SIITAN RIVER AND BIMMAPOR ROCK FORMATION

Location: Barangay Pongo, Nagtipunan, Quirino, Philippines

This is a part of my March 25-26, 2016 Quirino Province Tour Package which includes: Aglipay Caves, Governor's Rapids, Diamond Cave, Scenic Nagtipunan Hills and Cabarroguis Quick Tour.

The breathtaking Bimmapor Rock Formation and Siitan River

This is my second day of my March 25-26, 2016 Quirino Trip. It was a long drive of more than one and half hours in a bright and clear morning going to this place from our accommodation base in the capital town of Cabarroguis. We’ve passed through dramatic rolling hills of an extremely scenic countryside. I was in complete awe as every inch of scenery is unfolded in my eyes.

The spacious non-concrete open vehicle parking

This time, we are heading to Bimmapor Rock Formation which completely showcases a spectacular geological landscape of massive limestone wall nestled along Siitan River where it is a head water of Cagayan River, awarded as a Hall of Fame for Cleanness an Inland Bodies of Water in the Philippines. This is the same river leading to that of the Governor’s Rapids.

The aerial view of the entry point to Siitan River

This tourism site is located in Barangay Pongo of Nagtipunan in the province of Quirino. Nagtipunan is the last municipality of the province which boarders the province of Aurora. Of all municipalities, this one exudes so much beauty in terms of landscape features.

Just about to have the first river crossing boarding a boat

Activities which one can enjoy to have in Governor’s Rapids can also be done here, like: water tubing, boating or river cruising, rock climbing, rappelling, cliff diving, picnic, photography and the like.

Makeshift nipa and wooden cottages for rental just after crossing the river

The combination of pristine waters, blue skies and green forest and limestone walls are more than enough to refresh anybody who happens to commune with mother nature here. Stones of varying sizes and colors can be seen along the river banks.

The point where water tubing optionally ends

The water tubing starts after the first river crossing. According to our guide, during raining season, water level is high and the strong current is more treacherous. In this case, more part of the river banks are submerged.

Water tubing continues after it turns right upstream

By the way, these are the fees that tourists will pay if they opt the whole package experience, namely: river cruise with vest - P175 and water tubing is at P100. All in all, one will pay a total of P275 to enjoy these exciting activities.

River cruising takes off again at this point

After the water tubing, tourists board again in a boat heading upstream. However, we are given the freedom whether to board a boat right away or to stay longer for a swim.

A showcase of rock formation

Every part of the river is very inviting for one to have a swim. However, you will be left to your discretion whether stay for a swim or ride a boat for cruising. After all, there a number of boats alternating to take passengers heading upstream.

Shallow part of the river for swimming

Though each one is equipped with a life vest, kids who wanted to swim should be accompanied by the elders to ensure safety as there are some pats of the river with strong current.

This point has deep waters

Cruising upstream offers a different experience and excitement since rock formations vary in spectacular forms and a bigger boat carry tourists heading upstream. However, at this point, these are no-go area for swimming since they are already deep. Evidently, it is, as deep water runs silent.

A total splendor of stunning beauty of nature

It can be seen that the massive limestone walls are being dotted with tourists whose passion is rock climbing and rappelling. To ensure safety, local guides can be requested to accompany them with an additional fee. I saw groups of men and women who exhibited high spirits in trying these challenging activity or can even be considered a sports already of its own.

A typical double-body boat to accompany more tourists

Those who opt to stay in any part of the river do not have to worry because boats carrying tourists are available in regular time interval. However, it is advisable to carry umbrella or any cover because cruising is hot considering that it is an open area.

The point where river cruise ends

The river cruise takes barely 30 minutes heading upstream. And there is a drop off point there where tourists can stay for a swim for go back right away boarding the same boat. This point is also good for a picnic site but you have to take with you a tent for cover.

The cliff diving point

There is a point which offers an excellent flatform for cliff diving. However, only brave souls can do this because the dropping point is deep. Again, doing this, requires a local guide to ensure safety.

Overlooking Siitan River from a high cliff

HOW TO GO THERE

Below is a comprehensive guide of Lakad Pilipinason how to go to Quirino coming from different points.

There’s no easy way to access Quirino Province from Metro Manila. Directly, one can take a late overnight bus from Metro Manila and arrive at the town of Maddela the next morning. It’s time-consuming but less expensive than taking a one-hour flight from Cebu Pacific Air to Cauayan Airport in the neighboring town of Isabela. From there, one still has to ride a one and a half hour van ride to Cabarroguis, the province’s capital. Alternatively, one can also ride a one-hour flight to Tugeugarao City via Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines, then board a three-hour van ride to Quirino.

