Manacota Cave and Underground River: Apayao’s Pride

The Manacota Cave and Underground River in Marag, Luna, Apayao has amassed a horde of admirers as it boasts scenic path to the entrance, crystal clear water, underground river, and a beautiful cave.

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Location

• Marag, Luna, Apayao, Philippines

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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.

Manacota Cave and Underground River

The Manacota Cave and Underground River in Marag, Luna, Apayao has amassed a horde of admirers as it boasts a scenic path to the entrance, crystal clear water, and a beautiful cave.

A 20-minute hike upstream and you’ll reach this place of wonder. This cave hides numerous chambers of crystalline and untouched stalactites and stalagmites. This wonder is not yet fully explored. In comparison to Lussok cave, Manacota cave and Underground River is more of a body of water than a the cave portion. 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.

Tourists need to walk up to the entrance of the cave, passing through the river several times. At the entrance of the cave, a boat will charter them to the best part of the adventure.

Since the area is a new tourist destination site and is strictly being preserved by the government and the locals, the flora and fauna is flourishing. Fishes were evident in the Manacota Underground River as well as bats and other insects that prove sustained life in its cave (Sunstar, 2017).

The following two images are taken by Dr. Tony Corado about four years ago in his journey through the underground river. The first image depicts the wooden makeshift raft outside the the underground river (Corado, 2016a). As of now, a boat is being used in navigating the underground river.

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The image below shows a portion of the rock formations inside the cave. This is another work of Dr. Antonio Corado (2016b). The site has around 12-meter deep pool of pure, refreshing, cool water perfect for swimming and diving.

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Stalactites and stalagmites are also abundant inside the cave. Rock formations of different forms will usually be highlighted by your guide. The following images shows one of the rock formations inside the cave (Napiya NGA Apayao, 2016).

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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

• Tour guide fee: Php200.00 (1 tour guide for every 5 tourists)
• Entrance fee: Php20.00
• Environmental fee: Php20.00

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 Manacota 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 Poblacion 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 and underground river 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.

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Nearby Caves/Underground Rivers

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

End note:

First, most of the images used as embeds are from Doc. Tony Corado. I will forever be thankful for him for that. I salute you Doc! You can follow his works on his blogspot, Philippine Exotic Travel Destination Facebook page, photography FB page, and YouTube account.

Second, 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. One of the local drivers is Hilsgregor Caluducan at +63 977 826 9858 for your transportation needs. Other local individuals or entrepreneurs may comment their contact details if they want.

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References

DENR Memorandom Circular No. 2016-05. Additional list of classified caves [pdf file]. Retrieved on 2019 November 17 from https://server2.denr.gov.ph/uploads/rmdd/dmc-2016-05.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.

Sunstar. (2017 May 13). DENR Cordillera launches 1st cave summit. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 2019 from https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstar-baguio/20170513/281505046140598 .

Embedded Images

Corado, A. (2016a April 3). [In Apayao Tourism Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 19 from https://www.facebook.com/apayaotourismoffice/photos/a.1584699835154395/1584699908487721/?type=3&theater

Corado, A. (2016b April 3). [In Apayao Tourism Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 19 from https://www.facebook.com/apayaotourismoffice/photos/a.1584699835154395/1584699888487723/?type=3&theater

Napiya NGA Apayao. (2016 March 21). [Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 19 from https://www.facebook.com/NapiyaNgaApayao/photos/pcb.1010275529066632/1010268652400653/?type=3&theater

Header Image

Corado, A. (2016b April 3). [In Apayao Tourism Facebook status update]. Retrieved on 2019 Nov 19 from https://www.facebook.com/apayaotourismoffice/photos/a.1584699835154395/1584699888487723/?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!