It was a choice whether we’ll go back to Manila the same route which is through Laoag or do a horse-shoe route and have a side-trip in Tuguegarao instead. While I’ve been to Tuguegarao several times already in the past years, our friend Erick hasn’t been there and it’s been five years since Og last visit in the area. So the group decided it would be real interesting to go through Tuguegarao instead and stay there for the night before finally heading back to Manila.
Tag: Caves
Puerto Princesa: Journey into St Paul’s Underground River
I kept hearing “UR” over and over on a conversation one night on my first trip to Puerto Princesa with other bloggers. I kept nodding my head to agree and then have to ask “What’s UR again?” I was thinking “Usual Route” but it turns out to be the popular term for the “Underground River” there. Oh hell with the names whether it’s St Paul’s Cave or St Paul’s Subterranean River, we’re going there now and it sure isn’t hell from the views I’ve seen on a boat from Sabang to the entrance of this famed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lakbay Norte: Callao Cave and Pinacanauan Kayak Adventure
It’s the time we get down and dirty, for caving that is. We now visit Penablanca after at least an hour’s drive from Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat. Penablanca is the caving capital of Cagayan Valley. With more than 300 caves in the vicinity, 75 documented and more than 30 being mapped, it’s a spelunker’s haven. Out of the many caves, there are only 2 caves which tourist are allowed to visit for safety and preservation reasons. These are the Callao and Sierra Cave.
Malaysia: A Batu Caves Sidetrip
We had to say good bye to Impiana Hotel the day after our Genting Highlands and Zouk visit. We were headed to the Cameron Highlands found at the northern part of Kuala Lumpur. It is on the upper tip region of Pahang. And since the road to Cameron Highlands was on the same way as going to Ipoh, Marie suggested that we should make a stop-over at Batu Caves since it’s already on the way even if it wasn’t in our itinerary. Since Nina and I haven’t been there yet, were gladly obliged.
Catanduanes: From Igang’s Twin Rock to Lictin’s Luyang Cave
The rainy day in Virac didn’t discourage us from making plans the last day of our exploration of the island province. We woke up as early as 4:45am and our hired tricycle was already waiting for us a little past 5am. It was raining as expected, but not as strong as it could be hazardous for exploration. Our first destination found us going to the southern region of Catanduanes at the town of Igang.
Laos: Charming Long Khun and Mystical Tham Sakkarin Cave
Somewhere around a 100 meters more after Wat Chom Phet, still on a dirt road but covered by tall trees. Across it is the Wat Long Khun Temple. It is one of the best looking temple grounds I’ve seen. The monastery looks new and the main sim is petite but beautiful likewise. Across the river, I noticed its directly across Wat Xieng Thong.
Vietnam: Exploring Sung Sôt Cave
Aside from cruising the numerous karst islands of Ha Long Bay, another activity along this UNESCO World Heritage Site is spelunking. There are a number of cave systems on some of the thousands of islands dotting the bay. On our first day of exploration, we were able to visit one of the popular caves at the center island of the bay called Sung Sôt Cave. Found on Bo Hòn Island, the cave has also been known as the Amazing Cave or Cave of Surprises.
