My workmate and I have already researched and made our itinerary for Sagada a few days before our trip. I have also contacted a guide from SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guides Association) who will serve as our companion on the itinerary that we prepared. We got Gareth, and we met him in the group’s office.
Yoghurt House is in the same street where our accommodation, The Residential Lodge, is located. If you go further into the end of the street, you will arrive in the starting point of the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection. But before that, you’ll be passing by a portion where you can view from afar some hanging coffins.
When you’re in Sagada, expect to engage in long walks. But the good thing about walking is that there are always stories to tell in various parts of the province.
When you're in Sagada, long walks are expected to get from one tourism site to another.
At the entrance of the cave, you’ll be welcomed by stacks of coffins. Gareth was assisted by his apprentice, David. After the prayer, David briefed us on what to expect inside the cave, the things that are expected from us to do, and at the same time, taught us some skills for our safety during spelunking. I can still remember “monkey crawl” and I usually put that particular skill to test every time I have out-of-town trips. Hehe. Monkey crawl is especially helpful when you need to walk down from a higher surface to a lower one. Instead of standing, you have to “half-sit” like a monkey and use both hands and feet to assist you for balance.
Gecko design carved in one coffin. Gecko signifies long life and prosperity, according to Gareth.
I would like to share with you our Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection experience through these pictures:
Let me introduce you to my companions in the trip. On the left is Karla (workmate/travel buddy), crawling her way up from the rock formation. On the right is yours truly.
On the left is Karla's brother, Norman; and on the right is their aunt, who is a proud senior citizen, Tita Dada.
R-18 or not, open your imagination as you view different rock formations inside the cave. Tell me what you see.
For sure, haystock formation ito.
The Caving versus Spelunking Controversy:
During the briefing, we were informed about the difference between caving and spelunking. The cave connection activity in Sagada is considered as spelunking, according to Gareth. Internet says that the two terms are used interchangeably. Wiki says that caving or spelunking is the recreational pastime of exploring wild cave formations.
In the 1960s, the term "spelunking" or "spelunker" began to have a negative connotation, conveying the idea that spelunkers are inexperienced cavers using unreliable light sources and cotton clothing. There are even bumper stickers and t-shirts used by many cavers saying: Cavers rescue spelunkers.
So basically, spelunkers are for amateurs, and cavers are for experts.
I don't mind.
Go!
Suitable Attire when Spelunking:
I have a confession to make, the shorts I wore during the cave connection got torn. So to those who want to explore Sumaguing and Lumiang, here is the attire that I recommend:
2. Leggings for the ladies, and Jogging Pants for the gentlemen. Again, stretchability is key to easier body movements.
3. For tops, Basic Tees are good. Better if it's the type that is stretchable and dries fast (paulit-ulit? LOL!) White tees, however, magically turns brown after the 4-hour cave exploration, so better use brown, black, or any dark-colored tees instead to camouflage the mud and stains. Another thing, layering is not advisable either. It may felt like winter inside the cave, but when you get wet, the layer of clothes become heavy.
4. Topless, for men, is okay. I mean, why spend hours at premium gym establishments, right? Wrong! If the outside world is cold, inside the cave is much colder. Even if I had (past tense) sufficient adipose to give me warmth, it's still cold inside the cave.
5. As for footwear, Water Shoes are great because it gives great grip on rocks. Besides, a dakilang explorero or explorera should have one for future use in other water destinations. Flipflops is best because it's easier to carry and gives great comfort to your feet. There are flipflops which covers your toe nails if you really need protection.
6. Gloves. Surgical gloves. Joke. Ordinary gloves, of course. I brought a pair but I didn't use it. I wanted to get down and dirty to really have that spelunker-feel in me. But then again, gloves are advisable since touching some natural structures inside the cave can halt their development (light bulb moment).
A vacation doesn't always imply a walk in the park. In Sagada, aside from long walks, you need to have the most basic spelunking skills. Squeezing, crawling, and squirming are just some of the few.
Last 200+ steps before reaching the cave exit.
Written outside the cave:
"These caves are Kabunyan's gift for Sagadians and all lovers of beauty and nature. Remember, these wonders are millions of years old. Man was born only yesterday. We, therefore, have no right to destroy these legacies."
Here is the list of entries on our 3-Day Sagada Tour:
