In our hope to see the 7-chambered Callao Caves and its stalactites and stalagmites, we had the most memorable and scary adventure our life!
Mistake # 1 Despite the reminder of the hotel personnel that we cannot reach the Callao caves since it was already 4 pm and it was monsoon season, my lady friend and I boarded a jeep for a 20 minute ride to Callao. We almost forgot that jeeps in the provinces do not leave until they were full. Thus, we waited for around 20 minutes before the jeep left the terminal.
Mistake #2 When we reached the area, my coworker and I crossed the Pinacanauan river at dusk, armed only with 2 candles and a match. (talk about preparedness!) A boy was helpful enough to paddle the banca for us and bring us to the entrance of the cave.
We were hoping to see the 1st chamber which was turned into a chapel by townfolks but we turned back after some 40 slippery steps because it was too dark to go inside the chamber.
We were waiting for a return jeep to Tuguegarao but townfolk said that no jeep goes to the city after 6pm. We were prepared to sleep in a cottage nearby but the owner of the sari-sari store (a mini grocery store) said that the caretaker has already left for the night.
Thus, we commissioned some local men having a drinking spree to drive us back to town in a jeep. We paid P400 and that 45 minute ride was the longest ride of my life! I even scoured my wallet to see if I brought my office Identification Card in case something bad happened to me.
Before leaving the place, we were rewarded by the circadian flight of bats.You'll know they're coming because of the fluttering noise and that icky smell.
Next time, remind us to go via a local tour group so we can go spelunking or kayaking! The next day, we headed to church and thanked the Virgin Mary for saving us during her bday (Sept 8). Leave a Comment
Directions: 20-30 minutes by jeep from Tuguegarao City Barangays Bagabba and Quibal
on October 16, 2002
on September 1, 2005
