5 Tips to Survive Sumaguing Cave at Sagada

Are you planning to visit Sagada soon? Do you want to explore Sumaguing Cave? Then you're checking the right list to survive spelunking.

Here are the things you should definitely remember  to conquer the rough caves of Sagada;

1.Bring yourself and your camera

A camera would always be your best friend during your trips.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said :"He who would travel happily must travel light". Yes! you may take it figuratively but we can also take it literally. It is easier for anyone to travel if you don't have any thing that could distract you and hinder you to move more freely.

Remember, you're going to take a rough path and you'll come to the point that you have to use your hands for your safety. So it would be better if you're not holding something.

Also, I don't recommend bringing your SLR cameras since it's too bulky and sensitive to bring inside the cave. I advice bring a waterproof digital camera or an action camera.

Believe me, you can survive Sumaguing Cave by just having a mere handy camera with you. 

2.Wear appropriate slippers 

Don't be afraid to get your feet dirty because
it will bring you to further places.

So if you don't want to walk barefoot on a slimy rocky path,like I did,then invest with the proper footwear. I am wearing my flipflops that time and it made my walk more challenging since the track is slimy and slippery.

I recommend you to invest with trekking footwears if you plan to do these kind of activities in the future more often.

3.Wear Rash guard

Yes!Rash guards are not only for getting wild and wet with water sports but also are perfect for caving.


First, since its light material would allow you to move more freely. Second, because you can get wet inside the cave and it is easy to get dry. Third, it will prevent you from having scratches.Lastly, since caves are home to thousands of bats there's a possibility that you might stain your clothes with their poopoo.

Smile even though you are sweating reaching your goals.

4.Follow the tour guide

Probably, the most crucial tip I could give you is to strictly follow the tour guides. Remember, they are locals who are expert with the inner and deepest parts of the caves and they will never allow anyone to be in danger.So please,set aside those diva character and learn to listen to them.

The light will lead you the way

5.Challenge yourself

Lastly, challenge yourself to reach the end. We were 25 when we started but we ended up to 2. Yay! I am one of the 2 people who survived Sumaguing cave till the end. 

Probably, the reasons why most of the tourists stopped at the middle of the exploration are that they are wearing inappropriate clothing like shorts and tank tops, and they have a lot of gadgets that they don't want to get wet.

I myself was about to give up but I challenged myself to conquer my fears and go on with the journey. Now, I feel so fulfilled. A clumsy city girl survived the rugged trails of Sumaguing Cave gracefully.

Do yo have any more tips to share for first timers? Want to share your caving memorable stories.Share us your tips on the comments section below.