Mystical Cave

I always tell my friends to come over our house, then I will bring them to an amazing place, but it never happened. Then I asked my girlfriends to have a sleep over since we had an event in Cogeo the same night. While on the road, I, once again, told them that I'm going to bring them to an amazing cave with an amazing view on top, finally they said yes!

What I'm always bragging about our place is the Inday Nelly Deles Mystical Cave. It is the home of many natural made religious images, and seven level (going down) cave. You can check over the internet about its history, how a teenage girl from Ilo-ilo found a magnificent cave in Antipolo.

The stairs going up.

Before you get into the cave’s entrance, you have to climb the stairs. I never finished counting the steps since panting comes first, and I need to curse my worst enemy (as I call it: the man’s worst invention, haha), the stairs. Luckily, there is an indigenous convenience store after 5-10 steps. You can buy a stick of a candle for five pesos, water for 20 pesos, snacks and even cup noodles, for the drivers who are willing to wait for you guys down stairs.

The indigenous convenience store serves as the registration area as well. There is a forty (40) peso fee per person for the cave’s maintenance, guide and everything.

Going up (using stairs) is never an easy thing for me. I prefer the rocky, muddy, and soil-y way rather than a fine, hard stairs. Along the way, we encountered a big black rock where you can light up your candle and make a wish; you can wish for luck going up. You’ll also pass by a house where there are colored-mini candles on sale; you can use it for categorized wishing inside the cave, love, health, wealth, peace, happiness. Ask someone in that house if who can be your guide. Surprisingly, Ate Pia will guide us through the cave. She is a 12-year old granddaughter of Inday Nelly Deles. She heard the stories from lola Inday Nelly herself.

There is a noticeable gate at the opening of the cave welcoming us warmly. You’ll feel the coldness inside as if it is an air-conditioned room. Moreover, there are man-made stairs for the convenience of the tourists. There are also fluorescent lights to lighten up your way, but those are not enough. Don’t worry, the guide will bring a flash-light, where they use is to show you the natural-made religious images.

The gate. We're about to go out. @bitanig

The tour will take up to 50 minutes depending on the activities that you do inside, and the knowledge of the guide; if he tells you a lot of stories. Remember not to touch any crystals inside for it may die. The acid on our skin affects the beauty of the crystals, so no touch, never-ever.

After the cave tour, we decided to take the other stair (right side) to climb up to the top of the mountain. Since it is summer time, the way is not muddy and perfect to climb to. It is not too hot as well, seemed like the universe is giving us a favor. There are arrows painted on big rocks showing the direction. The locals told us to remember to keep left always, because the other way might take us to other place.

The trail going up.
There's the bamboo handrail and the rock with a blue arrow paint

The first part of climbing was easy, they already carved stairs for the convenience. But after the first left turn, the stairs were no longer visible. Aside from the arrows, a semi-clear path was our only clue that we’re on the right track.

There will be moments where you need to climb a small bamboo ladder, to hold the trees to support you, and not to hold the bamboo rails, it is too weak that it can fall apart anytime. (And yes, Bianca accidentally collapsed the rails. Haha)

Also, there is a part of the trail where you need to climb on to the rocks. That sounds cool, but not that easy. You must always keep your eyes on the road to check for pointed rocks while walking.

After passing by the “rock climbing” moment, you’ll see the sign that you’re almost there, the cross. 

The cross atop.

The cross is erected at the top of the mountain. You can see some of the mountains of Rizal, the Laguna de Bay, the Windmills of Pililia, and other picturesque.

It was so refreshing up there. Perfect moment for soul-searching especially if you’re in a small group. The blue sky amazed me and the soft, white clouds calmed me. We waited for the sunset, and it was so magical. The color of the sky changed from blue to orange-y color. Every angle is a perfect for photo op, but be careful that you may tumble and fall down, there might be a cliff behind you.

From the summit. (credits to: @bitanig)

Anywhere is a picture perfect scene. (@bitanig)

Nature being harassed by human. (@bitanig)

Amazing Panorama from the top.

Going down was not as easy as climbing up. Yes you will not pant, you will not race against your breath, you will not excrete too much of sweat, but it might be so slippery that you might fall. Again, the bamboo hand rails are not trust worthy, you can hold onto the trees but there are gigantic ants that may bite you. You can use your hands and butt along with your whole body to go down safe and sound. The trail that you used to climb up is the same trail for going down.

Make sure to reach the foot of the hill before the dawn. The road going back is really scary specially if you're just walking to reach the tricycle terminal. Some people say that there are crazy dudes who will attack the visitors and steal their things, or worst molest them, so be careful.

I didn't post anything about the cave's images, because it is for you to see. The mountain top is very scenic that you MUST go there! Great training ground for aspiring mountaineers.