Sumaguing Cave Sagada: A Guide To Spelunking In The Philippines Best Cave System 2024
If you’re looking for an adventure on the island of Luzon head up north to Sagada, boasting one of the largest and deepest cave systems that you can explore in the whole of the Philippines.
Sumaguing Cave Tour will have you clambering over rocks, squeezing through rock formations and walking barefoot through enormous caverns.
We have put together this complete guide to Sumaguing cave with everything you need to know before you go.
Contents
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Where Is Sumaguing Cave Sagada?
You can find Sumaguing Cave in the mountain province of Sagada which is on the Northern Island of Luzon.
The cave itself is a 40 minute walk from the main town in Sagada or you can take a local tourist shuttle bus.
How To Get To Sagada
There are two ways to get to Sagada , the first a direct bus and the second includes a stop in Baguio, known for its cooler climate.
The most convenient is the direct Coda Line Corporation overnight bus, which can take you from Quezon City in Manila, directly to Sagada. You can choose between semi deluxe, no toilet (₽760) and super deluxe buses, with a toilet (₽980), both make stops along the way. The buses all leave in the evening, the timings are 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 10:30pm. We recommend booking your bus with 12Go.
Sagada is also accessible by bus from the city of Baguio (4 hours). If you’re arriving in Manila you will need to get a Victory Liner bus up to Baguio first. Then get a taxi (₽80) to the GL Trans Terminal where you can catch a bus to Sagada (₽220). Please note the last bus of the day leaves at 1pm.
Top Tip: We recommend hiring a car to explore Luzon if you’re a confident driver, there’s so much to see which by bus alone is hard to access.
How To Get From Sagada Town To Sumaging Cave
The tour guide will sort your 10 minute shuttle bus (₽400 for 10 people) to the cave (you can also opt to walk which will take 30-45 minutes).
Sagada Tourism Guidelines
Once in Sagada you need to register at the tourist information centre (₽100) then you can head to any one of the many tour guide organisation offices to get a tour. Some examples are SEGA or SAGGAS however the most up to date information will be given to you at the tourism office.
You need a tour guide for each activity. It goes without saying but never engage services of children for tours. We were also told all tourist vehicles are required to park at their accommodation during their stay and instead tourists need to use the tourism shuttle buses.
There is a focus on the environment in Sagada, they encourage the use of reusable water bottles and bags and of course no littering.
Finally, respect all sacred grounds, refrain from making loud noises and wearing scarce clothing. Refrain from taking photos of elders without permission.
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Travel Insurance That Covers Spelunking
Most travel insurance policies do not include spelunking, leaving you vulnerable to being caught out from injury abroad, make sure to double check your policy before heading into Sumaguing Cave.
Imagine having travel insurance by a company as passionate about adventure as you are, that's exactly why we chose SafetyWing! With their worldwide adventure sports coverage, you know you'll be covered on all of your excursions.
What To Expect From Sumaguing Cave
There are two tour options for the cave
Short Course: 1-2 hours exploring Sumaguing Cave (₽800 for 5 people)
Two Cave Course: If you choose this course you enter through Lumiang Cave and exit out of Sumaguing Cave. 3-4 hours exploration. (₽1500 for 3 people)
Our Experience Of Sumaguing Cave And Sumaguing Cave Description
As you enter the grand cave opening down a series of manmade steps you’ll be greeted by a humongous cavern that feels as though it was carved by giants. Once you’ve entered the opening the steps become uneven rock and you need to take it slow as you make your descent into the cave as it’s slippery and the rocks are jagged.
The start is the hardest part of the tour so if you can manage clambering down the steep rocks you’ll be fine for the rest of the adventure.
Once you’ve made it down into the bottom of the cave you’ll start to look around and notice the different limestone rock formations and bats above you. A few times our guide warned us of the bat guano which you need to avoid touching.
Your guide will instruct you to take off your shoes and you’ll walk barefoot along the rock; it’s not slippery once your shoes are off as the limestone may look smooth but it actually has lots of grip.
You will be shown different shapes in the rocks and admire the underground pools.
One of our favourite parts was walking through the subterranean river. We had to squeeze our bodies between two rocks and cling onto ropes to make our way through the alien world that lies beneath the surface.
You then turn back, after admiring the stalactites, stalagmites & quartz and return back up the slippery steps to the opening. Going back up is way easier then heading down and takes about half the time.
Sumaguing Cave Rock Formations
You have to use your imagination in the cave! Your guides will show you multiple formations along the way such as bears, snakes, elephant heads and even chocolate cake.
The Elephants
Here are supposedly two large elephant heads facing each other.
Sumaguing Cave Common Questions
Sumaguing Cave Entrance Fee?
For up to 5 people the cost for Sumaguing Cave is ₽800, so if you’re a solo traveller ask to join another group.