Traveling to Quirino via Metro ManilaVIA METRO MANILA

There are bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City and Sampaloc, Manila that goes directly to Quirino Province. Most have a daily schedule to the province and usually rides out at night, arriving the next morning. Ticket fares are usually at around Php500.00, give or take, for a one-way trip. Please call the numbers provided for their respective bus schedules.

Five Star – Cubao | (02) 851-6614 | Twice Daily | Fare Php500.00+/-
GV Florida – Manila | (02) 743-3809 & (02) 781-5894 | Fare Php500.00+/-
Nelbusco – Manila | (02) 712 5902 & (02) 743-1332 | Fare Php500.00+/-
Northern Luzon Bus Line – Manila | Fare Php500.00+/-

Cebu Pacific Air - (02) 7020-888
Flies four times weekly to Cauayan, Isabela (plus 1.5 hours van to Cabarroguis, Quirino)
Flies daily to Tuguegarao (plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino)

Philippine Airlines - (02) 855 8888
Flies daily to Tuguegarao (plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino)

Traveling to Quirino via Baguio CityVIA BAGUIO CITY
There are two known bus companies that ply the Baguio to Quirino Province route, NA Liner and Kiangan Motor Service (KMS) bus lines ((0915) 947-1440, (0999) 849-2106, (074) 304-3113). Both have daily trips to Madella, Quirino.

Traveling to Quirino via BalerVIA BALER, AURORA
Passenger vans, pick-ups and ordinary buses regularly ply the Aurora-Quirino route. These trips last for about three to five hours on the mountainous road of Aurora's Dipaculao municipality.

SEVEN THINGS TO DO AT GOVERNOR’S RAPIDS

Location: Barangay Divisoria Sur, Maddela, Quirino, Philippines

This is a part of my March 25-26, 2016 Quirino Province Tour Package which includes: Aglipay Caves, Siitan River and Bimmapor Rock Formations, Diamond Cave, Scenic Nagtipunan Hills and Cabarroguis Quick Tour.

Governor's Rapids in all its splendor

This is a part of my March 25-26, 2016 Quirino Trip in the afternoon of the first day after we explored the mystical caves of Aglipay. Governor’s Rapids is located in Barangay Divisoria Sur of the municipality of Maddela. So, just on the first day, we were able to set foot on five of the six municipalities of the province of Quirino. This tourist spot got its name from a Japanese general who drowned on it during the Second World War.

Getting ready for our boating escapade

Governor’s Rapids is a tributary of the Rio Grande or Cagayan River and is home to the Dumagat Tribe who usually takes shelter under the spaces carved by the water at the base of the limestone cliffs which you will see in most part of it.

Approaching the cave's entrance

There are seven things that you can do while you are communing in this natural setting, namely: (1) take your family and friends for a picnic; (2) a swim along its clean river; (3) boating with a fee, of course; (4) water tubing, a separate fee is charge; (5) spelunking; (6) splash in an approximately 8-meter high Bisangal Water falls inside a nameless cave; and (7) photography – to include prenuptial shots and other purposes.

In commune with the limestone walls (Photo credit: Sheryl Ronquillo)

To avoid bringing with us some food stuff, from Aglipay caves, we dropped in Maddela to have our lunch. It is a big municipality where you can buy the basic things you need. There are banks there, drugstore, commercial centers. We opted to have our lunch in a smal carenderia with sumptuous meal with the most expensive at P70 with softdrinks.

Waiting for my turn for the cave entry

Our drive continued going to the site of Governor’s Rapids for barely 15 minutes from the town proper. And from top where we see the river with limestone walls. God!!! It was so majestic. The whole of it was just like a postcard which came to life. I bended my knees to thank the Mighty Creator!! It was such an awesome creation!!!

Rock formations inside the cave (Photo credit: Sheryl Ronquillo)

After my disarrayed senses normalized, we asked our guide to arrange and paid for the fees as follows: (1) P10 for the entrance fee per head; (2) P80 per head for the boating and caving inclusive of life vest and head gear for a minimum of 2; and (3) P80 for the water tubing in the rapids inclusive of life vest and hear gear for a maximum of three rides.

A cool bath at the Bisangal water falls

The fees above for the boating, caving and water tubing are inclusive of guides. Guides for the boating and caving came into three per boat with a full capacity of 12 and for 7 pax in water tubing there is a provision of one guide. Tipping can be at the guests’ discretion.

