The Tourist Gaze

Back in Tuguegarao that afternoon, we have plenty of time to spare, and we decide to spend it in a nearby town. Specifically, we head to Peñablanca some 10 kilometers northeast of the provincial capital as the crow flies to explore a popular cave.

The Callao Cave is only one of 300 caves in the area, but is the most accessible, and hence, most known. It’s composed of seven chambers, each illuminated by sunlight that streams through the crevices of the cave’s ceiling. The interiors are composed of various limestone formations created by millions of years of geological processes, although the most famous feature is man-made – the first chamber has been made into a chapel containing two rows of pews that front an altar. The other six chambers are less iconic, but are nonetheless spectacular, perhaps even more so, with the beams of the afternoon sunlight producing an ethereal glow to the cavernous spaces.

Callao Cave is part of the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape, which covers a stretch of forest in the northern Sierra Madre mountain range and extends to the Pacific coastline. Largely undisturbed by man-made development, the park is a key biodiversity area with a large number of species of plants and threatened birds.

Callao Cave itself houses colonies of bats, which become alive as dark descends. Visitors can ride a boat on the river and watch these nocturnal creatures take flight with the sunset as the backdrop. But short on cash, we simply enjoy the cave and a glass of halo-halo by the park entrance before heading back to Tuguegarao.

How to Get to Callao Cave from Tuguegarao

By Private Vehicle

• Take the Tuguegarao-Peñablanca Road (24 km, approximately 30-40 minutes).
• Follow the signs to Callao Cave Tourist Zone near Pinacanauan River.

By Public Transport

• Ride a tricycle to Peñablanca Terminal in Tuguegarao.
• From the terminal, hire a tricycle to Callao Cave (₱400-₱600 roundtrip).
• Agree on a pickup time if needed.

Optional: River Tour

• Take a boat ride along Pinacanauan River.
• Best experienced at sunset when thousands of bats fly out of the cave.

Things to Do Near Callao Cave

1. Witness the Bat Exodus at Dusk

Head to Pinacanauan River before sunset to see thousands of bats emerging from the cave—a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

2. Take a Boat Ride on Pinacanauan River

Enjoy a serene boat ride along the river, surrounded by lush limestone formations and the scenic beauty of Peñablanca.

3. Visit the Other Caves in Peñablanca

Aside from Callao, Peñablanca is home to over 300 caves, including:

• Sierra Cave – Known for its stunning rock formations and crystal-clear pools.
• Odessa-Tumbali Cave – A challenging spelunking spot for experienced adventurers.

4. Explore the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park

This protected area is a haven for nature lovers, with hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, and opportunities for birdwatching.

5. Try Local Delicacies in Tuguegarao

Before or after your cave adventure, indulge in local favorites like pancit batil patung and longganisa Tuguegarao in the city.