How Long Does The Sumaguing Cave Tour Take?
The Sumaguing Cave Tour takes around 1-2 hours and the long course including Lumiang Cave takes 3-4 hours.
When To Visit Sumaguing Cave?
You can visit the cave during any season, however if there has been heavy rainfall the cave may close due to safety reasons. Therefore, it’s best to head during the dry season which is November to May.
Do I Need To Be Fit To Visit Sumaguing Cave?
You need a good level of fitness, you will be clambering down rocks, using ropes to help you and walking for around 2 hours.
What To Pack For Sumaguing Cave?
We took our bag down into the cave and it didn’t get too wet, we recommend taking:
Waterproof Camera like a Go Pro or a Waterproof Phone Holder
Sturdy shoes
Clothes you can get wet
Head Torch (The guide has one but an extra won't hurt)
Dry Bag - if you need to carry anything else with you
Do I Need Extra Travel Insurance Coverage For Spelunking Sumaguing Cave?
Most travel insurance policies do not include caving or spelunking in their coverage so make sure to check before heading to Sumaguing Cave. We recommend SafetyWing, with worldwide coverage of over 30 activities including spelunking when you choose their adventure sports add-on.
Will I Get Wet At Sumaguing Cave?
Yes, you may be wading in water up to chest height if you choose to go through the tight area rather than around it. It is possible to try and keep bags dry by holding them over your head but be prepared for everything to get wet. If you don't want to get wet then simply let your guide know.
Is Sumaguing Cave Dangerous?
Potentially! You are navigating a large cave system of rocks, you need to be careful, listen to your guide and make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness. Also, make sure your travel insurance covers your activity, SafetyWing's adventure sports add-on will make sure you're covered!
Other Caves We Loved In The Philippines
The Philippines is teaming with some of the most beautiful cave systems in the world from huge grand entrances to really tight spaces. One of our favourite cave explorations was Cantabon Cave on the Island of Siquijor. and the other that stood out was Tayangban Cave on Siargao especially due to the crystal clear pool at the end.
Best Places To Stay Sagada
Sagada Mountain Province holds a special place in our hearts. We truly found a home away from home here and loved our time spent in the mountains and above the clouds. There are lots of accommodation options and we recommend you find somewhere that is walkable to the tourist information centre where you’ll register and sort tours. One of Sagada’s rules is you have to use their local transport to get to the attractions meaning a local hotel or hostel is vital.
We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
Below is a list of top accommodations we recommend for Sagada Mountain Province:
Top Things To Do In Sagada
There’s so much to do in Sagada especially if you enjoy hiking. You could easily spend a week here exploring every nook and cranny and learning about the unique culture of the elders in the village. Here’s our top picks:
Top Pick: Marlboro Sea Of Clouds
Worth the early morning wake up, you can experience the famous sea of clouds on top of Marlboro Hill.
Can’t Miss: Sumaguing Cave
Go spelunking in one of The Philippines biggest caves, see different rock formations, subterranean rivers and explore the underground world of Sagada.
Best Waterfall: Bomod-ok Falls
Something still on our list as it was closed due to a burial ceremony when we visited. We were told this is the best waterfall in Sagada by our guide and host.
Off The Beaten Track: Bessang Pass
Fancy an adventure? Why not drive the Bessang Pass to or from Sagada. A winding mountain road with incredible views which is slightly nail-biting.
Other Things To Do In Sagada
Pongas Falls
Lumiang Cave
Essential Travel Items You Need
 | Lifestraw - Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Jungle Formula - High Deet Mosquito Spray The weak sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high deet percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes. |
 | Water Shoes - Lightweight with Protection Stay protected from Sea Urchins with these, also useful for snorkelling, waterfall hikes and more. We also love our Microfibre Towels and Dry Bag. |
 | Universal Travel Adaptor With Multiple USBs Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country... game changer. |
Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
If you’re visiting the Philippines here are our top travel tips:
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don't forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
Agree on taxi prices upfront - when getting into a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, make sure you agree on a price or they have a meter, so many tourists get ripped off with a huge price tag at the end of the ride.
Take it slow - don't feel the need to see all the islands, we recommend picking a few and doing them properly. See the island in full, find some locals and sing Karaoke..
Embrace the chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
For a checklist of what's needed to pack for your trip, read: How to Pack for Backpacking to South East Asia: Backpacking Essentials and Accessories
Reliable Travel Insurance - essential if you're thinking of doing adventurous activities such as Spelunking. We use SafetyWing with their new worldwide adventure sport coverage!
We love our DJI Mini for all of our drone shots!
Final Thoughts on Sumaguing Cave
Boasting the largest cave system to explore in the Philippines Sagada is not a place to be missed. while you're staying there we recommend a visit to Sumaguing Cave, to spend a morning splunking and soaking up some of the best limestone rock formations and enjoying the adventure.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat
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