About to scale up as part of exiting the cave

As you pay, you are given the life vest and fall in line down at the river bank to wait for the availability of the boat. Of course, our group observed the normal tour course. We took a boat for the boating heading to the cave. Oh my!!! The limestone are more splendid at a closer look.

Peeping through a very narrow exit passage

Our boat docked fronting the entrance of the cave. That part of the river was so deep and the current is strong and so even if you have the vest it is still not safe for you to swim there. And wow!!! I was stunned to stay close with the towering limestone walls. Of course, our cameras were endlessly grinding then.

Almost completely relieved by being too close to my way out

We waited first outside for there is only small number of people allowed inside the cave. As the last batch of guests for a number 12 came out at the other end, we were given our head gear and were instructed by our guide to follow him as he entered the cave in one by one as the passage is really that narrow and low. I was asking the guide where was the opening of the cave and he pointed to me its opening with less than 2 feet high and as wide as 3 feet in approximation. I thought then that it was just at the opening. But mind you, it was not!!! We have to crawl for approximately 30 feet distance in a completely pitch black cave where movement is limited because the ceiling is so low. I panicked at first and begged to go back. The flooring was wet and at some point our feet are dipped in a cold water and in my mind was "what if a flashing water will get inside!!! I might die instantly!!! Oh no!!!" I was in complete commotion deep inside. I want to shout my disapproval but I saw some of my companions religiously crawling and they are not even as experienced spelunker like me. So, I just shut my mouth completely and did the crawling with my mind closely calling God for help that something bad might not happen that moment.

Technical assistance by the guide is required to exit in the very steep passage

Crawling for as long as 30 feet distance really is a challenge most particularly if you are thinking that some of those who died inside the cave of Bulacan as reported long ago on TV for instance were of the same situation with us at that moment.

Glancing once again at the cave's entrance

Know what!!!! My emotion completely shifted like a change of car’s gear when Bisangal water falls completely unfolded to my stunned wondering eyes. We cheered then like we were victorious in a big competition. It was such a different experience. The falls has a narrow cascading water with a small cold lagoon and the 12 of us frequented to have pictures. It was so enchanting to see the water falls glitters as our flashlights are lit on it.

Cruising back to our point of origin

Staying inside was just too short as there are still others waiting for their turn to get inside the cave and so we exited at the other end of the cave emptying to a very narrow passage leading to the river.

Capturing cliff divers on our way back

We were given ample time by our guides to stay outside the cave and have a swim. And then we navigated back to our port of origin and waited for our “salva vida” to be used for the water tubing which was on a one-on-one ratio.

Just after being launched for the water tubing

It was a long wait like 30 minutes before our group was given our salva vidas. We were seven in the group where our salva vidas were alternately tied and we were maneuvered by our handsome hunk guide, Rogelio Tolentino.

Braving the wild current in our water tubing (Photo credit: Sheryl Ronquillo)

In tubing, we have to trek upstream trailing a grassy part of the river bank for around 60 meters and the launching takes place there. We did this three times. After each launching, Rogelio carries all the salva vidas to the launching port and again, we go with the strong current down. However, in our last trip, only the four of us joined while the three others contented themselves by just having a swim.

On our third water tubing trip

HOW TO GO THERE

Below is a comprehensive guide of Lakad Pilipinason how to go to Quirino coming from different points.

There’s no easy way to access Quirino Province from Metro Manila. Directly, one can take a late overnight bus from Metro Manila and arrive at the town of Maddela the next morning. It’s time-consuming but less expensive than taking a one-hour flight from Cebu Pacific Air to Cauayan Airport in the neighboring town of Isabela. From there, one still has to ride a one and a half hour van ride to Cabarroguis, the province’s capital. Alternatively, one can also ride a one-hour flight to Tugeugarao City via Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines, then board a three-hour van ride to Quirino.

Traveling to Quirino via Metro ManilaVIA METRO MANILA

There are bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City and Sampaloc, Manila that goes directly to Quirino Province. Most have a daily schedule to the province and usually rides out at night, arriving the next morning. Ticket fares are usually at around Php500.00, give or take, for a one-way trip. Please call the numbers provided for their respective bus schedules.

