Spelunking at Sumaging Cave

On our second stop for our first day of adventure is the Sumaging Cave also known as the Big Cave. I can honestly say, we were not ready for this.

Entrance to the Sumaging Cave

It's so dark, yet were still outside -_-

Before entering the cave, James discuss to us the safety procedure and the things we need to do when climbing down. He told us of the things that we will find inside , the stages that we will go through and what to expect. During holy week and peak season, the Sumaging Cave is full of tourist and people who do "panata" --- like a self-sacrifice offer to God. The only thing that will light your way is a "gasera" --- oil lamp or a flashlight if you have one. And one of my biggest mistake is leaving my camera to my mom because I don't want it to get wet. And James mentioned it too late that I should have let him hold it. My mom didn't join us with the Spelungking session because she was afraid that she will fall and it's too dark. Following pictures was taken by Kimi.

Trying not to slip

James lighting the way while reaching my hand for safety

Getting some rest while James figures out where we will step next

Still trying not to slip

Resting at the end of the second stage

We only reached the second stage of the cave because the third stage had a steep drop if we slip or had a wrong step. We do not want James to have broken bones trying to save us. So we decided not to continue anymore. :(

Aching body after reaching the cave mouth after climbing

This is how we looked like after the spelunking session

Awesome experience. After this we called it a day. Had some dinner and rested our soaring body.

Lumiang Burial Cave

Since it's our first trip to Sagada, we don't really know what kind of things that awaits us there. But one thing for sure, we are on for a lot of walking and hiking. Our first stop of the trip on our Day 1 adventure is the Lumiang Burial Cave.

Going down the Burial Cave 

Half-way through view deck

James a.k.a Awingan told us that we can take our time and tell him if we need to rest for a while. He also told us that this is just a warm up of what's next of our tour. I said to myself.. what this is just a warm up. But I didn't complain out loud because I know that it's part of the adventure. To get tired and walk around. 

Thank God for stairs

The opening of the cave

Some of the old coffins

This is our guide James (Awingan) discussing the History of the cave

During the old days, if someone died in their village, they place them in a wooden coffin and position them in a fetal position then bury them. James said the logic of this was, since we are born in a fetal position, it is normal to return back to the original position when we died. 

Wouh! It's way deep

Below the cave, some of the old coffins that are hanging on the edge already fell off and some of the bones are scattered at the bottom of the cave. We even saw some head on the cave. 

View deck of the cave. Careful. Watch your step.

Up we go, back to the van

Trying to catch some breath

After the Lumiang Burial Cave, we went straight to the Sumaging Cave.