Backpacking to Sohoton River and Sohoton Cave, Basey, Samar

Sept. 13, 2015
Basey Samar
Travel Time from Tacloban City to Basey, Samar: Around 45 minutes
Transportation: Public Utility Multicab

Before heading to Basey, we met "kuya na nakatambay there" near the market who offered to give us a short tour near the ship wreck and bring us to the terminal to Basey. We agreed for P150 (including gas)which was fine with our budget. So we rode his bike and passed through the market. It was a busy market we were in a bit of light traffic.

We asked manong if we can see the shipwreck. But he said that the other ships were already removed. Only part of one the the ships were left and it was used as part of the damaged home. I was like .... that will definitely be a strong house. Walls are now made of tough metal sheets.

I've read on other posts and travel blogs that you would need to go first to the Tourism Office in Basey to get to Sohoton Cave, but we can't find it. We asked locals and we were brought to ABS-CBN office. We were advised of travel option to Sohoton River by riding the habal habal. And yes! I was excited to experience habal habal for the first time. This ride was definitely not safe in Manila and definitely a no-no for EDSA but in a laid back provincial life in Basey would be acceptable.

We also asked about the beautifully hand woven Basey Banig, which Basey was known for. Consider their Banig as an artwork. Here's a sample with simple design but it really looks good. It feels softer that the usual banig that you might use at home. It will still be best to buy directly to the weavers so that they'll directly earn from you. It's actually buying the artwork directly from the artist.

This was our luxury travel habal habal off to Sohoton River:

I think about 30-45 mins ride from Basey terminal to Sohoton River and this is the beautiful clean Sohoton River. Families and kids were even swimming on one side.

Then we got on the boat to travel to the cave. I think about 15-20 minute travel to the cave.

After the boat ride you'll reach this floating barge where you'll be greeted by the staff that manages the cave and the tours .. and you'll also be greeted by this wonderful clean river, mountain and luscious green forest.

So let's begin the cave tour...of course let's start from the cave entrance =)

so what do you see on these stalactite formations below? =)

here's one formation that I really like has glittery crystals and looks like a waterfalls

here's one formation where the stalactite and stalagmite will almost meet

Here's another formation that looks like an giant eagle.

There are so much more formations I wasn't able to take pictures and it would be best to experience it yourself and try spelunking in Sohoton Cave. After caving we took a few minutes of rest then we geared up for the kayak...which my friend and I will be doing for the first time. It was a bit confusing at first but we got the hang of it of backing and moving forward. River was calm so nothing to worry of any rapids. It was a calming experience to just view a long river of greens.

On our way to the other side of the river, it rained which made it more interesting...full nature experience. At one point I stopped paddling for a few minutes. Savored the fresh air. Breathed. Relaxed. Recharged. This was one of the reason why I travel, you won;t experience that moment of tranquility in a busy city. 

In a short span of time your mind suddenly disconnected with technology, your worries, stress, your problems, your bills, your debt. I just love that feeling when you feel relaxed and worry free.

And then our kayak got stuck on a shallow part of the river hahaha =)

6 Photos courtesy of my travel friend Ian

We reached the natural bridge where we parked our kayaks and enjoyed a different view.

 that's the entrance to the natural bridge 

  view of the other side from the natural bridge

Sohoton River and Cave was a true nature experience. I might revisit this place in the future. I think it would be better if you travel in group to divide the expenses. I noticed that there's not much public transport available in going to Sohoton. Habal habal was our travel option to get there.  Better if you know someone in Samar with a van to bring you to different beautiful places in Samar