Introduction to Rock Scrambling : Pinagrealan Cave

I've been to a few caving and spelunking adventures in Sagada and Daraitan and this is my favorite so far. Why? Simple, Its near my place.

The cave has many features including stalactites, stalagmites, and mini pools, which you could see up close. So be ready to be wet.

The tiny opening of the cave is so inviting. From the outside, numbers of rock formations can be seen already. This is not going to be just a normal wander through the caves.  Its History is Informative and fascinating. 

Some parts felt a little claustrophobic but it is not a problem with some encouragement from Jackie and Kap Omeng and our excellent guide Jonvic. Jonvic knew so much about the caves and made the tour an educational experience as well (you can check Pinagrealan's history at this link). The caves are not internally lit. The only light source is from the flashlights provided by our guide. Most of the paths was just ankle deep but there were a few parts where we had to dabble in waist deep water. Paths were not hard at all, some exciting climbs, and moderately active scrambling over rocks, and the only part that looks hard is some small opening that you need to infiltrate. There are a couple of points as well that you need to stoop down, so there's a risk of bumping one's head, good thing the park provided as helmets as well.

Sad to see the amount of damage wrought by previous visitors who snap away parts of the delicate stalactites and stalagmites for souvenirs or engraved their names onto the walls, but this doesn't detract from the overall experience I have.

It was an amazing tour.  Overall, its a fun diversion, not too long and not too strenuous. I highly recommend this.  It was about 2 hours all up, but worth every minute.

Pinagrealan cave offers amazing rock formations but is not comparable to the ones in Sagada and Cagayan. But i'd still say Pinagrealan has its own wonders and natural beauty that is worth exploring.

The Parks owner are very helpful and obliging, and may even take a group photo with you. Special thanks to Sir Rommy and his brother for their hospitality.

I thought that 1 Km would be far too long but at the end of the tour I wished we had had more time in the cave. 

If you want a more intimate experience without the crowds then make sure to visit the caves on a weekdays.

How to get to Pinagrealan Cave:

Getting to Pinagrealan Cave is easy. Take a bus going to SM fairview. Then, from SM Fairview, hail a jeepney going to Brgy. Bigte. Lastly, hire tricycles that will bring you to the entrance of the cave.

Entrance fee: Php50

Guide Fee: No exact amount

This is the cave entrance. Inviting isn't?

slippery smooth rocks that forms a tunnel.

The smooth stalagmites and spiky stalactites beautifully formed by time on our background.

A fish like stalactite.