Callao cave is a proof of the wonderful creations on earth. Going to the cave is also challenging. It is off the road so you need your own car or rent a tricycle. Then you also have to take the stairs of almost 200 steps going up to the entrance of the cave. Entrance fee is P20 which is fairly cheap. There is also a restroom at the entrance, There are some people there that offer themselves as tourist guide but you can explore the cave on your own.There is small chapel inside the cave and we were lucky enough to attend a mass. Inside the cave was very dark but there are a few lights but you still need to bring a flashlight because there are some areas that has no light. The cave is huge and long. In some areas, you have to go up and its wet and slippery so you have to careful. At the far end of the cave, there is a wall with bird nests. There are several amazing rock formations inside the cave such as the Lion's head and an angel. This is must-see attraction if you are in Cagayan
Callao Cave is a cave with seven chambers located on the Province of Cagayan, in the Philippines. It is one of the best known tourist attractions of the province. It is located in Barangays Magdalo and Quibal, Peñablanca, near Tuguegarao City, the capital city of the Province of Cagayan.(Wikipedia) We visited the cave on my holiday to the Philippines last Dec 2012 and it our first time to be in this place. We arrived early morning and the collector for entrance fee is not available so we went for free :) you can explore the cave without any tourist guide but because its our first time we ask one. The cave has a chapel inside.
One of the best experiences a first-timer in Tuguegarao must do is to visit the Callao caves in the nearby town of Peñablanca. It is about an hour drive from the City, even a tricycle may be hired to take you there. After a short boat ride in the calm waters of the river, you will reach its base. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water, you might need it after braving the almost 200 steps going to the caves. There are very helpful guides who will tell you about the caves and who will accompany you through its accessible chambers. It is a sight to behold! The makeshift chapel in one of its chambers will make you want to get married there!
This cave is a must visit when in Cagayan, look for Gerald our tourist guide, his very good, fun and excellent photographer , just give him a tip because they don't have salary or allowance as a tourist guide in Callao cave.
You definitely have to visit this place if you're in the vicinity of Tuguegarao. It's around 30mins drive from the city and will need to walk a few steps (184 steps up the mountain) to reach the cave. A guide will walk you through the cave and will give you the history of the region. It is a very nice attraction without the need to hike a long way.
Callao Cave is a must visit destination in the Philippines. However, if you plan to go there then you must a lot of time since transportation to and from the cave is scarce unless you have the money to hire the whole tricycle. In my case, since i have to leave Cagayan early that day and since i went there alone, i decided to rent a tricycle for P700 for my trip.Tips for the travelers: 1. hire a guide. they have extensive knowledge about the cave. and they can be good photographers as well. 2. do not wear dark colored shirts. since it is dark inside the cave, light colored shirts is advisable. also, wear comfortable shoes as it can get slippery inside.
The cave is less than an hour trip from Tuguegarao airport and can be reached by van or car. You need to climb 183 steps to get to the top. Once there, everything else is easier provided you check your steps transferring from one chamber to the other. There is an altar, church pew for masses held every Friday and other special days. The cave has a cool atmosphere and is best to be visited midday or early afternoon. There is a toilet / comfort room located at the ground floor so be sure to visit it before climbing up. There are trained staff or students that serve as guides for those who would want to know more about the cave and the guides have ready camera tricks to teach for those who wish to get beautiful shots of the cave. Make sure you have flashlights and ready water if you wish to explore the chambers on a longer period. The parking area is near the entrance and there are small stalls that offers chips, candies and drinks. The Cave has been used for wedding events and its lay out makes it more beautiful and serene inside. It is really a must to see it while in Tuguegarao
I've been here ever since I was a child and this place is wonderful. The walk is very long (in my case lol) but it's actually worth it. The scenery is very calming and breath taking and the inside is both dim and well-lit. It's a bit hard and challenging inside the cave but it's actually a good time to adventurous people. There are so many bats inside and they will fly around as you roam around while riding a boat.
A must see in Cagayan!my first time to see a chapel inside a cave. It was amazing,marvelous and wonderful work of nature. Entrance fee is only Php 20.00 or $.50 cents (yeah,that cheap) but far better than any other cave in the world. Going up, you have to take the 183 ladder steps but boy, the view up there was the Cagayan river and green fields all over. Locals said that there were some few movies that were already shot in the cave. If you are in Cagayan or Tuguegarao, you should drop by and visit the cave.
Absolutely great experience. The caves are about 45 min drive from Tuguegarao by car. It is an eco-tourism experience and you have a guide who accepts a voluntary donation for their services. You climb up the 184 steps and reach the very beautiful caves. There are many resting spots along the stairs if you are not very fit. There are several chambers, each very beautiful. Our guide was Wilbur and he was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We went just before sunset as it was the only time we could fit the trip in but it was still worth it. We got some lovely sunset views over the river from the steps and down by the river. Worth the trip and was really glad I went.