The Majestic Longog Cave of Kapangan
Longog Cave in Kapangan, Benguet is probably the most popular among the spelunking destinations in the municipality. This article will serve as a primer to the majestic Longog Cave in Kapangan.
Contents
Location
- Balakbak, Kapangan, Benguet
DENR Cave Classification
Class II (DENR Memorandom Circular No. 2016-05). Cave is with areas or portions which have hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, archeological, cultural, historical, and biological values or high quality ecosystem. It may be necessary to close sections of these caves seasonally or permanently. It is open to experienced cavers or guided educational tours/visits.
A Guide to the Majestic Longog Cave of Kapangan
The municipality of Kapangan in Benguet, like all the places in the Cordillera, is blessed with bountiful and beautiful nature. Bodies of water, fertile land, forests, and mountains are but some which makes visitors love this place. The place easily attracts tourists as it is about 45 kilometers away from Baguio City.
Lately, the caves within their area of responsibility are being explored for tourism purposes. Longog Cave, an easily accessible spelunking destination, is probably the most popular among the caves there. This article will discuss the basics is going to the majestic Longog Cave in Kapangan.
The cave is located at the foot of Mt. Dakiwagan and has a number of entrance and an egress points as mentioned in the official government website (www.benguet.gov.ph). Its about 10-15 minutes away from the provincial road. Moreover, one must need to pass through a hanging [foot] bridge.
According to the provincial government site, the scenic views inside the cave include a massive complex of rock columns and pillars that make the floors and ceiling more attractive. Further, the page cites that intact stalactites and stalagmites are captivating by themselves.
Like other caves in CAR and Region II (Capisaan Cave, Aran Cave, San Carlos Cave), Longog Cave has a crystal clear pool inside. The following embedded image shows a tranquil subterranean haven.
The Kapangan Tourism Facebook page also released an image in their page depicting a multi-tiered stone formation.
The LGU-Kapangan Facebook page also released in their account an image showing multi-colored stone formations. Some of which even resemble a milk and chocolate spread.
Longog Cave is also a part of the annual Christmas ed Kapangan tourism program, along with other local tourist destination, of the municipality.
To satisfy your curiosity of this enchanting subterranean place, please do visit it if you have the means.
Contact Person/Group
- Kapangan Tourism Facebook page
- Municipal Tourism Office address: Lomon, Paykek
- Municipal contact number: +63 998 577 6058; +63 907 705 4401
- LGU: (074) 619-0120
Registration/Guide Fees
- [Will be updated once information is available.]
How to Get to Longog Cave
- From outside Cordillera [lowlands]
- Get to Baguio City: Commute going to Baguio City thru a bus, though vans and jeepneys are also available among nearby municipalities. Fare depends on your origin. There are a lot of buses going up to Baguio City such a Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Joybus, minibuses from Region 1, etc. From Baguio City, transfer to a bus or PUJ bound to Kapangan.
- Baguio City to Kapangan: Commute either using bus or jeepney.
- Dakiwagan Bus and Dangwa Bus: Both are stationed at Dangwa terminal at the back of Baguio Centermall. Of the limited trips in a day, the earliest trip for both buses is at 5:30-6:00AM. Dakiwagan’s next trips are 10:30AM, and 3:00PM. Dangwa’s succeeding trips are 9:00AM, 10:30AM, 12:00NN, and 5:00PM. Both buses and PUJs are stationed at Dangwa Station at the back of Baguio Centermall.
- If you are in La Trinidad, you may want to wait fort the above buses in their stop overs in Marosan’s Restaurant and New Moon Restaurant (not sure which bus stops at which resto though) in Shilan at least 30 minutes interval from their departure time in Baguio City.
- Inform the conductor to drop you at Balakbak or Beling-Belis and that you would like to go to Longog Cave.
Any fees, scheduled trips, routes, or facilities mentioned here are subject to change according to existing and current government, private, or association rules.
Notable Nearby Caves
- Dangwa Cave
- Bulalacao Cave (Bolinsak Cave)
- Kibatay Cave
Reminders
- Be early in going to Kapangan if you plan on going back to Baguio City on the same day.
- Get in touch with the local government unit and to verify any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them time to prepare especially if you are going there as a group.
- Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
- Always practice leave-no-trace principle. I have to highlight to please not leave anything inside, do not vandalize, and do not take any physical memento from the cave. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
- DO NOT TOUCH the stone formations inside so that their growth will not be disrupted.
- Wear appropriate and comfortable non-slip, close-toed rubber shoes.
- Water! Yes, you’ll need it especially if you go there during summer time.
References
DENR Memorandom Circular No. 2016-05. Additional list of classified caves [pdf file]. Retrieved on 22 August 2019 from https://server2.denr.gov.ph/uploads/rmdd/dmc-2016-05.pdf
www.benguet.gov.ph. (n. d.). Municipality of Kapangan: Attactions. Retrieved on 22 August 2019 from https://benguet.gov.ph/index.php/municipalities/municipality-of-kapangan/attraction.
Embedded Images
Kapangan Tourism. (2019 August 08). Longog Cave (Balakbak & Beleng-Belis) [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 August 17 from https://www.facebook.com/kapangantourism/photos/a.106327580722049/106324344055706/?type=3&theater
LGU-Kapangan. (2018 October 17). Pakaabangan po sa ABS-CBN TV Patrol North Luzon ang pag-feature nila sa isa sa ipinagmamalaki ng ating bayan, ang Longog Cave na matatagpuan sa Barangay Beleng-belis at Barangay Balakbak [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 August 17 from https://www.facebook.com/lgukapangan/photos/pcb.1711564928969401/1711562998969594/?type=3&theater
Neo Jay Garcia. (2018 January 08). Longog cave [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 August 17 from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=921908907985984&set=a.921906414652900&type=3&theater
Disclaimer: As much as we want to give the most accurate information for the readers, change will always occur (e.g., contact number, transportation, fees, etc.). With this, please do comment below any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Iyaman!
