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Mystical Cave

Mystical Cave

Mystical Cave
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What people are saying
It's Mystical for a Christian Catholic Believer if He Had the Imagination
4.0 of 5 bubblesDec 2019
I have visited a few caves in the country and it's always similar-- stalagmites, stalactites, crystals, dripping water from the ceiling, pool of water, rock formations, others.But if you believe on the agony of Jesus Christ and with much of imagination the rock formations and structures on the walls and on the floor become mystical---of course with the aid of a guide. The guide uses the beam to show you the half side of the lying image of the body of Christ .The beam also shows a half image of a skull Another shows the the Virgin Mary carrying the baby Jesus. There are other formations he calls the Apostles. There is also a wishing well, a dried pool and "bell" that when hit hard by your hand produces a ding-dong sound of an ancient bell---if you would imagine it as sound from a bell. During my recent visit there was a group of touch healers who came to draw some "powers" from the mystical cave. They regularly use the cave to pray, according to Lito, my guide.My advice is take the Marcos highway access if you have your own car. Upon reaching the boundary of barrio San Luis turn right to a rough road and in less than five kilometers you are at the foot of a pathway going to the cave entrance. Do not use the Antipolo City access because of the steep downhill and uphill road that traverses through a private subdivision. If you commute, motorcab fare from the highway is 40 pesos per head. From the cathedral it's P150 per trip. There are trips going back to the highway.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles25 reviews
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4
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ardieclicks
Quezon City, Philippines16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2017 • Family
Not wanting to join up with the thousands of people heading out of town for the holy week, my wife suggested a nearby attraction/destination that would be worth going to, that wouldn’t take up the entire day. We agreed to head out to the Mystical Cave in Antipolo. It took us just a bit over an hour to get there from Katipunan avenue via Marikina, on a Black Saturday, so I’d assume it’d take around 90 minutes on an average day. It’s situated at Barangay San Luis, Puting Bato, Antipolo. It’s plotted on Waze and it’s searchable on Google Maps too.

It’d be fairly difficult to get there without your own vehicle, and quite easy to drive up in your own. I guess if you’re over 50 and not very physically active, you’d find the long and steep flight of stairs getting to the cave entrance beyond the main gate quite strenuous, but if you pace yourself well, it should be nothing to be concerned about. The place is run by a community of friendly folk who’ve come to depend on visitors for livelihood, and they’re generally polite and helpful. It’s the tricycle drivers you should be wary about, since they tend to take advantage of tourists (I’ve read accounts of them charging ludicrous rates when heading out of the area), if you happen to just commute to the cave.

Anyway, on the last kilometer when you’re about to ascend to the dirt road leading to the cave’s vicinity, someone will flag you down for a P20 fee per car, and he’d (dodgily) explain that the area’s on private property, hence the fee. I figured for that amount, I shouldn’t bother quizzing him about it. Driving to the area, a bunch of vendors and small food stalls will let you know you’ve arrived (I think there’s a small sign too). Entrance to the cave is P50 per head, and a guide can accompany you (recommended), and their fee is up to you- like a tip, I guess. The guided tour would probably take around 45 minutes, but you get to dictate your pace and explore more.

The cave is huge, and quite impressive. Naturally it’s a bit humid inside, but comfortably cool. Bats don’t settle there, so there’s no odor of guano. It’s actually little birds locally called “Balinsasayaw” (Philippine Swiftlet) that live there, and they’re harmless and hardly seen. It’d be nice to have the cave to yourselves, but even if there are groups of people around, it takes a lot (like going on a Good Friday) to congest it. Fascinating formations of Stalactites and Stalagmites are everywhere, and sections of the cave are lit with electric bulbs, so you can see them well even without the aid of flashlights. Flashlights would be useful to light the path you’re walking on for safer footing- so it’s suggested that you bring your own.

The guide’s spiels are on the mystical aspect of the cave, pointing out formations that do resemble shapes of Christ, Mary, the apostles, and several other configurations and combinations of them, and with the power of suggestion, they’re even more apparent. Whether you’re a believer or not, you’d understand why many make pilgrimages there especially during holy week. There’s even a section there that they call the cathedral, which would surprise you- since after going through an entrance just big enough for one person stooping down to enter, it opens up to an area about half the size of the entire cave with even more impressive formations to see. The cave was discovered in 1970 by a lady named Nelly Deles, who dreamt of it when she was a child. Looking all over the Philippines, she finally located it in Antipolo. Legend has it that when it was discovered, the entrance was the size of a mere coin, and by blasting an entrance, the whole cave network was revealed. Despite its huge size, we only explored the first level. We’re told that there are seven levels more, underground- and the entrance to it looks daunting to say the least. Obviously, you should only explore its lower levels if you’re an experienced climber/cave explorer, with proper gear and competent companions.

Wear dry-fit uppers, as you’d certainly work up a sweat if you decide to explore more thoroughly. Use rubber shoes with “teeth” or soles with aggressive tread patterns (e.g. hiking shoes), as flat shoes can get slippery on the moist rock surfaces. Bring flashlights, your own water, and of course, a camera as lots of areas are photo-worthy as you’ll see from my post. I suggest partaking of snacks you can buy outside after touring the cave, to help out with the local community’s commerce, and they’re not bad at all. I’m sure the halo-halo and Kwekwek tasted much better after exploring the cave for over an hour. Right next to it, is the climb to the White Cross, which deserves a separate post. Overall, I’d say touring the Mystical Cave was an experience everyone should go through at least once, as it really is impressive; an educational experience for kids and adults alike, a good opportunity for family bonding (especially if Netflix and eating out is the norm), and a nice way to support local tourism without breaking the bank or taking too much effort in any way. Enjoy! ☺
Written April 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travelholicena
Luzon, Philippines20 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Couples
The cave is a highly recommended place to visit when going to Antipolo. I highly recommend that you put on a lot of insect repellant as my feet were infested with mosquito bites. The entrance remains at P40 and the manong tour guide is the nicest ever. You can tip him at any amount and you will not hear any complaints. He was very knowledgeable, humble and honest. He told us the average rate of the tricycle ride from the the corner of the Padilla and Puting Bato road which was according to him around P50 and the trip from the town/church was around P150. We brought our own car but opted to ride a tricycle seeing that the start of Puting Bato road was unpaved. We asked the rate and was told that it was P20 per person so we decided to go ahead and leave the car and take the tricycle. We were just a 2-person journey/passengers. As we were about to ride the tric we asked about the round trip rate, and that we will take about just an hour. We were again told that round trip will cost P80 as he will be waiting for us. Upon arrival at the foot of the Mystical Cave, we were again told of the change in rate that it is now P200 for the round trip. We felt like it was highway robbery as we had no choice for the transportation to go back to our car. It ruined the whole cave experience and also afterwards. I think we were picked on because we looked like we could pay more as we had our own vehicle. This is so unfair. We felt like the same as when we had the same experience in Bangkok with the Tuk-tuk drivers. It sours the whole experience and tend to avoid going to the same place again. It is not about paying a higher amount but in principle, knowing that people want to take advantage of you. That feeling is very lousy. Improvements I would like to suggest/see is to have the transportation rates posted outright at the terminals to prevent these kinds of situations.

I hope that this does not happen to anyone else. I urge everyone to be wary and not allow people to take advantage of you. It is very embarrassing for our countrymen as this does not reflect the kind of people we are. I hope that this can be controlled and not dampen the enthusiasm of people who want to appreciate this very organic attraction.
Written August 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Arianna O
95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016 • Friends
40 pesos if you're going to explore the first floor only
150 pesos if you wanna be adventurous. You get to explore the cave down to 4th floor.

