After going to Estrella Falls and returning to San Jose Terminal, we took a trike for 150 php to Kuyba Almoneca Meditation Garden and Spiritual Resort.
We came to know about Kuyba Almoneca when we shared our woes with our trike driver Jeremy that our Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour might be cancelled because of the upcoming storm. We were very fortunate because all the tours where cancelled for on the day before us but the storm calmed and seized on our scheduled date. But, we're still curious about this alternative destination so we squeezed it on our itinerary.
The place was surprisingly huge. This is were we paid for our entrance fee of 50 php per person and got our guide. There's an informational board about "Neil", the autistic son of the owner, who you may encounter wandering around the area. We saw him but he was pre-occupied.
Our visit to Kuyba Almoneca Meditation Garden is to see The Holy Face within the Holy Family Cave. Kuyba means cave in Bicolano and Almoneca is the combination of the names of the children of the owners. Neil being the NE we supposed.
On our way to the cave, we passed by the chapel were preparations are being made for a wedding.
There's also a banquet area which was lavishly decorated for the occassion. We're told that they cater to weddings, baptismals, birthdays, debuts, seminars, retreats
and other religious activities.
There are Stations of the Cross spread over the wide track of land. There's a bit of a history about it too.
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| *All unwatermarked photos credited to Travel Tripsters Kurt |
Each station has a narrative.
The stations are well-built. We could tell that the owner put all his heart and devotion to faith into them.
There's also a Bat's Cave where bats fly out at night and come in before dawn.
Finally, we reached the Holy Family Cave. It is a 40-meter underground cave that was accidentally discovered when the lot was being surveyed for construction.
It was dug and furnished for the ease and convenience of the visitors.
There are already rails, pathways and displays of saints which were a mix of both bought by and donated to the owner.
You can observe the rock formations up close but of course, you can't touch them or it will deteriorate due to our bodily chemicals.
It's amazing right?
These formations indicate that the area used to be underwater.
Can you see The Holy Face?
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| The Holy Face |
In a certain angle, you can see The Holy Face which is they believe to be the face of Jesus Christ. Do you agree?
There's a giant shell there too.
Although you can go there when it's raining, it's better if it isn't because the cave has a lot of holes.
More of the statues...
This is the very last past of the cave. So this is why it is called The Holy Family Cave.
The cave is said to be more than 40-meters but they didn't explore further anymore since the other areas are filled with junk because locals thought of the holes we saw earlier as instant garbage bins.
Overall, we
Travel Tripsters, enjoyed this spiritual adventure. If you have an extra time in your itinerary, you can squeeze this in as the entrance fee is minimal.
| Kuyba Almoneca Meditation Garden and Spiritual Resort |
| Address |
Sitio Masikap, Brgy. San Jose Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines |
| Budget Per Person |
50 php |
Kuyba Almoneca Meditation Garden Map |
| Payment Options |
Cash
|
|
| Operating Hours |
Monday to Sunday:
(even holidays)
8am-5pm |
| Reservation Required |
No |
| Contact |
(6348) 433-2855 |
(6348)433-3177 |
(6348)723-0295|
Website |
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.jpg "kuyba almoneca meditation garden")
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.jpg "kuyba almoneca holy family cave")
