PEÑABLANCA | In an almost placid state of the Pinacanauan River and the final fiery rays of the sunset ended its grand light show above us, the 8-horsepower engine drove about 10 pax on a 15-foot canoe through the famed canyon. Riveting and enchanting as we sped about the nonchalant state of the river park, seemingly ready to retire after a day of activities whence we docked at the pebbly campsite about 10 minutes approximately upstream. Swarms of bats evaded us being busy doing their private businesses inside the identified cave perched precariously almost a hundred feet above, yet the flickering stars and the crescent moon began to dance a suave move and the silent mountain breeze peacefully prance its way to and fro between the lofty rocky walls while we enjoyed the pristine waters after dusk. My sleepy eyes perked up after three rounds of kayaking having seen glistening skewered bananas and inviting steam corn in their cobs right after mooring. This is the Pinacanauan experience where you get to enjoy water activities surrounded by sheer mother nature’s beauty and find solace for urban dwellers’ delight.

ONWARDS TO DUSK

The dark sky illuminated by the moon that reminded us of the C hand pose determining the tourism promise of Cagayan Province – an endless fun. Like the longest river in the country imposing its grand work shaping and carving the Sierra Madre mountainscape with an endless undulating stream that brought life and difficult counterparts. Ascending through concrete stairs of 184 unequal steps welcomed us to the gigantic caverns that are a tourism spectacle – the Callao Cave. A poster destination of the province that would definitely captivate you with its sheer cave ceiling height and gigantic proportions made dramatic by natural subdued illumination. This is just one of the 200 identified caves in the municipality of Peñablanca alone. One spelunking experience I look forward to is the Sierra Cave trail. As the Cagayan Tourism explains, romancing with mud and funneling through tight spots triggers my yearning for cave spelunking.

NON SECTARIAN CAVE CHAPEL

A cave chapel, uniquely the only one in the Philippines, invites you to its bossoms and marvel at the natural skylight where you can rappel down safely with trained guides and land on the permanently placed church benches – an iconic extreme adventure, right? Take a few more strides deep towards its core and uncover the outworldly subterranean full of rocky shards. The tourism authority of the province has allowed up to the fifth chamber access for tourists, but the cave system of Callao stretched intricately deeper through the mountain range than you can imagine.

The aforementioned 184-step staircase offers guests multiple seats for those in need of second wind. Approaching the golden hour is my recommended time to be at the spot where you can marvel at the sunset and the cave walls glisten to deep arrange as they reflect the hues of the amazing light show. Being at the view deck as well, you can enjoy the sweeping views of the Pinacanauan River and observe the boatmen’s activities seemingly shrink to the “Insectopedia scale” from that vantage point.

MORE HUMONGOUS CHAMBERS ABOUND

The Cave Chapel is the first cavern that welcomes you with its enormous cave ceiling height, and adjacent to it is another cavern of the same scale that allows guests to marvel at its vast and intricate rocky details, and a continuing foot trail traverses deep into the mountains. This next cavern features a natural central pedestal with enough elevation for you to view the 360-degree lithotriphic beauty and from this spot, you can see the continuation of the established foot trail to the next chambers.

SO, WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

The therapeutic and serene vista of rocky and water elements married into a sprawling tourist site complex offers you a unique travel experience filled with adventure, learning, and endless fun. The clear and cool river waters could help soothe your tired muscles and the pleasant quietness and vast space offer you an escape from the stressful bustling metroscenes.

Imagine being surrounded by a larger-than-life orchestra tucked hidden within the surrounding forest and canyon walls with performers perched or hopping on every tree branch, scathing the high skies, tackling the gigantic rocks, or plainly “swimming” through the Pinacanauan River.

Plus, you get to sustain a peaceful community livelihood by participating in such activities and experiences. Remember the lofty canyon walls, you can trek up and rappel down on the walls, as you allow adrenaline to dominate your system. At both ends of the tourism spectrum, the Callao Cave experience is a must-try or must-add to your travel goals.

HOW TO GO TO PEÑABLANCA AND CALLAO CAVE

From Manila

• Take the daily direct flights with Philippine Airlines to Tuguegarao City and back.
• From the airport, charter a tricycle and visit the Provincial Tourism Office at the Capitol Complex to register and conveniently arrange your tour to the Callao Caves.

From Visayas and Mindanao

• Take a connecting flight to Manila with Philippine Airlines and arrive at least an hour before the morning flight to Tuguegarao City.
• From the airport, charter a tricycle and visit the Provincial Tourism Office at the Capitol Complex to register and conveniently arrange your tour to the Callao Caves.

From Pampanga

• Take the Genesis P2P Bus and alight at NAIA 2 for your Philippine Airline flight to Tuguegarao.
• Alternatively, you can take a chance passenger bus seat in any Tuguegarao-bound buses at Dau Bus Terminal (Mabalacat City Bus Terminal Complex) and take the 11-12 hour land transit
• Once at the Callao Cave, there is a dedicated tourist welcome area where you can register and leave your other belongings not needed with the Callao Cave activity.

THINGS TO BRING

For more details, please check VisitCagayan.ph