Heavenly Cave, Sagada Cave
Philippine Tourism’s incomparable and elegant grandiosities are magnificently exuded in many different ways to keep up with the swift and uncontrollable evolutions of the changing times. Indeed, this is one of the most influential and perpetual key agents pertaining to social and economic developments that have effectively translated the ardor and magnificence of the Philippines. This country remains to be a tourist hub in the whole Southeast Asian region. Since the main topographical composition of the Philippines is enormously filled with tall and lush mountains; there is one province in the northern section of the Philippine territory which is majestically christened as Sagada Mountain Province. The Sagada Mountain Province is categorically classified as a 5th degree municipality, which is strategically situated almost 275 kilometers from the northernmost part of the Philippine capital. Hence, its boundless attractiveness is further magnified by its “Cave Princess”, the Sumaguing Cave.
Aside from the “hanging coffins” of Sagada, she is also globally renowned for her most mysterious caves. This is no other than the beautiful and endearing Sumaguing Cave. Come and let us explore the hidden secrets of Sumaguing Cave, through this very informative travel article which will not only reveal the greatest treasures of this fine tourist attraction of Luzon; but also how it had drastically changed the lives and culture of the Sagada tribes and its people. To date, many travelers across the globe have sensibly reiterated time and again that their vacation and sojourn itineraries will not be complete if they will not drop by and brilliantly unearth this tourist spot from its enthralling entrance, until they have safely reached the innermost part of the famous Cave of Sumaguing In Sagada. Over the years, the overwhelming creation and popularity of this hole has made Mountain Province a par excellence point of interest like no other, in the Asian hemisphere. Therefore, the Cave of Sumaguing In Sagada has been deservingly referred to as “The Big Cave”.
Prior to your caving trip inside the sacred and fabulous cave of the Northern Tribes, curious foreign and local tourists alike have to pass by several and easy to locate landmarks. These are rice fields, a town center, terraces and those wooden shacks, which had amazingly exhibited the simple but noble lives of the Sagada people. Actually, Sagada’s Sumaguing Cave has an entrance gate with apocalyptic inscriptions, together with the comprehensible reminders about the do’s and don’ts upon entering the strict premises of the primal cave of Sagada. The next step to take is by walking a series of well-constructed steps before finally reaching the internal portions of Sumaguing Cave. In case any traveler would see this tourist attraction for the very first time, they should not get surprised or intimidated by the mere presence of those leaves that serve as outer coverings of this very skillful work of art.
Going to the main part of your Sagada escapade, the allegedly spirit- infested cave was literally engulfed with darkness. As a result, the only source of light that can be relied upon is from a gasoline-powered lamp which is constantly held by the cave’s assigned tour guide. As you go along its long and winding steps while going to the Sumaguing Cave, you have to step on those wet and slippery rocks.
Likewise, the most dangerous part of your cave cum nature tripping would be on how you can easily manage your way inside the cave without letting yourself fall off to an approximately 40 feet ravine that is situated on the verge of those stairs, which were flawlessly made out of limestone. Moreover, this legendary abyss of Mother Nature has the biggest chamber of all the other conduit caves in the culturally flourishing towns of Sagada.
In fact, there are approximately 60 caves or more just below the rich and abundant topographical landscape of Sagada. To be able to reach these other marvelous works of Mother Nature, an adventurous and exploratory voyager has to carefully trek down a dangerous and slimy trail which starts from its narrow opening down to its astonishing fullness. Upon doing so, these eager and excited tourists can already have a holistic view of the mystical Sumaguing Cave. From that enigmatic vantage point, they can beautifully see the unique and alluring formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Unbelievably, this inherent and artistic craftsmanship was incredibly molded by time and space, after thousands of years.
Additionally, the powerful and superb hands of nature had incredibly shown each and every method of human ingenuity. In essence, it can flawlessly fashion voluptuous and meaningful contours, which were in time; assigned funny descriptive names such as a “giant fudge”, an “impregnated woman” and the “dancing hall” to name a few. At the interiors of Sumaguing Cave, it impressively showcases an underground body of water like streams and natural pools as well. As for its temperatures, these are beyond the normal freezing points. Furthermore, it proudly possesses precious limestone carvings and a cavern-inspired breadth. On the other hand, there is a human-made staircase from the side of the road that will excitingly bring you to the crater or mouth of Sumaguing Cave in no time. These elevated sections of the cave miraculously change their physical attributes into different rock formations, in minutes.
There are not so wide boulders alongside with the steepest rocks. Generally, these attributes of the cave will definitely test your endurance, agility and flexibility as you and your friends would rappel downwards; thus, freely allowing yourself and your peers to imaginatively swim in the coldness of the cave’s pool. At the culmination of this breathtaking cave journey, you can see a tiny waterfall and an indescribably deep body of water. In addition, the enticing atmosphere inside the cave is not really as horrible as others would dare to presume. Overall, it reflects an ambiance of a tranquil and soothing rendezvous wherein its hundreds of thousands of visitors can easily explain the unprecedented fame of this tourist spot. Apart from this expressive characterization, there are countless and unique geometric shapes inside the Cave of Sumaguing in Sagada, Mountain Province. Of course, any other form of tourist attraction just like this sprawling cave proudly contains the deepest recesses of Mother Earth, which have to be unfolded and scientifically studied in the coming years.
In the same way, you must be well-prepared insofar as having in mind the most valuable things that should be well-remembered if you happen to come up with a wise decision in visiting this intriguing topographical features of the Philippines. To ensure your absolute convenience and safety, the approachable and courageous tour guides of Sumaguing Cave have intricately made sturdy ropes on which their clients can hold on to; thereby, preventing themselves from accidents while they are intently gazing at the cave during their liaison with the Cave of Sumaguing, Sagada Mountain Province. But, if you have not been blessed with a physical body that is as malleable as to that of a contortionist, it is best advised not to enter the cave’s critical area. At the end of the day, going out of the Sumaguing Cave of Sagada is not an easy thing to do. You and your companions have yet to climb up a 10-foot boulder in order for you to perfectly find your way out the cave.