Wowcordillera - The opening of Tataya-en Cave has given travelers one more reason to visit the mountain town of Sagada. Hidden beneath the limestone mountains between Barangays Ankileng and Balugan, this remarkable cave features stunning rock formations and an underground river, making it one of the newest eco-tourism attractions in the Cordillera.
If you're planning a visit, here's everything you need to know about getting there.
Step 1: Travel to Sagada
Tataya-en Cave is located in the municipality of Sagada, Mountain Province, around 275 kilometers north of Metro Manila.
From Manila
There are several ways to reach Sagada:
By Bus (Most Convenient)
Take an overnight bus from Manila to Sagada. Major bus companies offer direct trips that usually depart in the evening, allowing you to arrive in Sagada the following morning. The journey typically takes 10 to 12 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
By Private Vehicle
If you're driving, the most common route is:
Manila → Tarlac → Nueva Ecija → Nueva Vizcaya → Ifugao → Mountain Province → Sagada
The drive usually takes around 9 to 11 hours, with breathtaking mountain scenery along the way.
Step 2: Register at the Sagada Tourism Office
Before visiting Tataya-en Cave, all tourists should register at the Sagada Tourism Office.
Registration helps local authorities manage visitor numbers, promote sustainable tourism, and ensure that every group is accompanied by an accredited local guide.
Since Tataya-en Cave is a newly opened attraction, it's a good idea to ask about:
- Tour schedules
- Entrance and guide fees
- Safety requirements
- Weather advisories
- Availability of the underground boat experience
Step 3: Travel to the Jump-Off Point
After registration, you'll travel to the cave's designated jump-off point, located near Barangays Ankileng and Balugan.
Depending on your tour arrangement, you may reach the area by:
- Tourist van
- Tricycle
- Private vehicle
Your local guide will accompany you from the jump-off point to the cave entrance.
Step 4: Enter Tataya-en Cave
The adventure begins with a guided trek to the cave entrance before descending into an incredible underground world.
Inside, visitors can expect:
- Massive limestone chambers
- Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites
- Crystal-clear underground waters
- Cool cave temperatures
- An unforgettable underground boat ride through the cave's river
The experience combines caving, nature appreciation, and eco-tourism in one exciting adventure.
What to Bring
To make your visit more comfortable, consider bringing:
- Non-slip hiking or trekking shoes
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Extra shirt and shorts
- Waterproof bag for gadgets
- Drinking water
- Headlamp or flashlight (if recommended by your guide)
- Small towel
- Camera or action camera (only where permitted)
Safety Tips
Tataya-en Cave is a protected natural area, so visitors should help preserve its beauty by following these guidelines:
- Always stay with your accredited guide.
- Never touch or break cave formations.
- Avoid littering or leaving anything behind.
- Follow designated paths and safety instructions.
- Respect wildlife and keep noise to a minimum.
Responsible tourism helps ensure that future generations can enjoy this remarkable natural wonder.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season generally offers safer trail conditions and a more comfortable cave experience. During periods of heavy rainfall, tours may be suspended for visitor safety because underground water levels can rise quickly.
Before your trip, check with the Sagada Tourism Office for the latest weather updates and tour availability.
Make the Most of Your Sagada Adventure
Since you're already in Sagada, consider extending your stay to explore some of the town's iconic attractions, including the Hanging Coffins, Sumaguing Cave, Echo Valley, Bomod-ok Falls, Marlboro Hills, and the many cafés and local restaurants that make Sagada one of the Philippines' favorite mountain destinations.
Tataya-en Cave is more than just a new attraction—it's another reason to slow down, explore responsibly, and discover the hidden wonders that make Sagada truly unforgettable.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment