It took some time to visit more provinces in the Philippines because I was preoccupied with visiting other countries. After a trip to Zamboanga City and Basilan, my desire to visit more provinces in my home country returned. Next up on my list was Nueva Vizcaya.
I joined a group tour to get more out of my trip to Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija (a province I've been to before but was eager to revisit).
Exploring Capisaan Caves
It had been some years since the last time I went caving. The earlier times were memorable experiences of a younger me. I didn't know much about Capisaan Caves, but I was eager for a new adventure. When we arrived at Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, it was cold. I didn't think it would be that cold and didn't bother bringing a jacket. I imagined the possibly freezing temperatures when we would get wet inside the cave. Thankfully, we ate a warm breakfast and had warm/hot drinks before starting.
At the jump-off point, our guides gave a brief introduction and discussion of safety practices before our caving experience. After a few photos in front of the entrance, we were off.
We were already wet during the first few minutes of caving. I didn't feel as cold as I thought I'd be when we dipped into one of the cave's pools. On a side note, the cave system is one of the longest in the Philippines at approximately 4.2 kilometers. Our group wasn't going to visit the cave's entire length but only a section of it. Our guides told us it would take around three hours (including rests and photo ops, the latter taking the longest time) to finish.
Like many of the caves I've been to, Capisaan provided beautiful rock formations. You'd have to use your imagination though.
Some sections of the cave required wading through waist or chest level high water. There was a short section where the water is deep enough to submerge your whole body in. There were roped sections for steep parts as well. If I remember correctly, I found the cave connection in Sagada more difficult than this one. However, the stalactite and stalagmite and rock formations inside Capisaan were more beautiful and varied.
What's a trip with fellow Filipinos without numerous photo ops? :))
Caving in Capisaan was an overall fun experience. It had been a long time since the last time I joined a joiner trip.
Checking Out Imugan Falls
Located in Sante Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, Imugan Falls was our next stop. At this point, it had been a long day of caving and getting wet inside a cave. Thankfully, the way to the waterfall was paved and easy. There were not steep inclines and descents, mostly flat surface through a cool and shaded path. We walked past a few houses and home gardens. The views were scenic and bucolic.
Our group reached the falls. It was too cold (at least for me) to take a dip into the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. We all settled for taking photos of and with it. The waterfall measured around 30 feet high and provided a picturesque appearance. A trip to Imugan Falls was a fine end to a day of adventure. I booked a tour with Lieunice Travel & Tours, The guide was excellent and I liked the itinerary. They mixed in a few cultural and historic spots with nature day trips. You can easily find them on Facebook.
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