Five Star – Cubao | (02) 851-6614 | Twice Daily | Fare Php500.00+/-
GV Florida – Manila | (02) 743-3809 & (02) 781-5894 | Fare Php500.00+/-
Nelbusco – Manila | (02) 712 5902 & (02) 743-1332 | Fare Php500.00+/-
Northern Luzon Bus Line – Manila | Fare Php500.00+/-

Cebu Pacific Air - (02) 7020-888
Flies four times weekly to Cauayan, Isabela (plus 1.5 hours van to Cabarroguis, Quirino)
Flies daily to Tuguegarao (plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino)

Philippine Airlines - (02) 855 8888
Flies daily to Tuguegarao (plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino)

Traveling to Quirino via Baguio CityVIA BAGUIO CITY
There are two known bus companies that ply the Baguio to Quirino Province route, NA Liner and Kiangan Motor Service (KMS) bus lines ((0915) 947-1440, (0999) 849-2106, (074) 304-3113). Both have daily trips to Madella, Quirino.

Traveling to Quirino via BalerVIA BALER, AURORA
Passenger vans, pick-ups and ordinary buses regularly ply the Aurora-Quirino route. These trips last for about three to five hours on the mountainous road of Aurora's Dipaculao municipality.

AGLIPAY CAVES

Location: Barangay Villa Ventura, Municipality of Aglipay, Quirino Province, Philippines

Aglipay Caves is according to my research is a 37-chamber cave system which is good for spelunking enthusiasts> It has 8 chambers developed for caving for enthusiast of different levels of ability. Within its vicinity houses also facilities for seminars, field trips, youth activities or environmental camping.

This is a part of my March 25-26, 2016 Quirino Province Tour Package which includes: Governor's Rapids, Siitan River and Bimmapor Rock Formations, Diamond Cave, Scenic Nagtipunan Hills and Cabarroguis Quick Tour.

While I was inside Cave 8

This is a part of our 2-day March 25-26, 2016 Quirino Province tour, just timely that it was a Holy Week. It does not include the travel time where we left Cubao at 9:30 P.M. boarding a Florida airconditioned bus on March 24, 2016, Maundy Thursday and arrived at Gaddi-Total Gasoline Station in Cordon, Isabela at 4:00 A.M. of March 25 for a total of 6.5 hours travel time. A service vehicle as part of our tour packaged booked our tour operator, Mrs. Aurea Martinez, the Tourism Head of Quirino province. From Cordon, our entry point to Quirino is its first municipality of Diffun and next to it is Cabarroguis.

Just outside the main entrance to the caves

It was the only option left for us since all trips leading to Cabarroguis and Maddela of Quirino province were already fully booked and so, we were forced to take a bus heading for Isabela.

Entrance to Cave 1

And yes!!! After a sumptuous breakfast in our accommodation at Joyce Homestay in Cabarroguis, we had our first destination to Aglipay Caves.

The rice terraces rock formation

Aglipay is the third municipality coming from Cabarroguis, the capital town of Quirino. We passed through Saguday, another municipality of Quirino. It was a 45-minute refreshing drive heading to Barangay Villa Ventura where Aglipay caves are located.

Exit point of Cave 1

By the way, part of our package is a P2,500 van per day with an exclusive guide of P500 per day. Our group is consist of seven and the total of P6,000 will be shared among us. The tour package does not include all other related fees like the entrance, food and other costs.

Inside Cave 8, the second cave we entered

There was a registration site a few meters from the entrance of the cave where we paid P25 each and for that we were provided with our own guide. There were two guides provided to us and we were only informed that there are no fees for the guides except when guests give them a tip for their services.

Rock formations inside Cave 8

Getting inside the caves was a great experience as like any other caves where I had spelunking, its interior houses stunning and awesome formations of rocks not to mention its stalactites and stalagmites which were formed by natural movements for hundreds of years.

Still inside Cave 8

The cave was somewhat dry and you can walk inside without being soaked in dripping water though when you touch the walls, they are slightly sticky. One can walk comfortable inside as most of the parts where we walked through are flat and even wide.

Another part of Cave 8

Our entry point was at Cave 1 and then when we exited from it, we walked to the mouth of Cave 8 and exited again to Cave 2 and finally in Cave 3.

Exiting Cave 2

I was greatly amazed when my guide showed to us the rock formation resembling to rice terraces. Other rock formations were like: the snake, the peacock, the wedding, turtle and the owl. The guide was patient enough to explained to us what rock formations are visible to our own naked eyes.

While inside Cave 3

All parts of these four caves we had spelunking are easy to deal with except when entering Cave 2 just adjacent to Cave 8 where there is a very small hole to pass thru. At first, I was thinking I will not fit it but the technical advice from the guide made it possible for us to pass through that hole. Generally, the cave ceilings are too high except for the one I mentioned earlier

Exiting Cave 3

HOW TO GO THERE

Below is a comprehensive guide of Lakad Pilipinason how to go to Quirino coming from different points.

