Spelunking: My first and definitely not my last

Our subsequent itinerary led us to the laid-back and tranquil town of Sagada in the Mountain Province that has wetted the appetites of many for its interesting ethnic practices of hanging coffins in a valley or burying their dead on a cave, its majestic and stunning sunrises, and its offers for adrenaline-booster cave explorations, among others.

Our way to Sagada from Banaue (pit-stopping in Bontoc) was an ultimate adventure-packed journey. If planning for the same route, please do consider the top load seat and I guarantee you an endless breathtaking view of plains and valleys, green fields and cultural villages, skylines and road paths that would leave your heart full. However, the road does get bumpy and tricky so this should serve as a friendly heads up to wimpy spirited. Alternatively, take a much comfortable niche inside the bus/jeepney, chill, and get bored.

Cloud-capped mountains

This wouldn’t leave you empty-handed.

My cousin and I befriended a French couple while having a great time at the vantage seat during the trip and we instantly were able to lay a perfect plan of activities for the day. Upon getting off, we quickly went to the Tourism Office and inquired for a caving schedule as we still got plenty of time left having reached the place before noon time. There was no telling of the accurate time though as the sun never rises the entire time we were there. The climate was grey and cold but for some reason hadn’t attracted melancholic vibes.

We could have gone to a 4-hour caving adventure had Clemence (the charming Frenchlady) outgrown her claustrophobic tendencies. Somehow, I was glad she raised the issue as I was not confident I could last that long either.  An elderly American solo traveler joined force with us too and so we felt the need to take his physical condition into consideration as well. You know, we aimed at building a happy camp at the end of the day and so everyone had to be served well.

From the Tourism Office we walked further down the road to check for a place to stay. We did not want to waste time and so the first one that appeared was the one we recklessly chose. Never again will I stay in the same hostel, it disappointed me in a big way especially that I discovered loads of other much more worthy ones downhill from the town hall. We checked-in our luggage and gone back out hurriedly to fill our empty and gurgling stomachs. We found a good restaurant, thank heavens! And shortly we found ourselves on the way to Sumaguing Cave aka The Big Cave and pumped up to embark on a creepy kind of adventure.   I came to know that Sumaguing Cave has the largest chamber of all connecting caves in town and that there are more than 60 known caves underneath Sagada. That’s rather cool!

From the paved road, we plummeted several steps down before we were welcomed by the mouth of the cave which already looked a bit eerie. Not knowing entirely what was waiting down the lair sent some chills down the spine. I realized our lives were at the mercy of our guide who turned out amazingly commendable. He lit a lamp before we ventured into the darkness and showed us the way. He made sure to make a sound or call out our names every now and then to make his presence felt and in effect give us the valor to keep going. The downhill trek was slippery and having worn a pair of slippers was a wrong move although footwear was only permissible at a certain point. To be able to conquer the bottom of the cave, beginners were advised to proceed with barefeet and whether or not I stomped on guanos I cared less. I suppose that was the best idea still.

The get-go

From there, the elements inside the cave started to look really scarier. The underground streams added to the difficulty with its waters nearing freezing point. However, the guide gave us a full assurance that those slimy-looking, brownish-colored rocks are safe to step on. I did not believe him (neither would anyone) until my feet landed on its surface and amazingly clung on like a spiderwoman and so did the rest. I felt incredible! Our American buddy tripped over a rock quite seriously before even reaching the highlight of the cave and unfortunately was pained by undesirable wounds. The poor uncle decided to stay behind and just waited for our return. As we moved along, the fascinating stalagmites and stalactites started to get visible. Each amazing formation that nature has nurtured and sculpted for thousands of years brings out magnificent shapes that gained various fancy names depending on what it resembles on. The most common names incude: king and queen’s curtains, giant fudge, pregnant woman, mickey mouse, alligator, dancing hall and rice terraces.

Into the deep

Had the earth shook, unthinkable!

Can you tell what this is?

Then we started to hear some noise coming from the base and saw some flickering torch lights from afar.  Already there were a bunch of other adventure-seekers who had gone ahead of us. I was relieved.

We had no idea that we had a rappelling job to do. I thought the guide cracked a joke. It was not well-lighted enough, we had no harness or whatsoever, the cliff had cold waters running on it and any other difficulty you could think of. But we did it! Our guide pulled out a blue rope from his bag. He tied its one end on the stone and told us to hold the rope tightly particularly on the knots designed to serve as stoppers while pressing our feet hardly and flatly on the rock as  we make a step. Each of us followed carefully his instructions and while slowly stepping down, our guide was making sure the rope was stable enough not to let go by pulling the rope against our weight. He proved sturdy as a rock!

If only Clem could cry.

We finally landed at the bottom-est of the cave and there we exchanged greetings with the other cavers. The water was waist high, well that if you are going to trip off. There was actually a tiny way out from the cave from where we were that connects to another cave (could have been our route had we opted the 4-hour journey). In order to pass through it, we had to plunge into the water and scramble in the dark. And Yes, we chickened out.

We stayed for a short while picture-taking, hoping to play with nocturnal birds, getting fascinated by the wonder of nature (it was truly splendid how the rocks were formed and seemed to have a life on its own) and of course, praying the land wouldn’t shake.

We climbed back our way to the top, which was errr already a piece of cake ha! I was catching my breath and felt my legs aching. We managed to see the light and voila congratulated each other for an awesome job! We were dampy and filthy and thirsty but so happy. Another of the good times!

They must have been very courageous.

Finally, happy having seen the light again.