CAPTIVATING CAPIZ: 02/21/09

Captivating Capiz: Pilar Cave

One and a half km. from the poblacion by jeepney, tricyle, and car over rough roads. About two years ago, townspeople discovered earthen pots with intricately incised designs. The caves must have been burial sites of pre-Spanish Filipinos. The Balisong Cave where the Capiz revolucionarios routed Spanish soldiers is also found hereabouts. The side of the mountain where the caves are is a spectacular sight. It is grayish-black rock rising 200 ft. to the sky. Plants, orchids among them, hang from the cliffs, blooming in the summer and filling the air with exotic frangrances.

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Captivating Capiz: Quipot Cave

The Quipot Cave is found in Bo, Burias, Mambusao. It is about 3 kms. from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College, or 8 kms. from the town proper or a 30-minute ride over rough roads. It is accessible by jeepneys, cars and tricycles. Wild birds, deer and wild duck abound in the place. Near the cave is a stream. The cave consists of many chambers each at a level of different from those of other chambers. In certain sections one has to crawl because the space between the roof and the floor is just two to three feet. There are also sections looking like dead-ends, except for small holes through which only one person can crawl. These holes lead to a chamber as big as a ballroom of a hotel which is why some tourists call it the Quipot Hilton. There are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. The Quipot Cave is cool inside.

Captivating Capiz: Bontod Beach

Bontod Beach. On a bright summer day, Bontod Beach with its fine black sand is a welcome sight. It is 3 kilometers long and is located far from the inhabited section of Pan-ay; hence it is one of the cleanest beaches in Capiz. It is protected on one side by Napti Island and on the other side by the mountains of Pilar. The beach is free of jellyfish all the year round, and its water is cool and clear. It is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Bontod Beach is 8 km. from the town proper over fairly good roads. It is approximately 10-minute ride by jeepneys, cars and tricycles. It is also accessible by speedboats or pumpboats from any point.

Captivating Capiz: Napti Island

-=Napti Island is about three to four hectares big, this island is located near Olotayan Island. It has white sands, a small cave and abundant shells can be found in the area. Napti is uninhabited island. The beach is inviting and the waters are cool and free of troublesome jellyfish the whole year round. A small cave, about 100 meters long, winds several feet below the surface across the island. The island commands a breathtaking view of Roxas City and Pan-ay. Fishing enthusiasts and gourmets have a wonderful time for the plentiful fish and lobster.

-=This small island is near the bigger Olutayan Island. It is a 20-minute ride by pumpboats from Roxas City. It is about three to four hectares in size. The island is rocky on one side and sandy on the other. Napti is not inhabited, hence it is clean. The beach is inviting. The water is cool and clear and free of troublesome jellyfish all the year round. The sand is white and has an abundance of empty shells used in making shell necklaces. A small cave, about 100 meters long, winds several feet below the surface across Napti Island. It has also stalactites and stalagmites. The top of Napti Island is flat and green and is covered with fine swards of grass resembling Bermuda grass. It commands a breath-taking view of Roxas City and Pan-ay. Fishing enthusiasts and gourmets will have a wonderful time here for fish and lobster are plentiful.