CALLAO CAVE EXPERIENCE

After braving the heat of Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, me and my friends decided to stay for a day in Tuguegarao City. Still hot but we have discovered something worth exploring.

Callao Cave is located in Penablanca, Cagayan - a good 45-1hr tricycle ride (shorter if you have a private car) from Tuguegarao City. Hailing a tricycle from Balzain Highway, we asked the driver to take us to Callao Caves. Luckily, we were only charged P500 for the back and forth travel. I think it would be best to get a tricycle and try to get a good deal with the drivers.

With friends: Eugene, Sheila, Edz, Me and Christine

Before going to the Callao cave, We registered first from the Environmental personnel about 20php each. Sailed a boat with the guide and have nyelpi! :) Crossing the Pinacanauan River of Penablanca

Before we reach the entrance of the Callao cave, we have to conquer hill-way 260 steps up.

Center-point entrance, Near the “divine room” got its name from rock formation resembling a figure of the revered mother and child seen on the second chamber. In fact, an altar and a chapel was built under a huge opening in veneration of this hallowed figure by Catholics. The divine room is probably the most iconic of all chambers in Callao.

Stunning view from the inside-out

Sunlight ray, A beauty UV from the outside

Limestone rocks were probably the first thing noticed by Spanish conquistadores when they first set foot in town, thus, naming the area Penablanca – peña which translates to a rocky outcrop, and blanca meaning white. No resistance from the natives challenged the invaders so they call the village, callado or Callao, which means quiet or peaceful.

Ice Cream load formation :)

CALLAO CAVE

Callao Cave is one of the limestone caves located in the municipality of Peñablanca, Cagayan province, in the Philippines. The seven chamber show cave is one of 300 caves that dot the area and the best known natural tourist attractions of the province. The town is named as Peñablanca (Spanish for white rocks) for the presence of white limestone rocks in the area.

Callao Cave is located in the Barangays of Magdalo and Quibal in Peñablanca about 24 km (15 mi) northeast of Tuguegarao City, the capital of the Province of Cagayan.

Callao and the other caves are situated in the western foothills of the Northern Sierra Madre Mountains of the Philippines. They are situated within the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape, which stretches from the caves to the eastern shores of Peñablanca town in the Pacific Ocean.

Hope you'd enjoy your trip!

#spelunking #tuguegarao #tuguegaraocity #pansitbatilpatong #callao #callaocaves #cagayan #callaocavetransportation