In the quiet hills of Brgy. Bonliw in Torrijos lies Ka Amon Cave, a dry cavern steeped in history and alive with stories thousands of years old. Discovered on June 2, 1961 by renowned National Museum anthropologist Dr. Robert B. Fox, the cave was named after Ka Amon Monterey, the landowner whose property holds this remarkable natural treasure. Perched about 100 meters above sea level and just a short walk from the road, Ka Amon Cave has since become one of the most fascinating heritage sites in Marinduque.
A team from UPLB, the Provincial Cave Assessment Team, and PENRO-Marinduque once surveyed the cave and found it teeming with life—bats resting in the shadows, insects buzzing in hidden corners, and delicate stalactites and stalagmites shimmering in the dim cave light. But the most striking of all are the biofacts: empty land shells, ancient artifacts, and most notably, human skeletal remains of pre-colonial Filipinos near the entrance. These silent witnesses make Ka Amon Cave not just a natural attraction, but also an archaeological landmark.
Today, the cave is managed through a Community-Based Rural Tourism Program, ensuring that its wonders are preserved while offering visitors a safe and enriching experience. The guides lead guests through seven identified chambers, each with its own character. Fruit bats thrive in the deeper chambers, while swiftlets flutter near the openings. Despite their presence, the cave remains ideal for beginners—dry, relatively easy to traverse, and well-guided.
Visitors are encouraged to observe, learn, and appreciate—but never touch—this fragile underground world. Ka Amon Cave has even earned a place in the 14th PSS National Cave Congress, a testament to its cultural and ecological importance.
With every step inside its cool, echoing chambers, Ka Amon Cave invites you to journey not just into the earth, but into the ancient past of the Filipino people—where nature, history, and community stewardship come together in one extraordinary experience.
SPECIAL THANKS
Discover Mimaropa (Photo: 12 oct 2014)
0 Comments