Sagada: I’ll be going back and see you again

Sagada is getting popular and I don’t wonder. The first time I set my feet in Sagada and walk across the calm and quiet street, I knew I’ll have my best moments and will surely treasure it. It was the first goose bumps; I know I’ll fall in love with this place.

On our way to Sagada is breathtaking. The air I breathe is relaxing, reminiscing makes me smile. I can’t take my eyes out from the passenger window, every angle and scenery I’m seeing is art. Those mountain capes, rice terraces, roadside waterfalls, flowers; all were like structured to its finest.  

First glimpse of the town, it was calm and silent, I do not know what to expect but it’s different from what I’ve seen before, it’s catching my attention, I am hyped and excited to explore more.

We met SAGGAS guides and they were cool and bubbly. We were welcomed with silent laughs and smiles. Another guide we meet was Raffy, a big brown dog and he guided us along our Echo Valley tour. We are getting there, full of stories, traditions, beliefs, cultures and realization.

Then it’s a test of strength and bravery, Cave connection. From Lumiang Cave to Sumaging Cave, it was dark and cold, though you may feel some sweat; it was a totally diverse experience, it’s a different world, a test of courage and strength while you’re in the never-ending exploration. It’s a beauty hidden and waiting to be explored. 

We tried Pinikpikan, and other local delicacies, it’s mouth-watering and tempting. We wanted to see more, feel more and explore more but we need to go back to Manila, I know there’s a lot I left behind and dreaming of visiting again. River trekking in Pongas Falls, the sunrise at Kiltepan, the Ganduyan Museum, Orange picking, mountain climbing and more, I’ve been there once but I want to witness more. That’s Sagada.

I travel a lot, and among those places that I’ve been. It was Sagada that I’m looking forward seeing again. And you would too...  

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Visit: Surviving Sagada

Palawan Escape: Puerto Princesa Underground River

It was not a very sunny day when we arrived but this is what I wanted. Personally I am all excited as ever because years back I thought it’s not very doable for me to go here.

Finally - @ Puerto Princesa Airport

Van was waiting for us and seeing my name outside made me more excited! From there, we immediately went to Sabang Port and had our buffet lunch. Sun was now cheering us more and we were feeling the heat already. Our guide took in charge of everything such as registering our names in the Tourist Information Center and getting us a good spot for lunch.

Upon arrival and upon seeing my name outside the airport :)

The buffet lunch - pics grabbed from Sol

And we will never forget a group shot. - pic grabbed from Sol

 After satisfying our craving stomach; we went to explore the Sabang beach. It was also a pretty site for me and maybe a night here is a good option too. Several resorts can be found here.

Another heaven for beach bummers

With fine sand too!

Mean girls exploring Sabang beach :p

And try to eat "Mr. Protein Rich" inside the "Tamilok 4 Sale" bucket.

We headed to the port where we waited to be transferred to the boat for the underground river tour. The view already says that there is lots of visitor’s everyday. We waited for our turn and had some dirty ice cream and halo-halo breaks until our tour guide advised us to get ready.

It's not very obvious in this picture but there are lots of boats waiting.

And us too...

The tour guide asked us to look for an image in the mountain
- a male face; did you see?

And it was big waves, scary boat ride

You can expect big waves on this part of the open sea that can be dangerous to small boats already. Summer period is really the best time. The beach front is like enclosed island from the big limestone cliffs on both sides. We had quick shots and headed to the trail going inside. A big sign was in front reminding us that we are already just minutes a way to see the underground river. Swimming here in the beachfront is not allowed.

While standing on the entrace...

Another, almost group shot. 

Seats for tired, waiting, picture taking, chatting, re-touching guests :p

And so we go... 

We registered before entering the cave, they also said that monkey’s and lizards can be spotted but I haven’t seen one. Park signs can be found educating you on what to see and what to expect making you to be more responsible Earth warrior. I would really love to stay and read more but our group walked fast and all excited. Pick your life jacket and helmet in the color of your choice and wait for your turn.

Even this is such an amazing sight already

Then they go... 

We didn't fit to 1 boat so we were divided into two

Almost  near. 

Then it was a bit creepy and dark already. It was an effort setting my camera up to get a good shot inside while I also struggle hearing the tour guide since he is at the end of the boat and Chiz and I is at the front. Chiz serves as a light-guide and he should listen carefully to the guide so we can locate what he was pointing out.

Our guide told us a lot of stories and will also sting your imagination to what image the stalactites and stalagmites resemble.

On our way inside...

