Exploring Biak Na Bato Caves
By anne25penn
@anne25penn (3305)
Philippines
December 5, 2012 7:22am CST
This weekend, I had a chance to meet some new friends and one of them invited us over to her hometown of San Miguel in Bulacan. We spent the day picnicking at Biak Na Bato National Park, which is truly wonderful in terms of it's unspoilt beauty.
Biak na Bato has played an important role in Philippine history. Not only has the caves sheltered our Katipuneros during our revolt with the Spaniards, these caves also housed many of our guerilla soldiers during WWII.
So it was with a sinking heart that I found much of the park in disrepair. Some of the stone steps that were carved to make the hiking trails easy are broken. And the bathrooms near the picnic area aren't working anymore. This, in spite of paying entrance fees, guide fees and even for the table that we used for lunch. My friends and I had to use the bushes to pee.
I feel sad to see that a place such as this go to neglect. I have gone to a lot of places here in the Philippines where one really needs a local guide. The local guides that we had when we went to Paniki Cave were good enough to tell us about the history of the caves. But the trail itself going to the cave is a bit perilous if you ask me. How I wish our Tourism Department does something to improve the place. Because we have to preserve places like Biak na Bato, not just for the tourist or commercial value, but rather because of it's part in our history.
3 responses
@mrsuniega (786)
• Philippines
6 Dec 12
I heard the word Biak na Bato but never I imagined that this is true and its a place. By the way thank you for sharing it to us. these place must be develop and restore since its been part of our history. I wonder what the local government is doing to this place.
@anne25penn (3305)
• Philippines
6 Dec 12
The local guide that we got told us that one of the reasons that the park is in disrepair is that two provinces are fighting over it. Everyone knows that it is part of San Miguel, Bulacan but it is actually part of Dona Remedios Trinidad which if I am not mistaken, is already Nueva Ecija. It's just sad that a place such as Biak na Bato that has played an important part in our history is also falling victim to politics and corruption. Thanks for your response.
@bluespygirl (2112)
• Philippines
6 Dec 12
Hello there. :)
I have been to Biak na Bato three times way back my college days with my friends. We like it there because it is a natural park and we love exploring natures. We love swimming in the river. 
I am too hoping that the government will develop it. But, if it will be develop, the entrance fee will be higher just like in Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo. The local government had developed it. There are swimming pools there and the walkway are cemented but the entrance fee are higher which makes lesser people to visit it.
I am too hoping that the government will develop it. But, if it will be develop, the entrance fee will be higher just like in Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo. The local government had developed it. There are swimming pools there and the walkway are cemented but the entrance fee are higher which makes lesser people to visit it.@anne25penn (3305)
• Philippines
6 Dec 12
For a park that doesn't really offer anything, not even a decent bathroom, the entrance fee of P50 for me is too much. Plus, they do get revenues from the picnic tables and from people who trek up the caves. It's just in a sorry state of disrepair and mismanagement. When we were there, there were about four or five families that were also picnicking near the river. The place is too far, this is one of the reasons why it doesn't appeal much. Imagine driving three to four hours and you can't even use any facilities since there aren't any. Thanks for your response!
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
5 Dec 12
My eldest son was there like 4 month ago, we really should preserve it cause it tells so much about us as a people.
