Lussok Cave and Underground River

The majestic Lussok cave and underground river is now one of the biggest eco-tourism sites in Luna, Apayao, the last forest frontier in the Cordilleras. The adventure in Lussok Cave, which means “to come into” (Catajan, 2017), has two parts: going through the underground river by boat and exploring the cave on foot.

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Location

• Dagupan, Luna, Apayao, Philippines

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Cave Characteristics

• Spelunking duration: An hour (easy route) to three hours (difficult route), possibly shorter or longer depending on your pace and chosen route.
• Mineral deposit formations: Abundant.
• Underground river: Yes. Explored by boat.
• Bat population: Few to moderate.
• Multichamber: Yes.
• Human artefacts: None discovered yet.
• Cave floor fill (aside from stone formations): It is commonly stone; if not, its water. Other than that, there are soil, mud, guano, and pebbles.
• DENR Cave Classification: II (DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2014-03). 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. .

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Lussok Cave and Underground River

Lussok cave and underground river is now one of the biggest eco-tourism sites in Luna, Apayao, the last forest frontier in the Cordilleras. The adventure in Lussok Cave, which means “to come into” (Catajan, 2017), has two parts: going through the underground river by boat and exploring the cave on foot.

Visiting the site starts by exploring the underground river via boat. Only about a hundred meters of the underground river is accessible (Abille, 2016). A boat ride is necessary unlike other nearby caves with subterranean rivers such as the Aran cave in Tuba, Longog cave in Kapangan, Diadyan cave in Quirino Province, San Carlos cave in Cagayan Valley, and Capisaan Cave in Nueva Vizcaya. Throughout the boat ride in the underground river, rock formations will totally astound you with colorful rock formations. Unlike to its counterpart in Palawan, at the end of the boat ride, you can explore the different chambers of the cave on foot. In total, the boat ride through the river and spelunking in the cave boasts around 200 meter journey (Catajan, 2017).

You have an option to take the easy, medium or difficult route on the cave after the underground river depending on your pace and spelunking experience. The easy spelunking route goes around an hour along undemanding paths. The difficult route can take around three hours through crevices and rappelling rock walls.

Stalactites and stalagmites are also abundant inside the cave. Rock formations of different forms will usually be highlighted by your guide.

Below is an image of the underground river near its entrance. It is noticeable, like most subterranean bodies of water, that it has a teal color when proper light and angle is used.

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The following stunning images are taken by Adrian Joaquin. (You can check his adventures on his IG account @adz.ventures).

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Contact Person/Group

• Rebekah Mamba (Provincial Tourism Officer): +63 927 241 7343
• Email: apayaotourism@gmail.com
• Facebook Page: Apayao Tourism

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Registration/Guide Fees

• Guide fee: Php120.00 per head.
• Parking fee: Php25.00.
• Slippers: Available
• Knee and elbow pads rental: None
• Shower facility: Available at the registration area.

Any fees, scheduled trips, routes, or facilities mentioned here are subject to change according to existing and current government, private, or association rules.

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How to Get to to Lussok Cave and Underground River

• By land from Manila: Take a Florida Bus or RCJ Bus going to Junction Luna in Abulug, Cagayan. Their terminals are both located in Sampaloc Manila and Cubao. Travel time takes around 12 hours via Tuguegarao and 14 hours via Ilocos. At Junction Luna terminal, transfer to a tricycle going to Poblacion Luna, approximately 10 minute ride (d’Lunanians, 2019).

• By air via Laoag: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Laoag daily from Manila, travel time is an hour. From laoag International Airport, there are tricyles and public jeepneys that can take you to Laog City proper where you can catch any bus going to Junction Luna. travel time takes four to five hours. Get off at Junction Luna in Abulug Cagayan and transfer to a tricyle going to Pobalcion Luna, approximately 10 minute ride (d’Lunanians, 2019).

• By air via Tuguegarao: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Tuguegarao daily from Manila, travel time is an hour. From Tuguegarao Airport, get a tricycle to take you to bus or van terminal going to Junction Luna in Abulug Cagayan. Travel time is around three hours. Get off at Junction Luna in Abulug Cagayan and transfer to a tricyle going to Poblacion Luna, approximately 10 minute ride (d’Lunanians, 2019).

Any fees, scheduled trips, routes, or facilities mentioned here are subject to change according to existing and current government, private, or association rules.

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Reminders

• 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. Always treat nature with respect.
• The activity is arduous, thus bring enough water to quench your thirst.
• It is highly advisable to check if the road is closed or if the cave is temporarily closed. This is common during rainy season or after days of heavy rain.
• Wear a comfortable non-slip rubber foot wear.
• Get a complete extra set of clothes to change to after the activity.
• Since there is a subterranean river inside, bring zip bags for your gadgets. Also, consider re-scheduling your activity if there had been a continuous heavy rain in the area.
• Do not change your chosen route on site from easy to difficult. This will take toll on the guides. Taking the difficult route will require lesser number of participants per guide. It entails closer supervision due to increased risks.

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Other Notable Caves/Underground River:

• Manacota cave and underground river
• Alabang cave
• Banselan cave
• Purit cave

End note: As much I am an advocate in being fair, I still believe in going local when hiring transportation and buying goods. This will definitely help the local economy even at the smallest degree. In relation to this, I would like to suggest contacting Hilsgregor Caluducan at +63 977 826 9858 for your transportation needs. Other local individuals or entrepreneurs may comment their contact details if they want. [This is not a paid advert].

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References

Abille, I. (2016 April 01). 3 hidden gems of Apayao. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 17 from https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/v2/04/01/16/3-hidden-gems-of-apayao

Catajan, M. E. (2017 April 24). Apayao Underground River attracting tourists. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 17 from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/138485/Business/Apayao-Underground-River-attracting-tourists

DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2014-03. List of additional classified caves [pdf file]. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 17 from https://server2.denr.gov.ph/uploads/rmdd/dmc-2014-03.pdf

d’Lunanians. (2019). How to get here. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 17 from http://lunaapayao.gov.ph/index.php/2012-03-25-06-12-32/2012-03-26-21-06-03/how-to-get-here.

Embedded Image

Corado, A. (2016 April 3). Lussok cave. In Apayao Tourism (Facebook status update). Retrieved on 2019 Nov 17 from https://www.facebook.com/apayaotourismoffice/photos/a.1584559578501754/1584735868484125/?type=3&theater

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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!