducted on Feb. 19- 21, 2010.
CAVE DIVERS:
- Dr. Alfonso “Doc” Amores – NACD (USA) # 3042
- Bernil H. Gastardo – IANTD Technical Cave Diver #95508
SUPPORT DIVER:
- Emmanuel “Emgee” Guillermo, PADI Advance/Deep Diver
Report by: Doc Amores
INTRODUCTION
Hinatuan’s Enchanted River is a favourite tourism destination in the island of Mindanao. People as far away as Davao, a 6-hour bus ride away, take day trip excursions just to enjoy this natural wonder – a spring with cool crystal clear water, flowing out to sea some 600 meters away. The head spring is surrounded by up to 40-meter cliffs of soft limestone and lush vegetation.
There have been up to 3 dive explorations of the area, all by non-cave divers. This expedition is an attempt to define the nature and topography of the depths of the Enchanted River head spring…
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Identification and Documentation of Casili Spring’s Aquatic Fauna
A fine collaboration between cave divers and fish enthusiasts…
This identification and documentation work was conceptualized to raise the awareness of the locals and government officials of Barangay Arpili, Balamban for the preservation of Casili Spring’s aquatic fauna.
This is a joint effort of the Mantaga Adventure Divers (MAD) and the Aquatic Cebu Enthusiasts (ACE). [Photographs, specimen collection, identification work and layout of this post is credited to Mr. Niel Jarina and his mates at Aquatic Cebu Enthusiasts. -Bernil]
One species of mollusk, three species of fresh water fishes and shrimps were collected.
Mollusc:
Scientific name: THIARA SCABRA
Local name: “KINHASON”
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
| ANIMALIA | MOLLUSCA | GASTROPODA | SORBEOCONCHA | THIARIDAE |
Chordates:
Male species
Female species
Scientific name: SICYOPTERUS CYNOCEPHALUS
Local name: “ BANGAS”
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family |
| ANIMALIA | CHORDATA | Actinoptrygii | PECIFORMES | GOBIIDAE |
Male species
Scientific name: BELOBRANCHUS BELOBRANCHUS
Local name: “BUROD”
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order |
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Filipino Cave Divers 