2nd part of my Mindanao Backpacking in SOCCKSARGEN region.
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After the beyond majestic experience in Lake Holon, we proceeded to the best sidetrip ever which is Bakngeb River Cave Adventure!
It's just a stone throw away from Brgy. Salacafe which is our exit point from hiking Lake Holon. Still riding a habal habal, it would take less than an hour to reach Bakngeb.
We were asked to wear a life vest for security purposes because the current of water inside the cave was of high intensity as described by our guide.
There were at least five people who assisted us inside the cave. We rode an inflatable boat usually used in water rafting and the adventure begins!
The current was really intense! When we reached the half of the cave, the boat can't enter the cave anymore because of its size. So, one by one, we dip ourselves into its frozing waters! And geez!!! its hard to swim against the current. Even if I was holding and pulling a rope, I can't seem to push through. One guide needed to help me for us to go further. Thanks Kuya! All of our weariness from our previous hike had gone! It seems like the frozing water had taken it all away. We stayed there for at least 20 minutes. I hold on to the rope and it was easier going back because I am being pushed by the water. There's this part where you would dive onto a "waterfall like" about 5 feet and I thought it was cool so I tried it! But didn't expect that that was deep. I had a hard time reviving myself to breathe air and I have drunk so much water. (Literal na nabusog ako.)
Overall, that was very fun!!!!!!! It was my favorite adventure among all the activities we did. The adrenaline and excitement was there. Please don't forget to go there after hiking Lake Holon! You wouldn't regret it :)
After the activity, we ate our late lunch at the traditional food restaurant inside the premises.
How to get there? (with expenses)
- From Brgy. Salacafe, ride a habal habal and tell them you are going to Bakngeb River.
Travel time: 45 mins.
Fare: Php 210 per motor.
- Upon arrival, there is a registration of Php 50 per head. Free use of life vest, boat and guide fees. I actually find it really cheap.
- Ride a habal habal again back to Terminal of Brgy. Edwards.
Travel time: 1 hour
Fare: Php 230 per motor
- Proceed to next destination which is Lake Sebu also in South Cotabato.
Sample Itinerary
Day 2
11:00 Arrival at Brgy. Salacafe. Ride habal habal to Bakngeb.
11:45 ETA Bakngeb River. Register.
12:00 Start Bakngeb Adventure!!!
12:45 End of activity. Freshen up
13:00 Late Lunch
13:30 Prepare to leave. Proceed to terminal.
14:30 Arrival at Brgy. Edwards Terminal. Ride van going to Surallah.
15:00 Terminal. Ride Van going to Poblacion Lake Sebu.
NEXT ADVENTURE: LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO
Wrote by Diaries of A Financial Traveler