You'll never know until you see. Caves are always tied with surprises. You will not truly learn unless you experience it. It was my third caving experience. My first was at Enchanted Cave, Bolinao, Pangasinan. It was followed by caving experience at one of the islands with cave in Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. I'll post them soon. Promise! :)
This is my fourth post as it is the fourth destination in our half a day Antipolo road trip.
Fun Facts
- So let's start with what are caves?
- A cave is a natural opening in the ground extending beyond the zone of light and large enough to permit the entry of man.
- Some are found in cliffs at the edge of the coastline, chipped away by the relentless pounding of waves.
- What is the study of caves called?
- speleology (from the Greek words spelaion for cave and logos for study)
- What are the fanciful features of caves?
- speleothems -> rock formations that droop from the ceilings like icicles, emerge from the floor like mushrooms, and cover the sides like sheets of a waterfall; form as the carbon dioxide in the acidic water escapes in the airiness of the cave and the dissolved calcite hardens once again
- stalactites -> icicle-shaped formations; form as water drips from the cave roof
- stalagmites -> grow up from the floor, usually from the water that drips off the end of stalactites
- columns -> form where stalactites and stalagmites join
- flowstones -> sheets of calcite growths on cave walls and floor
- helictites -> twisty shapes warp in all directions from the ceiling, walls, and floor
Sources: http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/usgsnps/cave/cave.html and http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/surface-of-the-earth/caves-article/
Inside the Mystical Cave are many images implied by the formations. There were faces of Jesus and Mama Mary. There were heart image and angels. This cave is 8-level deep. With the holy figures and biblical images naturally formed or carved to its walls, Mystical Cave will be always one of the destinations during the lenten season. The cave has seven (7) floors more but tourists are only allowed in the first floor.
Mystical Cave was discovered by Inday Nelly Deles. She discovered it through dreams. The tour guide who happens to be a seven year old girl told us that Inday Nelly was dreaming about the cave even before she came to Antipolo. They named it Mystical Cave because of the mysterious rock formations that are similar to some of the important things that happened in the bible. Indeed, caves are full of mysteries.
Mystical cave is so far the best cave I've explored. It was cold inside. The cave is near a quarrying site where raw materials to form cement are extracted. #chemeng
How to Go There
- From Antipolo City, ride a tricycle for a special trip. It costs around Php150.00 but you can divide the expense with those travelling along. They can be dropped along the way.
- From Antipolo town proper, you can take the Cogeo bound jeepney. Take off at Cogeo market. From there, you can take another jeepney bound to Paenaan. Minimum fares apply. Just ask the driver to drop you off at the street going to the quarry site, it's about 1 km. after Padilla. At drop off, the place looks deserted. You can feel that you are lost by then. Hike until you reach the mystical cave point. You will see many tricycle drivers in front of it. If feeling lost, ask. Also, at Padilla, you can rent a tricycle that will bring you to the Mystical Cave.
Exploring
Upon reaching the "checkpoint" i.e. between the trail you must hike and entrance to cave, the caretakers will ask for entrance fee. It includes a tour guide inside the cave. Touring is by batch. You will wait for some visitors to be with. Entrance fee is 40 php per head.
Do not be like me. I was not in proper attire since I was dressed up for the next destination (and next blog post), Pinto Art Museum. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. You will do a lot of walking. Also, hydrate! :)
Outside the cave (again)...
Spotted this cutie...
There's rest room, rest area, and waiting area...
You should be prepared for the hike...
Blood stone for sale outside...
Though my photos really don't give justice to the cave's beauty and splendor, I am posting this to share the beauty of the Philippines.
As always, I will post more soon. <3
As always, I will post more soon. <3
My next post will be the Pinto Art Museum.
hi, what time kayo nagpunta ng cave? until what time sya open and ilang hours for the trip to complete? thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi! open sya til 4PM last time. 30 mins nalibot na po naming ung cave :) you may check this itinerary
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