Opdas Cave (Kabayan)

OPDAS CAVE (KABAYAN)

Imagine yourself being with skulls, hundred of skulls in a cave. How would you feel? I believe that your minds is full of questions, “How did this come about?” It’s the same question I had in mind until my eyes set on these hundreds of skulls and I got the chance to interview people who were knowledgeable enough to tell me the history of this place

Located about 300 meters from the municipal building is a spot that cannot be missed. Considered as one of the biggest burials caves in the municipality, it has 200 skulls and bones neatly piled on ledges reminiscent of the catacombs of Rome.

This is Opdas Mass Burial Cave found in Kabayan, Benguet. It is called Mass Burial Cave because obviously, too many skulls and skeletons are buried here thousands of years ago. Kabayan is known for its famous practice in the olden times – mummification of their dead. They usually bury their dead in caves or mummify them, put them in small and hefty wooden boxes and place them somewhere. This is a sign of respect for their ancestors. What you see here are said to be 500 – 1, 000 years old.

Getting there is very easy. You’ll see a sign “Opdas Cave” on the main road. Just follow the stairs going down and you’ll see a green house, it’s actually a store, and that’s where the cave lies. It’s a private property so you’ll have to ask permission first.