I suggest you bring extra clothes, the place is very muddy. Also a bright FLASHLIGHT if youre planning to go down to the 4tg floor.
Written May 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Princess Angel
Luzon, Philippines2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Couples
Nakakatakot as in. Para kaming nasa wrong turn ng boyfriend ko. Walang katao tao tapos wala ring dumadaan na sasakyan. Yung tipong kahit anong sigaw mo walang makakarinig sayo. Wala ding mapag iwanan ng sasakyan. Di ko alam kung wrong timing lang kami ng punta or inabandona na sya ng nga tourist guide? 😞
Written August 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

scorp1107
Antipolo City, Philippines43 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017 • Family
My son left me a note before going to work a week ago saying he wanted to visit the cave i mentioned when we were searching for a house in one of the subdivisions overlooking its location. And so we did. After bringing my mom to church, I told my two kids we'll be heading to the cave. The hike going to the cave's entrance is fairly okay. Inside you will see the shiny stalactites/stalagmites, crystal clear water, and "religious" rock formations. You will also notice that the cave smells like fresh water - doesn't smell like bat poop :-) You will be assisted by a tour guide. They will give you the history of when and how the cave was discovered.
Written October 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Veloce298
Makati, Philippines128 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Couples
We got to the place off the main Marcos Highway, taking an unsurfaced track for about 2 kilometers. It isnt wll signposted so keep your eyes out on the left hand side when the concrete road starts again. The sign was painted in grey paint on a grey concrete post, hidden about 5m back off the road under the trees!

After climbing a set of very rough and collapsing steps for about 5 minutes you get to the entrance. Dont pay anyone until you get to the top, there is a house halfway up that looks like it could be the entrance, but we understood from the locals it was not! There is a PHP40 for entry. Make sure you have a torch, for peace of mind at least, as there are only about 5 lights inside and whilst you can see it is much safer to have your own.

As a word of warning, if you have children then make sure you hold onto them as there are some side passages and drop offs, without any barriers or edges, so it needs a bit of care.

The walk down the main cave was interesting with some stalagtites hanging down and stalagmites climbing up. A lot of them seem to have been damaged over time but it was still nice to see. Down one of the side caves we found a small ground of nesting swifts, and there were some bats flying around.

A small cave overall but interesting if you are in the area.
Written August 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

danarish
Marikina, Philippines72 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2013
No need to go far to see and visit caves...here in Mystical Cave, Antipolo. From antipolo church just ride a tric going to mystical cave for P150....
good experience you can bring along your kids but with supervision specially inside the cave...tour guide are knowledgeable with the cave..holy week its peak season.theres also small stores near the entrance..entrance fee just prepare P50 each (this is for the maintenance of the area).. try to visit mystical cave...very affordable and worthwhile...
Written September 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Germai
Quezon City, Philippines92 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2012 • Friends
The Place is great to the people who love the caves, i love the place, a little dismay because some stone are dead already staligmites, stalactite. wish and pray tourist and native country man will take good care of it. Pleasing the tour guide that they must advice to the people who visited, that they should not touch it. but the place have some areas that alive stone..see brilliant and glittering and shammering.
Written November 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jake2014jake
Pasig, Philippines600 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015 • Friends
Directions to the place is a bit difficult. One of the easier means to reach the place is to leave your vehicle at the town proper near the church. Parking is free in the mall near there. Then proceed to the tricycle terminal bound for La Salle Subdivision and tell the driver that you are going to the Mystical Cave.

Once there, you will need a guide since the cave is privately owned. The guide will provide a flashlight so having one of your own will be helpful as the cave is dark. Once inside, the guide will point out various rock formations which have a religious significance, some looking like images of the Christ, or of the Trinity. The water flowing inside, or dripping from the stalactites, are collected in containers for use for drinking, supposedly having healing powers, hence the name Mystical Cave.

This destination is good for a quick trip, being very near Metro Manila, the capital of the country. Being privately owned, the place is clean, but being a spelunking activity requires trekking and not for the unfit.

Afterwards, a side trip is to climb the summit of the hill where the cave is located and see an elevated view of the surrounding countryside.
Written November 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joy A
Cabuyao, Philippines126 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2015 • Family
Going to Antipolo we try to find some visited sites here.. Found this place so mystical so we try to enter this cave ... With entrance of 40 pesos. Our Team Joy the Explorer check this site for further viewing.. Very holy place.. Try this if have some illness and wishes..
Written June 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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