The Exciting Manacota Cave and Underground River

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MANACOTA CAVE AND
UNDERGROUND RIVER

Photo from: http://www.philippines-travels.com/index.php/places/luzon-northern/apayao/

The Manacota Cave and Underground River in Marag, Luna, Apayao has amassed a horde of admirers as it boasts a scenic path to the entrance, crystal clear water, and a beautiful cave.

A 20-minute hike upstream and you’ll reach this place of wonder. This cave hides numerous chambers of crystalline and untouched stalactites and stalagmites. This wonder is not yet fully explored. In comparison to Lussok cave, Manacota cave and Underground River is more of a body of water than a the cave portion. A boat ride is necessary unlike other nearby caves with subterranean rivers such as the Aran cave in Tuba, Longog cave in Kapangan, Diadyan cave in Quirino Province, San Carlos cave in Cagayan Valley, and Capisaan Cave in Nueva Vizcaya.

Tourists need to walk up to the entrance of the cave, passing through the river several times. At the entrance of the cave, a boat will charter them to the best part of the adventure.

Since the area is a new tourist destination site and is strictly being preserved by the government and the locals, the flora and fauna is flourishing. Fishes were evident in the Manacota Underground River as well as bats and other insects that prove sustained life in its cave. Read More: https://pinoyspelunker.com/manacota-cave-and-underground-river/

Photo from: http://www.slippersandshades.com/apayao-road-trip-part-3-manacota-cave-and-underground-river-the-last-jewel-to-explore/

Before you reach this simple paradise called Manacota Cave and Underground River, you have to walk for 40 minutes wherein you will pass through series of small rivers connected to the cave.

This wonderful work of nature has 3 attractions to offer. First is the underground river. Second is the main cave, although we did not tried to enter the cave because you have to climb against the rocks only with the use of a rope. And third is the small falls at the end of the underground river where you can take a dip on the water after a long walk.

The boat that we used upon entering the underground river is a little bit scary because it does not have any balancing beams. But the primary reason is for the boat to be able to enter small pathways and passages in between stones and rock formations.

After the short and relaxing ride on the boat while enjoying the view of century old stalactites you’ll finally see the picturesque beauty of this little falls and a short river connecting the falls to the underground river. Crystal clear and icy cool waters will welcome you as you take your first step down the boat. Indeed it will be a relaxing experience for travelers as you may take a dip or swim on the cool waters after a long walk going to this little paradise. Read More: http://distanttaraveller4apayao.blogspot.com/

Photo from: https://boyplakwatsa.com/author/boyplakwatsa/page/3/

Shooting the rapids is a common attraction all over the country, but have you ever tried it inside a cave like the Manacota Cave and Underground River? Travelers who want to try out this extreme activity are accompanied by a couple of boatmen wherein one steers through narrow crevices with a single blade paddle while the other holds on to the stern to keep the boat balanced. The river spans 700m of a crystal-clear water in Marag Valley. On a good day, various species of fish can be sighted swimming along such as tilapia, carp, eel, and palilang. The water level depends on the weather conditions—it can rise as high as 30 to 40 feet during heavy rains and storms, which explains the presence of lodged trunks and branches at the cave’s ceiling. Read More: https://explora.ph/attraction/1051/manacota-underground-river