Conquering Sagada: Sumaguing Cave Spelunking (4.21.11)

THE BAT CAVE!

From the Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins... we're bound next to the Bat Cave!!! Yipee, wishing to meet Batman and Robin! heheh.... Kidding aside, our next stop was the Sumaguing Cave or aptly  called the BIG CAVE. Am a bit nervous coz i've heard we have to go down for about 163 meters deep. Whoaaah! I can do that and I will let my daredevil spirit took charge! AJA!!!

Last 2009, the Lonely Plant (the world's best selling travel guide publication) listed this cave as one of the best adventure travel destination. And mind you, it is the only Philippine entry that time. And my itchy feet  is so very eager to try it by myself. 

ADRENALINE-FILLED 

 

At around 3:00 in the afternoon, we're all lineup for registration, all were kinda excited and nervous. Since we're a group of ten, they have assigned us two guides.  They brought a large lamp and knowingly lead us downward. Gosh, in a few minutes were about to commence one of our adrenaline-filled adventure.  

 

As we went down the cave's mouth, we were greeted by masses of bats and steep terrain of darkness. Good thing, it was Holy Week and a lot of adventurers were in there. Easy as it may seem, but its not...  its not a walk-in-the-park instant and our guide told us that the first part is quite hard. It involves butt scratching, and thigh aching. We're on line steeping down on a slippery, sharp stones, on which we have no choice but to crawl, smell and touch the newly poofed bat dung. It was a choice whether you touch it or fall down and end up in heaven, lolz. 

The second part as they say is pleasurable. The cave's magnificent chambers started to unfold. I WAS REALLY IN AWE upon seeing its what so called KING'S CURTAIN and other limestone formation.

The temperature were so cold and the stones have flowing water in it and there's a few water-dipping pools. Having simple astonishment was just an understatement upon reaching the bottom.  Had our photos, dip a bit and enjoyed the ice-cold water it offers.

As we stayed at the bottom, we were all mesmerized by the beauty hidden meters deep of Sagada. Our guide told us that this cave served as refuge of old Filipinos during the World War II. And there were a lot of caves here interconnecting with each other, passing from one route to another. That was why, cave connection is also part of the adventures in Sagada.

my favorite, the KING's CURTAIN

  

the group

   

Reality strike after few minutes and we had to go back. Since our strength were a bit renewed, we easily trailed our way upward.  There was even a part wherein we had to climb a knotted rope. It was really a daredevil experience for all of us. And there we were, after almost four grueling hours, we finally reached the top. 

But for me, despite this daredevil adventure is an achievement I will never forget, it's something I can be  proud of.  

I CAME OUT OF THE BIG CAVE ALIVE! =) 
and Here's my reward, hehe!

I CAME... I SAW... AND I CONQUERED! =)