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To the Batcave!: A Sumaguing Cave Adventure

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To the Batcave!: A Sumaguing Cave Adventure

by Cityzen | Lyn Cacha posted on Friday, May 14, 2010

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Totally unlike the fictional DC Comics headquarters of superhero Batman,

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void of sophisticated equipment and gadgetry, the Sumaging Cave of Sagada offers tourists an adrenaline-filled adventure packed with rugged enchantment and mystery. Having spent most of my life in the city, Ive never been inside a cave --- Of course that was history when I finally explored Sumaging Cave, aptly nicknamed the Big Cave. The cave was created by water eroding whole limestone mountains over a period, spanning thousands of years. Locals say that this cave served as the Filipino soldiers refuge from the Japanese guerrillas during the World War II. Prior to the war, the cave used to be a dwelling place as well as burial grounds for the indigenous people of the Cordillera. Water, however, destroyed these pine wood coffins over the years.

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I can see why this cave became an ideal hiding place --- it happens to be one of the deepest as well as the longest caves of the country! Combine this with the Latipan and Lomyang caves, which are all interconnected, you can go as deep as 163 meters! Silly, I first thought that this cave exploration would be like a simple walk-inthe-park experience but as I went down a long flight of carved steps to reach its huge entrance, I realize that this is going way smack to the bottom! What worried me most was that I wore the wrong footwear (I used my Nike Shox)

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which eventually drove me to go barefoot during the 3-hour exploration.

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Catching some breath whilst the guide waits

Whats the light I see down there?

Bat Dung Station

I can still see the caves mouth from behind

Not far from the caves mouth, my friends and I were greeted with pitch darkness and the squealing noise of bats. Our trusty guides turned their Petromax lamps upward, illuminating hundreds of bats dangling by their feet from the caves ceiling. The path is slippery so as I went down, I had to hold tightly on the slimy stones along the way for support, only to be informed that these stones are covered with fresh bat dung. I also felt a fine shower on my bare arms... Bat pee, I bet.

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People from all walks of life; Seems like theres party down here

Almost done with the first part, the bats squeals have faded while the caves magnificent chambers have started to illuminate from afar. This is the part wherein we had to be more careful as well as coordinated with our steps as the trail towards these areas has become steeper and rockier. It was a long and difficult trek down but thankfully, our guides were there every step of the way. Its Bath Time! After descending, we were asked to remove our shoes or slippers for we were about to step on lime stones and cross its shimmery streams of water. This is the part where hard work and play combines. Weve reached the second stage which was definitely a relief because we were able to clean our dingy hands and feet, and splash cool water on our sweaty faces.

Finally! No more bat dung in this area!

Wading my feet against the cave's cool water

Our guides told us that were now in the caves bath house. They would

Generated point out certain rock formations that looked like a frog, a pregnant lady and

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so forth. There were also water holes that resemble small dipping pools, which have already been named. I saw a water pocket shaped like a dinosaurs feet.

Exhausted, Im trying to pull every determination I have to go on

Leaping, crawling and slipping from one area to another, this trail is fun and we were already taking photos with the impressive rock formations such as Kings Curtain, Rice Terraces, as well as this huge hall called the Dancing Hall.

Thats another big tub over there!

Curtain-like rock formations

Rappelling Down Of course the fun doesnt end yet and we had to rappel down, which Ive never tried before! Using a built-in rope with knots conveniently spaced, I felt I was doing a stunt in one of those action movies Ive seen.

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I cant believe Im doing this!

Upon reaching the last part of the trek, we were regaled by a glorious cathedral-like expanse with the lamps adding perfect drama to the place --this is where all your worries subside. This area still had more clear pools which seemed to me like jacuzzis.

Now these look like mini rice terraces

At the end of the tour we saw a deep pool, which truly the daredevils can take a swim. Its a small opening, which you have to jump-off to a tunnel-like passage and immerse your body in cold, waist-deep water. Realizing the technicality and the probability of letting go of the rope and eventually hitting those big rocks, none of us tried this dangerous part.

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Behind me is deep icy water

The guide helping me pull myself up

Another fantastic rock formation

After all the photo sessions, we had to go back. Its the strenuous part wherein your guide shows you the path, while you supply the courage and power to climb up. After almost an hour, I saw a hint of daylight and smelt the airs freshness. Its a great feeling to come out and rejoin the outside world. I came, I saw, I conquered. Sweaty, stinky and sore, I gained a renewed sense of achievement. For a novice spelunker, Im so proud I survived Sumaging Cave. Exploring places that light could barely penetrate and getting exposed to dimensions seldom seen, is an immense experience for me. Every sweat and bruise was worth it.

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Its clearly written on my face --- Success!

Travel Tips To enjoy this experience, spelunkers should wear appropriate footwear and bring extra clothing. Bringing a camcorder may be just a hindrance, so a light, waterproof camera is more suitable for this sort of activity. Safety comes first so you must register and get a guide at the Sagada Municipal Building. The price to get a guide is very reasonable at P250/pax only, while an additional Petromax lamp costs P50.

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