Cave Connections: Spelunking in Sagada

(c) thelongestwayhome

Anyone who is up to an outdoor challenge with a heightened level of difficulty must try exploring the Lumiang-Sumaguing Cave Connection, the limestone caves of Sagada. Not only is it famous for the unique rock formations, defined stalactites, stalagmites, and columns that characterize its insides – unlike the caverns we know in common, this cave connection entails a challenge to the mind and body of a brave soul.

“For three hours, you will scale limestone rock faces, rappel down ledges of cave rock, wade and even swim through bodies of water and crawl through narrow crevasses to witness fascinating rock formations that nature has artfully sculpted through thousands of years” (Espina, n.d.).

Lumiang Cave (C) soloflightEd

LUMIANG CAVE

As in any other cave, the muddy steps, rocky and slippery trails, and bat guanos are the obstacles the adventurer has to conquer, yet with the Lumiang Cave, there’s more to our stereotypical conception of a cave adventure. J

Part of the experience is dipping the body into several pools of ice cold water in order to transfer from a point to another. It is not unlikely for people to be diagnosed with hypothermia after submerging themselves to such chilly water, thus, to finish the connection, the amateur spelunker has to do a lot of physical preparation; either by taking really cold showers or gathering first-hand inquiries.

Lumiang burial grounds (c) Robx Bautista

No one is advised to enter the Lumiang Cave, the entrance which formerly served as the Sagadans’ burial ground, without a tourist guide. The adventure is initiated by a prayer, after which, adventurers have to crawl through really narrow holes and climb through seemingly unbearable passages.

Narrow passage at Lumiang Cave (c) pyrotensive

The activity thus requires a lot of stretching and major physical training. The lack of it, according to a previous adventurer’s account, made his legs shake and knees wobble due to force and stress. The passage, meanwhile, takes only one person at a time. Because it is necessary to cross pools of 8 meters deep, spelunkers need to be anchored with ropes. But the physical exhaustion is in the end, or halfway rather, with the view of the big rice granary formation. J

SUMAGUING CAVE

Sumaguing cave (c) Agnes Manalo

The Sumaguing cave is more frequently visited than Lumiang, since its relatively easier level of difficulty. Unlike in Lumiang, where mostly experienced spelunkers are brave enough to take the challenge, Sumaguing accommodates people of all kinds and ages, including natives, foreigners, children and senior citizens. It is easier to tread because people just have to slide or walk around rock formations and water pools; there were no risks of crawling through narrow holes.

The cave connection adventure can last for about four to six hours. Not even the exit from the cave would signify the finish line, for outside are more steps of stairs that would lead the spelunkers to their hired jeepneys.

“Despite the seemingly dangerous and physically-taxing maneuvers required for spelunking in Sagada, major injuries are rare and most travelers only come out covered with mud" (Espina, n.d.).

Rappelling @ Sumaguing (c) Robx Bautista

While most people think that it is such a risky endeavor to delve into these caves, they hinder themselves from discovering such an untainted nature’s gift. It may leave anyone exhausted at the end of the day, yet nothing beats the fulfillment people can get from uncovering the splendor of the secluded, like these caves.

Cave connection? The challenge must be accepted. :D





WHAT TO WEAR (c) SAGGAS

Upper body:
· Body fit shirts
· Sleeveless Tops
Preferably easy dry!

Lower body:
· Leggings or tights or spandex
Because it gives the lower body easy movement and flexibility
It creates a secondary skin to the legs, reducing the risk of getting scratches
Easily dries up when wet, keeping the body warm
Maintains a lovely figure of yourself!

Tip: In selecting spandex, choose the more sturdy ones since rocks and surfaces are sharp enough to easily tear them off.

Other opts:
· Short pants or jogging pants
· Cycling shorts or trunks for men

Footwear:
· Water shoe
For good grip (it adapts to the contour of the rock), and is of easy dry material

Other options:
· Flip-flops
Easy carry! There are other parts of the cave that would require people to walk barefooted
· Croc or clogged type slippers
Can keep the feet free from scratches

Accessories:
Gloves and headlamps!

Sources: http://thetravellingdork.com/2011/12/surviving-sagadas-cave-connection-in-bright-pink-tights/

http://goseasia.about.com/od/philippinestopattractions/a/sagada.htm
http://www.saggas.net/2009/09/spelunking-attire.html