Spelunking at Tukang Cave, Benguet
Hungry for adventure as ever, I agreed to go spelunking the next day after I went beach bumming. Knowing that we had a race with time, I went to Baguio as early as I could. My excitement kept me energized because I never experienced spelunking before.
Tukang Cave, also known as Aran Cave, is a natural wonder discovered when the Americans were constructing the infamous Kennon Road in the early 1900s. It was named Aran Cave because of a family of giants residing in the surrounding mountain. I would let your tour guide finish this interesting story. Teehee.
Trust me, you'll appreciate this image when you already know the full story behind Aran Cave.
Most of the time, me and my Lakwatsero friends have no idea where we are going, especially in this particular cave. As in, wala talaga kaming kaalam-alam kung saan kami pupunta. There wasn't an existing blog that will guide us on how to go to Tukang Cave, so I really searched the internet for a clue on how to get there. Luckily, I came across a number and contacted the person immediately. That's how I knew, and now I'm going to lead you there.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The terminal for Jeepneys bound to Camp 3 are located at Lakandula Street. It is located near Center Mall, behind Jollibee. After reaching this place, look for the Jeepney with this sign:
Look at these bitches enjoying the spotlight. haha
The Manongs asked me to take a picture of them haha
Tell the Manong Driver to drop you off at Tukang/Aran Cave, or tell them you're bound to Camp 3. The fare costs 35 pesos. Look for this sign that indicates you've reached Aran Cave:
When you've already reached this place, go straight down the alley and then turn left. Be quiet because there's a church there. Anyway, don't be noisy and you'll be safe. D̶o̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶p̶e̶a̶t̶ ̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶m̶i̶s̶t̶a̶k̶e̶.
Look at these cute lil' monkeys
Upon turning left, you should be able to find a Halo-halo stand. There, you could register for the Aran Cave tour, which costs 120 pesos per head, inclusive of tour guides and headlights. If you are alone, it's okay because they'll join you in with other spelunkers. After that, there'd be a short briefing and then they'll send you off at last.
SPELUNKING TIPS
Clothing tip from yours truly: DON'T FREAKIN' WEAR SHORTS. If you don't want to have scratches and scars all over your body, then don't don a short. I suggest that for the ladies, wear comfortable leggings and a non-white top. Don't also wear a hoodie, even though it's cold inside the cave, most especially when you dip in the water. For the guys, wear whatever you want, just don't wear jeans and hoodies. Also, please don't wear your favorite shoes, if possible wear hiking shoes or your beat up running shoes (just make sure that your selected shoes doesn't get ruined, I'm tellin' ya).
Gadgets Tip: Your tour guide can hold your gadgets for you, and you have the option to leave your things at the Halo-halo stand. I suggest you bring your waterproof camera.
Backpack Tip: It is not advisable to bring too many things inside the cave. Just have enough water to keep you hydrated and before entering the cave, pee and poop already. It is also good to be well-rested and well-fed before spelunking.
SPELUNKING
Look at me, I may look like I'm not in pain, but I really felt terrible.
I'm all smiles, and of course I really do love Arctic Monkeys.
I blend well with the cave walls hahaha
I have long, thin, and weird legs haha goodness gracious it's so weird in this picture
We look like white walkers, it's just that we're dark skinned hahaha
Finally, we've reached the first falls!
You'd do rappelling activities twice, the first being near the entrance, and in this location for the second time around. When returning back to the surface, you'll go back in this route. Be very careful when rappelling in this area, because it is dangerous. While rappelling, Arla slipped and had a bruise on her ankle.
I will tell this again: PLEASE DON'T WEAR SHORTS. Kung ayaw niyo masilipan, please lang wag, lalo na kung mas pervert pa sa'yo ang mga kaibigan mo HAHAHA
The water in this area is so cold, and some parts are deep.
I was trying to figure out how deep the water was. Well, I don't know exactly how deep it is haha.
Finally, we reached the second waterfalls. I was already shivering because the water was so cold. In spite of that, everything we went through was worth it. Swimming in this teal, crystal clear water has been amazing. It was one-of-a-kind experience.
What are you waiting for? It's only 45 minutes away from Baguio, so you should check it out now before it gets too mainstream.