There’s no easy way to access Quirino Province from Metro Manila. Directly, one can take a late overnight bus from Metro Manila and arrive at the town of Maddela the next morning. It’s time-consuming but less expensive than taking a one-hour flight from Cebu Pacific Air to Cauayan Airport in the neighboring town of Isabela. From there, one still has to ride a one and a half hour van ride to Cabarroguis, the province’s capital. Alternatively, one can also ride a one-hour flight to Tugeugarao City via Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines, then board a three-hour van ride to Quirino.

Traveling to Quirino via Metro ManilaVIA METRO MANILA

There are bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City and Sampaloc, Manila that goes directly to Quirino Province. Most have a daily schedule to the province and usually rides out at night, arriving the next morning. Ticket fares are usually at around Php500.00, give or take, for a one-way trip. Please call the numbers provided for their respective bus schedules.

Five Star – Cubao | (02) 851-6614 | Twice Daily | Fare Php500.00+/-
GV Florida – Manila | (02) 743-3809 & (02) 781-5894 | Fare Php500.00+/-
Nelbusco – Manila | (02) 712 5902 & (02) 743-1332 | Fare Php500.00+/-
Northern Luzon Bus Line – Manila | Fare Php500.00+/-

Cebu Pacific Air - (02) 7020-888
Flies four times weekly to Cauayan, Isabela (plus 1.5 hours van to Cabarroguis, Quirino)
Flies daily to Tuguegarao (plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino)

Philippine Airlines - (02) 855 8888
Flies daily to Tuguegarao (plus 3 hours van ride to Cabarroguis, Quirino)

Traveling to Quirino via Baguio CityVIA BAGUIO CITY
There are two known bus companies that ply the Baguio to Quirino Province route, NA Liner and Kiangan Motor Service (KMS) bus lines ((0915) 947-1440, (0999) 849-2106, (074) 304-3113). Both have daily trips to Madella, Quirino.

Traveling to Quirino via BalerVIA BALER, AURORA
Passenger vans, pick-ups and ordinary buses regularly ply the Aurora-Quirino route. These trips last for about three to five hours on the mountainous road of Aurora's Dipaculao municipality.

BALAYUNGAN (PANTIHAN) WATER FALLS

Location: Brgy. Pantihan I, Maragondon, Cavite, Philippines

I never knew this place until such time when I climbed Mount Marami in Maragondon, Cavite on March 12, 2016 and this served to be our side trip. This is 30 minutes drive from the Mount Marami barangay registration site in Barangay Talipusngo of Maragondon. Good enough that its route is somewhat near the highway as we head back to Manila.

Balayungan Falls as captured at 4:30 P.M.

The river along the water falls is very deep but according to the locals there is no danger for daring cliff diving from atop the water falls. In fact, when we were there, our companions as well as some guests there were alternating for the cliff diving.

So close to Balayungan Falls

This water falls is not yet known to some tourists as I did a lot of searches, I found no blog with such a comprehensive information of it. According to the local that I've chat with, this falls has really Balayungan for its name since its area occupies more in Barangay Balayungan than it does in Brgy. Pantihan I though the entry point is in Brgy. Pantihan.

Listening to the rythym of the cascading water falls

While its location is open, going there other than early morning and late afternoon will really be hot. There are no trees where one can take cover. So, the time we went there at around 4:30 P.M. was just a perfect time where we maximized our enjoyment as well as best results in photography.

Balayungan Falls as captured at almost 6:00 P.M.

Though we stayed there for barely two hours, we really maximized our enjoyment. Besides, this was the time when some guests were already leaving. But I find the time so much perfect since there was no crowding though the river where we swam was wide enough to accommodate more guests.

The make-shift resort cottages in the vicinity of the falls

There were make-shift cogon cottages near the falls where guests can take cover and leave their things while having a splash in the river. I have no idea as to its rental as our guide arranged everything.

HOW TO GO THERE

Take a bus from Coastal Mall at a fare rate of P66 with travel duration of 2 hours. From Naic, take a jeepney with a signboard of Magallanes at a fare of P29 for a 30-minute drive but tell the driver to drop you at the crossing heading to the water falls. From the corner is still far and you have to take a motor cab

For worry-free visit to the falls, particularly to mountain climbers who wanted to have a side trip, take the "All-In Services" of the tour organizer Christian Seracon with mobile number at 09066921264 or through his Facebook account at Christian Seracon for only P800 inclusive of round trip van transport from Coastal Mall to Maragondon of Mount Marami, guide and registration fee as well as the jeep from Mount Marami's registration site to the jump-off point in Barangay Bangkaan of Brgy. Talipusngo.