PSS 10th National Caving Congress – Kapalong Davao 2010
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Photo courtesy John Smart
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The PSS 10th National Caving Congress will be held in Davao del Norte amongst the spectacular near-virgin caves in limestone hills and mountains surrounding Kapalong.
Under the auspices of the Philippine Speleological Society, and organised in conjunction with the Davao Speleological & Conservation Society, the PSS 10th National Caving Congress’s four-day caving event will introduce a dozen Kapalong caves to visitors from around the Philippines and from around the World. The primary theme of this 10th National Caving Congress will be “A Decade of Pursuit Towards Responsible Caving”.
The Kapalong caves are some of the most beautiful in Asia and because they are near-virgin this is a rare opportunity to be one of the first to document the structures, flora and fauna. Some time soon names such as, “Okbot” and “New Corella” will be spoken of with reverence amongst caving clubs around the World and this is your chance to be the one of the first to know the truth about amazing caving in Kapalong, Davao.
Of particular interest during this congress will be learning how to assess a virgin cave and a practical course in identifying bats without disturbing them. Davao del Norte caves are blessed with a plethora of bats of many species – fruit bats as well as carnivorous bats – and holds the World record for the largest colony of fruit bats in a single cave: 1.8 Million!
The adventure sport of Caving is still in its infancy in the Philippines. The Davao Speleological Society is keen to meet other caving groups from around the World in order to learn new ways to protect the beautiful Kapalong caves at the same time as promoting them as serious adventure sport tourism attractions. True caving enthusiasts as well as the spelunking elite will appreciate the caves of Kapalong as well as other caves within Davao del Norte.
The National Caving Congress, 6-10 April, 2010, is a perfect opportunity to meet those with the local cave location knowledge as well as others with cave location knowledge from around the Philippines.
How to get to Kapalong?
Kapalong town is about a 2-hour drive North from Davao International Airport. You can fly to Davao International Airport from almost every Philippine domestic airport; Cebu pacific Air and Silk Air fly daily international with direct flights from Singapore.
What To Bring For Caving?
- Caving Helmet or Skull Guard (a must) “No Helmet, No Caving”
- Headlamp/Flashlight at least 3 source of lights (with extra batteries and bulb)
- Coverall/snug fir jeans & sweat shirt
- Gloves
- Rubber shoes or Boots
- SRT Equipment (For PSS only)
- Survey Equipment
- Dry bag/water tight container/plastic bag
- Camping Gear
- Cooking Gear with food
- Medicine Kit
Note: Participants are encouraged to bring their own caving gear to Kapalong. If you can’t bring your own caving gear there will be some available for hire but give plenty of advance warning of your needs or you may be disappointed.
Go to Kapalong and GetWet Caving.
Links:
National Caving Congress, Davao event information and contacts
How to get to Davao International Airport – airline information
Nearest webcam in Davao del Norte Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Samal Island
Davao Speleological & Conservation Society webpage