Our group planned on going to the Lioness Head and Rhino Rock formations in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Unfortunately, we've read the news that the said rock formations are closed for tourism. It is said that these rock formations are also subject for quarrying. We're all saddened about the news and we almost got to the point when we decided to cancel our trip.
The sad news did not hinder us from going to Norzagaray, Bulacan. A local guide told us that there is a small cave near the Lioness Rock formation that we can go to. This cave is not well known by the tourist and is only known as the Gray Cave named by the first travelers who came to explore this place.
And aside from this cave, Pinagrealan Cave is still open for the public. So with the renewed excitement and revised itinerary, we head on and start our one day adventure in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
The sad news did not hinder us from going to Norzagaray, Bulacan. A local guide told us that there is a small cave near the Lioness Rock formation that we can go to. This cave is not well known by the tourist and is only known as the Gray Cave named by the first travelers who came to explore this place.
And aside from this cave, Pinagrealan Cave is still open for the public. So with the renewed excitement and revised itinerary, we head on and start our one day adventure in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
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| The Gray Cave |
From Pasig City, we reached Norzagaray in less than two hours. We rode a bus bound to Tungko. We were dropped off to Jollibee Tungko and there we bought our lunch. From there, we rode a jeepney going to Bigte Market where Kenneth, our local guide, is waiting for us. We bought some things on the market before we went to the place where Kenneth resides riding a tricycle. From the road where we were dropped off, we walk through an unpaved road going to the Gray Cave.
Before heading straight to the Gray Cave, we passed by Kenneth's house and there we left our things. Then from there, we passed through a small community. I noticed that the Lioness Head can be seen from afar. I also noticed that limestone are abundant in this area. We tried to climb up a rock formation along the way.
Before heading straight to the Gray Cave, we passed by Kenneth's house and there we left our things. Then from there, we passed through a small community. I noticed that the Lioness Head can be seen from afar. I also noticed that limestone are abundant in this area. We tried to climb up a rock formation along the way.
Entering the cave is quite easy. Gray stone walls can be seen from side to side. It's definitely the reason why the first visitors of this place named it "The Gray Cave". As we continue to get inside, we noticed a lot of writings on the wall.
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| The Entrance |
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| Vandalism on the cave wall |
The air felt colder as we go deeper down the cave. Stalactites filled up the ceiling and huge rock formations can be seen on walls. We reached a point where the passage is really tight then there is a part where the ceiling is too high. There's also a part where the space is very wide. In this part, the holes on the ceiling that light up the surroundings added beauty to the rock formation within the area. One would have to literally squeeze, bend, and crawl inside this cave.
An unfinished grotto can be seen inside the cave. This area is also brightened by the hole on top of the cave. The rock formations in this area were all picture worthy but as I look closely, scribbles can be seen in almost every corner.
We passed through a small hole to get to the other part of the cave. This is the area where you'll surely get wet. We crawled down and walked through the dark wet passage way. The water in this area is cold. Headlamps, flashlights and the flashes of our cameras are the only source of light as we move further down the cave.
We passed through a small hole to get to the other part of the cave. This is the area where you'll surely get wet. We crawled down and walked through the dark wet passage way. The water in this area is cold. Headlamps, flashlights and the flashes of our cameras are the only source of light as we move further down the cave.
As we continue crawling and climbing up and down the rocks inside, we arrived at the spot where there is a small basin with chest deep water. We had fun swimming and playing on that part. The water on that basin goes down to another basin where the water is about six to seven feet deep. Swimming in a dark area is a new and exciting experience for me though I didn't last long because of its very cold water.
The water from the deep basin goes to a small tunnel. Kenneth said we need a rope to get in to that tunnel so we decided not to continue anymore. After a few minutes we went out on the same trail we went in.
It was a fun and exciting spelunking activity. It is not as challenging as what we have experienced in Bayukbok Cave in San Miguel, Bulacan but you'll still have to sweat it out. And the beauty of Gray Cave's rock formation and the swimming area is all worth it.
It was a fun and exciting spelunking activity. It is not as challenging as what we have experienced in Bayukbok Cave in San Miguel, Bulacan but you'll still have to sweat it out. And the beauty of Gray Cave's rock formation and the swimming area is all worth it.
Gray Cave is not a popular cave. It is not even regarded as a tourist destination by the local government. We are also not sure if it is privately owned. We did not pay any entrance fee to enter the cave but we gave Kenneth 1000 pesos to guide us through. He also accompanied us on our visits to Pinagrealan Cave and Bakas River. You can contact Kenneth through this mobile number: 0926-1241697.
Trash and vandalism can be seen inside the cave but I think the whole area can be cleaned in a short time. I hope the locals and we visitors would avoid littering and writing on its walls. We can all have fun in this cave without damaging it. The future of this cave depends on us. In the end, it is us who will benefit or suffer on what will happen on this promising cave.
Trash and vandalism can be seen inside the cave but I think the whole area can be cleaned in a short time. I hope the locals and we visitors would avoid littering and writing on its walls. We can all have fun in this cave without damaging it. The future of this cave depends on us. In the end, it is us who will benefit or suffer on what will happen on this promising cave.
Killed Bills
This budget covers up our trip to the Gray Cave, Pinagrealan Cave and Bakas River.
60.00 - Bus Ortigas to Tungko
140.00 - Packed Lunch
18.00 - Jeep Tungko to Bigte
15.00 - Tricycle Bigte to Gray Cave
100.00 - Guide Fee Gray Cave
50.00 - Pinagrealan Cave Gear and Maintenance Fee
60.00 - Pinagrealan Cave guide fee (600 for 10 persons)
5.00 - Bigte River Resort hut rental fee
100.00 - tricycle service from Gray Cave to Pinagrealan, Bakas River and Restaurant
140.00 - Dinner
25.00 - Jeep from Bigte to SM Fairview
47.00 - Bus SM Fairview to Ortigas
TOTAL: Php 760.00
This budget covers up our trip to the Gray Cave, Pinagrealan Cave and Bakas River.
60.00 - Bus Ortigas to Tungko
140.00 - Packed Lunch
18.00 - Jeep Tungko to Bigte
15.00 - Tricycle Bigte to Gray Cave
100.00 - Guide Fee Gray Cave
50.00 - Pinagrealan Cave Gear and Maintenance Fee
60.00 - Pinagrealan Cave guide fee (600 for 10 persons)
5.00 - Bigte River Resort hut rental fee
100.00 - tricycle service from Gray Cave to Pinagrealan, Bakas River and Restaurant
140.00 - Dinner
25.00 - Jeep from Bigte to SM Fairview
47.00 - Bus SM Fairview to Ortigas
TOTAL: Php 760.00
I've heard about this, and planning to visit as well. salamat sa post mo .
ReplyDeletein regards to the guide, hindi naman fixed price right? you decided to give quite more because marami kayo?
salamat c",)
Yes sir. Nakipag negotiate lang po kami sa fee. And mabait naman si Kenneth. :D
Deletehi im king sesdoyro .. guide ng gray cave .. my #09754063672 .. pag usapan ntin ang fee .. mag barkada po kami ni kenneth..
ReplyDelete