Sagada is known for its beautiful views, scenic wonders, and heart-stopping outdoor activities, and one of these is the Cave Connection Sagada. This spelunking trail is between Lumiang Cave and Sumaguing Cave and has been deemed quite a thrilling experience for those into adventure. This is known to be one of the most adventurous and amazing ways of caving in Sagada, and it includes the connection of two caves with narrow passageways and underground water pools with beautiful rock formations at the end. Unlike most ordinary cave tours, this one entails endurance, flexibility, and some amount of bravery. This particular trip is perfect for those who have never tried caving before and those who have been caving quite often. This Sumaguing Cave adventure will not fail to amaze any travelers in Sagada.
The Cave Connection Sagada begins at Lumiang Cave, one of the tourist spots that feature stacked wood coffins. There are those that are old and were used as per the culture of the indigenous people of the area for burial. The mouth of the cave is large, but deep down it is cramped and has poor visibility and thus calls for some kind of orientation. Explorers will experience vertical drops, narrow passages, and slippery rocks to which they will have to navigate, and this will make the experience thrilling and adventurous. Porters provide ropes and help in guiding, and those involved in the activity are always safe during the descent. Lumiang Cave can be said to be a perfect start to the adventure since it offers a sneak preview of the cultural as well as natural wonders that await the explorers.
The actual journey starts from Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave. This part of the journey involves crawling in narrow cracks, crossing the stream on the bottom of the cave, and climbing with ropes over the rocks. It is very challenging to traverse through this place because the walls of the cave are wet and so slippery. Due to the complexity of the terrain, some sections involve the utilization of ropes and ladders, hence the importance of group work. This experience challenges the physical fitness, agility, and challenge-solving in that the spelunkers have to maneuver through the dark and spooky holes. Thus, the passage is not only filled with difficulties, but it is also rather rewarding because of these challenges.
The entrance to the Sumaguing Cave is amazingly beautiful, as this portion of the trail has some of the most magnificent rock formations in Sagada. Sumaguing is also known as the “Big Cave,” which offers the biggest stalactites, stalagmites, and a number of natural pools. The formations have formed various shapes that are given creative nicknames by the people and guides that explore the area. The large halls also provide an opportunity to take a rest and enjoy the view of the cave. This is the last part of the cave connection, but this does not mean the end of the adventure, as one has to overcome slippery floors and walk through water up to the knee level to reach the exit.
Spelunking through the cave connection, which is different from the conventional caving adventure, entails the use of the body, strength, and mind. The difficult conditions, small spaces, and the environment in which the adventurers find themselves exposed to call for much more from the adventurer. Some of the sections of the caves are narrow, which may need one to crawl, slide, or even be pulled by the tour guide. Although one gets very tired during the trekking, the experience after reaching the summit of the mountain is one that cannot be explained. Such people leave the event with a much better understanding of the miracles of Mother Nature and their own strength.
In addition to being a challenge, the cave connection also offers a great view of the natural scenery of Sagada. This journey is made even more interesting due to the violent limestone formations, natural ponds, and strange rocks. The terrain also varies in the underworld and includes everything starting with narrow passages and ending with large halls and clear water. Lanterns are used by guides to shed light on some features that may look like animals, people, or familiar objects.
Besides the excitement in exploration, the cave connection also brings the history and culture of Sagada into a closer relationship. Lumiang Cave, the burying place that contains the century-old coffins, is the burial site of the Igorot tribe. These are traditional coffins hung on rocks and present the idea of the indigenous people of Sagada concerning spirituality. Tour guides are well informed about the history of the caves, and they introduce the guests to the culture of the caves, making the tour informative as well.
As mentioned earlier, Sagada spelunking takes place in wet and slippery areas, and thus appropriate dressing is recommended. Comfortable, moisture-pulling clothing is suggested for improved comfort during the performance. While hiking, proper footwear such as trekking shoes or sandals with straps on the ankles is required to have a firm ground to stand on in the rocky terrains. Despite the fact that the caves are fully enclosed, a headlamp or flashlight is necessary. It is advisable to bring gloves for a firm grip of the rocks, while a waterproof bag will protect valuable items. Lastly, one should take spare clothes, as everyone will be wet and dirty during the exploration.
The Cave Connection Sagada experience is the epitome of spelunking that gives a great adventure in caving, great views of the rock formations, and a historical place for burial. This is relatively different from the normal cave exploration activities, where one is faced with small passageways, deep waters, and steep rocks, which makes this one of the most adventurous Sagada activities. From the antiquated coffins of Lumiang Cave to the grandiose chambers of Sumaguing Cave adventure, every move that is made in this journey is full of thrills and marvel. For the adventure of a lifetime, the Cave Connection is something that should not be missed to add essence to the beauty and mystique of Sagada.