sumaguing cave - sagada

after crossing the cave's big dance hall, we heard sounds coming from the path ahead of us. we knew that Sumaguing cave trail was not far from where we were.this is Sagada's renowned big cave because of its big chamber that goes deep down its rocky hills. it is also the busiest cave among Sagada's gigantic cave system.as we went on, we already saw the light from both ways, one coming from where we came and one down to where we were about to go. when we reached the chamber's end, we saw the way down to Sumaguing's deepest reachable point.later on, we met two foreign tourists with their guide now going ahead of us. we enjoyed taking photos on some of the chambers that we've entered, which made us stay longer.we then reached the Sumaguing trail where more and more people coming from the top can be seen. it was at this point when i decided not to force myself down as the pain on my left ankle caused by an injury along the way was already uncomfortable.so Nadz and Kit instead went on with our guide. i stayed on one portion midway down Sumaguing cave. seeing very beautiful rock formations in this cave made spelunking very exciting.the guides would point at some of the rock formations giving them names based on its form. mostly shaped by the hundreds of years of flowing water inside this cave.among the most beautiful formation is the curtain wall forming like a hanging long piece of cloth. when down there, the experience was like one is inside a museum that featured many valuable historical items naturally displayed.there were pools of water where one can swim alongside really amazing walls. down there, no other light source except the one from the guide's lamp. so a display of each rock formation are only revealed when the guide's lamp make way to those wonderful rock forms.after a swim, Nadz and Kit made their way back this time climbing on ropes on an almost vertical wall. the way down is different from the way up on this portion of the cave's trail.more people were still going down when we started climbing back up out of the cave. there was a part where one will pass over the bats stinky manures and slippery rocks.the way up out of Sumaguing cave was way easier than the Lumiang trail. some steps were already fixed to provide ease when caving down. when we reached our exit, which is the entrance for those doing the Sumaguing caving only, we felt fulfilled.it was at this point when all i can say was "to be inside Sagada's cave system for four hours was one of the best experience i had in my life". now i believe, that you've never been to Sagada if you haven't done caving on one of its beautiful caves. it's a must see.