Some of the equally "okay" shots inside.

Even without imagining what they are look like, the formations are beautiful already.

You can see below how dark inside the cave. There are lots of bats nesting here that produce a quite foul smell of their "poops" on your way inside but will be gone once your inside. And also you can see here the Balinsasayaw (Swiflets) - a kind of bird that you can only find here in El Nido. It was famous because their nest is made out of their own saliva and it is being used to create the famous but rare Nido soup. (And it is expensive!) Just a trivia: There are different species of Balinsasayaw but only 5 kinds of them can create nests out of their saliva - some called them edible-nest swiflet.

While waving to another boat and saying "Hi", the bats and the Balinsasayaw captured by the shot. 

Opening of the cave... - pic grabbed from Sol

Kuya caught an injured Balinsasayaw and promised to take care of it.  -pic grabbed from Sol

I will all let the stories be hidden until you go there and experience the tour. I am awed by its beauty and knowing that our tour inside is just part of the underground river and you need to get a special permit to be able to access or see the depth of the cave further. No wonder that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was included to the world’s “New 7 Wonders of Nature.” Aside from the government, it’s also our responsibility to help protecting and promoting our most precious gift. 

Visit their site for more information about the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park 

Website: http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com

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"We cannot command Nature except by obeying her."  

~Francis Bacon

Cebu – Bohol Series: 3.1 Hinagdanan Cave

Our last stop from our Countryside Tour is the Hinagdanan Cave. We immediately register and started our short spelunking. The sides of the cave are cemented for visitors with safety railings at some part of it. The cave is made of limestones with a hole about 1 meter wide which gives light inside the cave.  Beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations are inside plus a lagoon that glimmers inside because of the rays from above. 

Entrance Fee is 30php per person and another 15php for the parking fee. The Hinagdanan Cave is located in Barangay Bingag, Dauis, Panglao Island. 5-15 minute ride from Tagbilaran but easily accessible from those visitors that are staying in Panglao Beach. You can also see souvenir shops beside the cave in case you want to shop for pasalubongs.

And that ends our Country Side Tour. The summary of expenses for this trip was already included here. We also highly recommend Kuya Renato to be your guide in Bohol. Feel free to contact him for details: 09322275270

Check other post related to this  trip:

Cebu – Bohol Series: 1. Cebu City Tour
Cebu – Bohol Series: 2. Kawasan Falls
Cebu – Bohol Series: 3. Bohol Countryside Tour

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"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure." 

Bittersweet Sagada - Cave Connection

From Lumiang Cave to Sumaging Cave, after the Echo Valley Tour, we just waited for a while for our guides to gear up and then we started the walk. It was getting cold and I’m a bit worried but then we will not give up.

Full smile parin kahit pagod na, well excited pa ako sobra.

We met another Kevin (This time without the H). He doubled the kakulitan of Kehvin, kala namin mahiyain pero lakas mang trip

Lumiang Cave was explored by foreign spelunkers as per Kevin and Sumaging was explored by locals decades ago.

Yes, every step is challenging but then bitterness immediately turned sweet especially of the excitement on what to see and what to do next.

The two guys, while giving us information about the cave are tripping us at the same time. But then we saw how they took care of their guests and how they assist us every step of the way.

After these shots, my camera went dead, medyo di pa sumuko agad yung isa pa naming point and shoot so then here are some pics from Kaye’s camera.

Getting into the water is the most difficult part for me. Grabe sa lamig, that’s the worst. Kaye also sprained her arm but then continue to finish the challenge.

Kaye’s arm was feeling ok though she’s a bit worried. Still, she accepted to take the difficult route. Masakit na din katawan at paa ko but then we continue. To the maximum level na daw. And yes the last part of spelunking is way challenging plus me basa-an factor pa ulit.

Nag me-meeting sila kung pano kami pag ti-tripan. :p

More rock formations below.

We were unable to showcase all the magnificent rock formation inside as we have limited shots already but I assure you won’t regret. Dead battery na lahat bago pa maka akyat.

After getting out the cave, with super slippery way out, we noticed that it’s drizzling outside. It’s so cold but we are so happy that after 4 hours and 20 mins (rounded off) we were finally out of the cave. Super an achievement for all of us, it’s already 8:00 pm and we were also dead hungry and we rushed to look for somewhere to eat asap. So the four of us, together with the two Kevin’s (plus H) ate at Shanghai Hauz. Rice to the max kaming lahat.

My legs hurt so much but then so proud to finish Cave Connection. Tinulog ko nalang. :)