Gift of Quills: I've been to Suhot Cave in Dumalag

Have you heard of the town named Dumalag? What about Capiz? Oh, well, don’t tell me about “aswangs”. Many of my friends are from the province and I haven’t seen them fly at night. There is so much to see than believe and be scared with myths!

Just before my friend flew to California, we decided to take a trip to her parents’ hometown. I have actually heard a lot of good comments about the place and I couldn’t be more excited to see for myself.

For as much as I love road trips around the island, I think it will be an injustice not to mention the great places I have been to. Seeing countless areas outside the city, there I have also admired this special place from my previous trip.

Follow the road! Going to Dumalag town proper

An hour or two from Iloilo City by bus, the Province of Capiz in the island of Panay has a lot to offer. From the beauty so natural to the abundant seafood to mountain springs and lush areas, visitors can explore and experience nature at its best. Looking to explore caves or dip in cold water? They have them all.

I have loved one place in particular. This is the municipality of Dumalag that seems to present great gifts. A small town, it is located by the hills and slopes of the mountains blessed with fertile lands and awesome landscapes. Its name is derived from the local term “dalag” which means yellowish. This has been attributed to the river that flows across the town. It is of belief that there is a certain tree growing by the banks which gives the body of water its trademark color. To some, the name came from the word “dumalaga” or spring chicken that dwelt in the area.

Here finally. Friends and I at the main road to Suhot

Love spelunking? Located in Brgy. Dolores, Suhot Cave, has been considered the most visited tourist area of the municipality. Having ice-cold water by the arched at the entrance, this mountain resort is only about 300 meters from the provincial road. With the cave’s entrance serving as the swimming spot, this has been a part of weekend destinations (including us, from Iloilo City). The soothing water comes from the underground stream that gushes through the formation to its bowl-shaped opening. This does not seem to change despite the hot weather or during the summer season. According to the resort care takers, the cave served as a shelter during the war. Some years after that, it has become a meeting place for local lovers.

Where wonders start. The mouth of Suhot cave

“Suhot” is a term that means “to go under”. This was considered the most appropriate name for the mountain resort as the cave has area large enough for humans to go in and explore, pairing it with the chance to see the attractive formations inside. Located by the quite dense jungle, the innermost part of the cave is believed to have remained unaffected by modernity. This is despite the efforts and interest of many spelunkers that come along. You will be amazed by the primitive surrounding and caverns.

Where to soak. People enjoying the ice cold water on a hot day!

Going green. The oxygen factory just above the cave.

The area by the cave has awakened the nature lover spirit in me. With the obviously unspoiled hills nearby, friends and I went up for a little hiking. The lush green slopes have been inviting and offers a spectacular sight of the resort below. Seems like the location of Twilight Saga!

Great place to be. Dumalag Plaza's greener pride!

Another site that struck me is the Dumalag plaza. Just beside the old church of St. Martin de Porres, the park has been obviously well taken care of. With the trimmed plants, cultivated flowers and beautifully designed structures, the landscape is undoubtedly unequalled! With much amazement, friends and I decided to have countless pictorials! You know, women thing!