Callao caves: The well-kept secret mecca among trekkers and lovers

MANILA, Philippines - Adventurous couples seeking a unique and truly memorable place to commune with each other, with nature and with God will appreciate visiting the famous Callao caves in Peñablanca, Cagayan.

Mere minutes away from the sweltering city center of Tuguegarao, the seven-chamber massive tunnel is situated in the western foothills of the Northern Sierra Madre mountains. With natural crevices that let in streams of light, the cavernous space is illuminated by an ethereal glow. One of the bigger chambers near the entrance has been turned into a chapel, where an altar has been placed right below a natural skylight. Rustic wooden pews complete the sense of solemnity.

While impractical as a venue for full-production weddings or other religious ceremonies, the Callao caves have in fact been a well-kept secret mecca among mountain climbing and trekking enthusiasts, especially couples who find the chapel a perfect blend of romance and divinity.

Indeed, perhaps many secret vows have been whispered here — with the quiet halls of the caves standing witness to professed love and undying devotion.

For the solo adventurer or less romantically inclined, visiting the Callao caves is no less an exhilarating experience. Reaching the entrance of the chamber is a test of determination, with its uphill path of 187 steps. However, the rewards of reaching the entrance are great, as air gushes out of the mountain and into natural vents, cooling the insides of the cave and providing a refreshing atmosphere. Unique, picture-perfect rock formations of stalagmites and stalactites also abound.

After visiting the cave and trekking back down, couples can enjoy an extended romantic date along the banks of the Pinacanauan River. A short banca ride can take lovers to the other side of the river, where the setting is equally serene — calm, clear waters with towering trees and tall bamboo framing the riverbank. A local resort in the area can serve a feast with the day’s fresh catch.

As the sun sets, another daily spectacle to look forward to is the flight of bats from a nearby cave from Callao.

Travelers to Callao cave can rent a van in Tuguegarao City for a comfortable 30-minute ride. Reaching Tuguegarao, meanwhile, is a 12- to 14-hour trip via bus from Metro Manila.

The safest and most convenient way to travel to Tuguegarao is through Victory Liner — the leading bus company plying the Northern route for the last 69 years. With ample legroom, wide seats and reliable air-conditioning, a Victory Liner trip is guaranteed to be comfortable.

Safety is also paramount to Victory Liner, with each bus equipped with Japanese-technology tacograph that alerts drivers if they exceed the maximum speed limit of 90kph.

The bus company offers daily routes to Tuguegarao and other Northern Luzon destinations on regular, deluxe, super deluxe, and first-class buses. For more information on schedules and trips, visit www.victoryliner.com or follow www.twitter.com/victorylinerinc.