Melo Villareal
Travel Guide: Lussok Cave and Underground River
Luna, Apayao, Philippines — Somewhere between the mountains and the sea of the great Cordillera Administrative Region are quaint, quiet towns—little treasures tucked away in its vast expanse, like Luna in the province of Apayao.
Road trip to Apayao from Cagayan Valley
Looking back, it has been more than a decade since I last set foot in the province. I was surprised to see many positive developments, and the roads are much better than those in other provinces in Luzon, despite being one of the region’s lesser-known tourist destinations.
To me, it was impressive how local officials have been pushing their tourism promotion efforts to help the livelihoods of their community.
A landlocked area in the Philippines that borders Cagayan to the north and east, Abra and Ilocos Norte to the west, and Kalinga to the south, Apayao is naturally traversed by rivers and is home to several natural attractions frequented mostly by local backpackers. It is considered Cordillera’s last natural frontier because its people still maintain their peaceful coexistence with the natural environment.
Nestled in the northernmost part of Apayao is the municipality of Luna, where the Lussok Crystal Cave and Underground River are emerging as an eco-tourism hotspot.
Our Media group and the rest of the Grand North Luzon Caravan participants have just visited St. Philomene Church in Alcala, a town in the northern province of Cagayan. Our next stop was strategically the nearby municipality of Luna in Apayao. It was almost sundown when we arrived in the area, and we proceeded to the Lussok Cave Visitors Center for a late lunch and activity orientation.
Upon arrival at the area, we were welcomed by the Provincial Tourism Officer, Ms. Rebecca Mamba, and Apayao Board Member, Ms. Kyle Bulut. We were also welcomed by the Provincial Government of Apayao cultural group, who performed their traditional dance [taddo’] and even invited some of us to dance with them.
Unknown to most of us, their performance is just the beginning of a one-of-a-kind journey we are about to embark on.
About Lussok Underground River and Crystal Cave
On the rocky slope of Barangay Dagupan, one will find this multi-chamber cave with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites, embedded with crystals that dance and shine with the tiniest reflections of light, hence its other name, the Crystal Caves.
TRIVIA: Lussok means a hole in the Ilocano language. The cave was named as such due to a hole that provides light inside the cave.
Accessible via an underground river system, you can navigate the calm, placid river and reach the picturesque maze by boat without outriggers (or katig).
The cave is a 20-minute drive away from Marag Valley. A short walk from the visitor’s center leads to the river cruise jump-off point. The tour starts with a brief 200-meter boat ride on the enchanting azure waters.
During the 10-15-minute river cruise, we were in awe of the lush vegetation, crystal-clear waters, and the overall serenity of the place. Glimmering limestone formations reflected the light seeping through the formation and welcomed us just before we reached the mouth of the cave.
Inside, you will see various formations of stalactites and stalagmites, much like the ones in Puerto Princesa in Palawan. There are formations depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary, vegetables, fruits, and faces, all pointed out to us by our trained boatmen guides.
For thrill-seekers, you can also go on a one-hour guided spelunking activity up to its vertical cave.
Fees and Operating Hours
Located in Brgy. Dagupan in Luna, the Lussok Cave, and the Underground River are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is Php120 per head, and the parking fee is Php25. It is also required to hire an accredited tour guide for safety.
Best time to visit Apayao
Here’s the best time to visit Apayao:
Dry Season (November to May): The best time to visit Apayao is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. This period brings mostly dry weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the province’s natural attractions, such as waterfalls, caves, and rivers.
Peak Tourist Season (November to April): November to April is considered the peak tourist season when weather conditions are most favorable for travel and adventure activities.
Wet Season to Avoid (June to October): The wet season occurs from June to October and should generally be avoided. Heavy rains during this period can make roads impassable and outdoor activities challenging, posing a risk of landslides.
Special Event – Say-am Festival: If you want to experience local culture, plan your visit for February 14th to the Say-am Festival, Apayao’s grandest celebration, showcasing the province’s cultural heritage.
Weather Characteristics: Apayao has a Type III climate classification with relatively dry and wet seasons. The heaviest rains typically occur from December to February, while May is usually the warmest month.
About Luna, Apayao
Luna is a second-class municipality in the province of Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Its former name was Macatel, which was later changed to Luna by the town’s founder, the Ilocano explorer Antonino Barroga of Dingras, Ilocos Norte.
How to get to Luna, Apayao
Here are the ways to get to Luna, Apayao:
By Bus from Manila: Take a Florida Bus Liner or RCJ Bus going to Junction Luna in Abulug, Cagayan. Both terminals are located in Sampaloc, Manila. The travel time is approximately 12 hours, and fares range from P700 to P750.
By Plane, then Van: The fastest option is to book a flight with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific to either Laoag City or Tuguegarao City (approximately 1-hour flight). Both airports have vans bound for Luna, Apayao.
By Car: You can drive from Manila to Luna, Apayao, which takes around 12-13 hours depending on traffic and route conditions.
Luna serves as the de facto provincial capital of Apayao and is dubbed the “show window of the province.” It borders the municipality of Abulug in Cagayan Province on its northern boundary, making it relatively accessible from lowland areas compared to other parts of Apayao.
Getting around Luna, Apayao
Getting around is a bit trickier because public transportation is limited. However, you can hire a tricycle driver to take you around the area, or rent a private vehicle from accredited vehicle rental shops in the city or nearby towns.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early to enjoy all the activities, as the visitor center closes at 4pm.
- Help maintain the facilities by buying souvenirs at the visitor’s center.
- Show your appreciation by tipping the local boatmen and tour guides.
- Visit the hanging bridge to see the river from a different angle.
Contact Info
- Provincial Tourism Office of Apayao / Rebecca T. Mamba 0927-2417343 / Email: apayao.tourism@yahoo.com
- Luna Municipal Tourism Office / Terence Grande – 0921-4653657
This tour is part of the 2020 Grand North Luzon Fun Caravan, organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) in Partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board, the Department of Tourism, and various LGUs of Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Quirino, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, and Apayao.
For inquiries on how to join the upcoming caravans, call PHILTOA at +632 8812 4513 or +63 932 847 4735 or visit Facebook.com/PhilippineTourOperatorsAssociation/.
Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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Read:
- The Ultimate List of the Best Hotels and Beach Resorts in Siargao Island
- Top Tips for Planning Your Underground River Tour
- SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE
