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Explanation of limestone caves created by the great nature of Iriomote Island! There are also caving tours you can enjoy!

2025-01-10 10:00

Hello everyone!

 

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Iriomotejima ADVENTURE PiPi!

 

Speaking of Iriomote Island, beautiful sea, waterfalls, mangrove forests, starry sky andAn island of beautiful natureYou may imagine that the

 

In such Iriomote IslandThere are limestone caves of various sizes!

 

In this issue.Iriomote Island's limestone cavesThe following is an introduction to the

 

What is a limestone cave?

鍾乳洞

What is a limestone cave?Formed by erosion of limestone by surface water and groundwatercaverefers to.

 

Rainwater from tree roots and groundwater seeps into the mountainside and percolates down to the basement, where it can penetrate through the ceiling.Icicle-shaped stalactitesis formed.

 

The development of these caves is the mechanism by which caves, called limestone caves, are completed.

鍾乳洞ケイビング

Stalactites are generallyIt takes a whopping 100 years to grow 1 cm.It is said.

 

Stalactites are those that grow from the top down, but drip from the ceiling, harden, and grow from the bottom up.stalagmiteHe says.

 

Also, stalactites and stalagmites are elongated and stick together to form columns.stone pillarHe says.

鍾乳洞

to explore such caves and limestone caves.cavingIt is called.

 

Cave is "cave" in English.as ...I'm going to explore the caves.from the fact that ...CavingIt is said.

 

Mainly as a sport or hobby,To be well-equipped and to go exploring in caves.refers to.

 

Iriomote Island's limestone caves

西表島 鍾乳洞探検

Iriomote Island is a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture,Famous spot for sightseeing in limestone cavesIt is known as the

 

Iriomote Island is all over the land on the island.Ryukyu Limestone FormationThe geology is calledLand made of limestone is characterized by the easy development of limestone caves.

鍾乳洞 クーラ洞窟

In such a deep and majestic nature,There are limestone caves of various sizes that were formed over a long period of time.

 

Among the several places where access to the cave is possible,Two representative limestone cavesto the following!

 

Iriomote Island's limestone caves
(1) Coola Cave

鍾乳洞

The Coola Caves are...Approximately 15 minutes by car from Uehara PortIt is located in the jungle about a mile east of the prefectural road.

 

Iriomote Island itself,There is no signage at all because it is not a tourist attraction.The entrance to the jungle is very confusing.

西表島 ケイビング 鍾乳洞探検

Therefore, the region'sParticipate in activity toursMost of them do.

 

furthermoreAbout 15 minutes through the jungleAfter trekking for about 2 hours, you will reach the entrance to the limestone caves.

鍾乳洞

The most important feature of the Kula Caves is,Located in a series of three limestone cavesIt is.

 

in turnSmall, medium, largeand gradually enter larger caves, trekking through the jungle between each cave.

西表島 鍾乳洞探検

The last exit is very narrow,You can experience authentic cave exploration!

 

We also want to make it easy for people to come empty-handed,Free rental of safety equipment on PiPi toursThe Company has been working on this project for the past three years!

 

Why not explore the limestone caves created by the nature of Iriomote Island?

 

Iriomote Island's limestone caves
(2) Yutun-dong

鍾乳洞 ユツン洞

Yutun-dong Cave is located inApproximately 20 minutes by car from Uehara PortThe location is at10 minutes further from Kula Cave on a prefectural road.After a short drive, you will arrive at the vicinity.

 

The Yutun Cave is characterized by,It is a limestone cave with a very large space and length.

西表島 ケイビング 鍾乳洞探検

As you proceed to the back of the room, there is a hole in the ceiling through which you can see outside.

 

This is the reason why Yutun Cave is so popular, with sunlight streaming in through a hole in the ceiling only under certain conditions.Angel's Ladder.appears to be covered.

鍾乳洞 ユツン洞

This "angel ladder" isIt has become a famous spot for filming for "Itte Q"!

 

Untouched by tourism, you can see fantastic landscapes in their natural state.is an attractive point of the limestone caves of Iriomote Island!

 

Biota of limestone caves

グループ旅行で鍾乳洞をケイビングで探検

Because the temperature, humidity, sunlight, and other environmental factors are completely different between the outside and inside of a limestone cave, organisms also differ between the outside and inside.

 

Because the cave is a closed and stable environment, quiet and low light, they live in seclusion and quiet.Cowardly.There tends to be a lot of living things.

西表島 鍾乳洞 コウモリ

especiallybat (animal)The fish are delicate creatures and can be startled to death by a large stimulus.

 

Even if you spot some unusual creatures.Don't scare them and leave them alone.

 

Cautions for limestone caves in Iriomote Island

The limestone caves of Iriomote Island remain in their natural state.It is not maintained at all.

 

Therefore, there are no handrails or ramps at all, and the path is unstable.It is quite dangerous for individuals to enter.

 

When entering a limestone cave in Iriomote Island,Participate in activity toursLet's do it!

Tour of PiPiThen,Helmet, special shoes, lightetc.Free rental of safety equipmentThe Company has been working on this project for the past three years.

 

In addition, not only safety equipment but also staffSafe route guidanceand ... andExplanation of Natural Knowledgedue to the fact that there are alsoVisitors can experience a safe and enjoyable limestone cave exploration!

 

Iriomote Island Recommendation
5 activities

In addition to exploring limestone caves, Iriomote Island offers many other activities to enjoy the great nature!

 

Therefore, in this issue.Plan includes limestone cave explorationThe following is a list of recommended activities around the

 

(1) World Heritage SUP/Canoe &
Exploring the limestone caves

クーラSUP

World Heritage (cultural, natural, etc.)SUP/canoeing experience inandExploring the limestone cavesThis is a half-day plan that includes

 

The Guide.photographyYou will be able to keep a lot of memories because you will be able to do a lot of things.

鍾乳洞

In addition, because limestone caves can be explored in half a day,This is a popular half-day plan that can be easily joined!

Currently no limestone cave exploration is available. Only half-day mangrove SUP/canoeing will be offered.

 

(2) Exploration of limestone caves

鍾乳洞ツアー

Jungle trekking and limestone cave exploration.This plan is a half-day experience.

 

On the way to the cave, a 15-minute trek to the cavePlants unique to the tropicsThe following are seen as examples.

鍾乳洞までのトレッキング

We went under plants and up and down slopes.You will feel like you are on an adventure!

 

For a tour that allows you to visit three limestone caves at onceThis is one of the best tours to explore the caves!

 

Canyoning

キャニオニング

On the canyoning tour, you can swim, slide, and jump into the river.You can enjoy river sports with your whole body.

 

To wear a life jacket,This is a very popular tour that can be enjoyed by those who are not confident swimmers and children.

キャニオニング 集合写真

There are several points where you can jump in and enjoy the river at its fullest!

 

Experience the great nature of Iriomote Island with your whole body!

 

4) Barras Island snorkeling

ウミガメ シュノーケリング

If you want to go snorkeling in Iriomote IslandBarras Islandis recommended!

 

Barras Island, made of coral, can disappear into the sea depending on the tide level.Commonly known as "Miracle Island."and the surrounding area is crystal clear and extremely beautiful, making it a great place for snorkeling.

Same-day reservations availableindicates certainty, emphasis, etc.All necessary equipment for the tour is providedThe Company has been working on this project for the past three years!

 

Why don't you experience the marine world of Iriomote Island, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world?

 

5⑤Starry sky & jungle night tour

ナイトツアーThis tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy Iriomote Island at night!

 

Countless stars can be seen in the night sky,The subtropical nature is home to many unusual creatures.

石垣島でヤシガニと撮影

The unique subtropical species are also very fascinating, and as you may knowThe coconut crab is one of the most popular creatures!

 

Only in the tropics can you see the coconut crab, one of the largest crustaceans.It will be a rare and memorable experience!

 

in the end

How did you like my introduction of limestone caves in Iriomote Island?

 

Limestone caves that remain in their natural stateIt is one of the charms of Iriomote Island to be able to explore the

 

When you actually see the limestone caves of Iriomote Island, which were formed over a mind-boggling number of yearsYou will definitely be overwhelmed by nature.

 

Please visit us when you come to Iriomote Island.Precious experience in exploring limestone cavesWhy not try to do the same?

 

Thank you for reading to the end.