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Getting to know three Cordillera caves photo by Zean Villongco

Getting to know three Cordillera caves

by : Nicole Brown posted :
An Ibaloi elder photo by Rawen Balmaña (via Creative Commons)
An Ibaloi elder

The Cordillera region, filled with history, lore and treasures from the past, should be part of any traveler's tour of the Philippines. And there's no better way to discover it than immersing yourself in the local culture and visiting some heritage sites. Listed below are four fascinating caves in this region that will take you back in time as well as get you likes on your Instagram feed.

Kabayan mummy burial caves

These caves located in Kabayan, which is a Municipality of the Benguet Province in the Cordillera region, are so special that they are dubbed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves, used by the native Ibaloi people, were used to house the mummies for the deceased.

Not to be confused with mummification practices in Egypt, this native tribe would take up to two-years to properly mummify a high-ranking individual by waiting for the body to drain by placing it under a fire. Prior to dehydration, the corpse would be covered in salt and herbs to aid in the process.

Today, specialists have counted over 200 man-made burial caves in the Kabayan region with 15 of the caves housing preserved human mummies.

Paterno cave in Tublay

Not for the faint of heart but definitely for the avid cave enthusiast is Peterno Cave, a cave which is part of the eight Ambongdolan Caves in the Tublay, Benguet Cordillera region. Named as such for Filipino politician Pedro Paterno, it is believed that he hid in this cave during the Philippine-American War in 1900.

But aside from the history, the living, organic walls create elegant cathedral shapes and spires that are jaw-dropping. So when you're climbing and shimmying through these tight spaces in the dark, make sure to not touch the walls too much since it would take thousands of years for the wall to grow back if a piece is broken off.

Sumaguing cave stalactite photo by Jojo Nicdao (via Creative Commons)
Sumaguing cave stalactite

Sumaguing cave

Paranormal fan of things that go bump in the night? Then the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada is a must-visit for you. Dubbed by locals and guides as haunted, this cave has an otherworldly feeling as you enter. And for added measure, there's inscriptions sprawled along the entrance of the cave – an inscription which either keeps spirits in or out – however you would like to think of it.

Not suggested for those afraid of the dark, oftentimes the only light source available is coming from a lamp that is being held by a tour guide who is leading the party onward. Make sure to also watch your step as the rocks are known to be wet and slippery. And if you remember those two things, you'll enjoy your trek through Sagada's biggest cave.

So let's go! Ready to book a custom cave adventure? Reach out to Uncharted Philippines for an unforgettable tour of Sagada and the Cordilleras.

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