Sagada, Mountain Province | Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave

There are numerous caves beneath the town of Sagada. Its top attraction is Sumaguing Cave or Big Cave.

Since spelunking in Sumaguing Cave is a must try in Sagada, we scheduled it as our first activity.

Stage 1 of the whole tour consist of man-made steps from the highway to the entrance of the cave.

Then, there’s a few meters of slippery rocks and a lot of guano. In this part, tourists are instructed to focus on the path and avoid taking photos.

Stage 2 is the start of the rock formations.

And as you go deeper in Stage 2, the ground changes from mud and soil to limestone. Here, the guide will require you to remove your footwear to avoid slipping. The limestone rocks looks smooth but the surface is more of a sandpaper.

There are also basins where you can dip in a freezing cold crystal clear water.

Crystal clear water inside Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Numerous rock formations can be seen inside Sumaguing Cave. The most notable rock formation is King’s Curtain.

King's curtain in Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

It took us 4 hours to complete the Sumaguing Cave adventure. This is not even the complete trail.

I remember visiting Sumaguing Cave before when there were few tourist in Sagada. Inside the cave, it was pitch black and our only source of light was the gas lamp of our tour guide. It was also quiet because we were the only group exploring the cave. It gave an eerie feeling but the experience was amazing. Sumaguing Cave is still my top caving experience up until today. A visit to Sagada won’t be complete without trying spelunking in Sumaguing Cave.

WATCH THE FULL VLOG HERE

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SUMAGUING CAVE

The best time to visit Sagada is during the cold season. This is from November to February. Expect this place to be busy during holy week, December and holidays.

Also note that it is dangerous to visit Sumaguing Cave when there is rain.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO SUMAGUING CAVE

Hiking Wear / gear
Sandals / Slippers
Tumbler
Dry bag
Camera / Action Cam
Head lights / flashlights
Towel

HOW TO GET TO SAGADA FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Sagada from Manila is through a tour provider. Usually the route is Banaue – Sagada – Baguio. But if you hire a private tour, you can modify your itinerary based on your preference.

Banaue to Sagada distance is 83.3km or around 3 hours drive via Mountain Province road.

SAGADA BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for the activities in Sagada which includes Sumaguing Cave is around Php827.00 per person. This is computed based on the package provided by our tour provider and with 9 pax.

You can still lower the cost if you do a DIY and go directly to Sagada Tourism Center.

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING SUMAGUING CAVE

There are 2 packages offered in Sumaguing Cave:
1. Short Course – This is the spelunking in Sumaguing Cave. This is the one we’ve availed.
2. Cave Connection – This is a caving experience from Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave.
Respect the locals. In Sagada, avoid taking pictures of the locals without permission.
There is no law mandating a tour guide when you explore Sagada. However, I recommend getting a guide if it is your first time visiting Sagada. For Sumaguing Cave, you should always hire a guide. Also by hiring a guide, you are helping the local community.
You can book your tour directly in Sagada Municipal Tourist Center.
Sagada is an outdoor destination. Most of the activities requires a hike. You doesn’t need to be expert but expect it will not be easy.
Wear comfortable light clothes during hike. Expect to get wet in some activities as well.
It is dangerous to enter the cave on rainy days.
There are plenty of convenience stores in front of the entrance of Sumaguing Cave.
Cash basis here. Bring plenty of cash.
Weak or no signal in remote places.

SUMAGUING CAVE TRAVEL TIPS

For tours, schedule in the middle of the week or start as early as possible to avoid the crowd.
Best to avail the Lumiang –Sumaguing Cave Connection.
Eat heavy before going to Sumaguing Cave.
Always follow the guide.
Expect to get wet and bring a waterproof bag. It gets pretty cold inside Sumaguing Cave.
Do not leave trash behind.