With the cathedral-like caves and the real pottery barn-turned-al fresco dining experience to be found in Antipolo, an escape from the city is much closer than you think.

By Louise Casimiro

INDAY NELLY’S CAVES

In Antipolo, a stone’s throw away from the center of the city, lies Inday Nelly’s Caves, a 7-storey cave with vast caverns naturally decorated with shimmering stalactite and stalagmite formations.


pieta


stalactites

 Why Inday Nelly’s?
  • Accessible: It’s only approximately an hour drive from Metro Manila. Although the final stretch is on uneven dirt road, it is still accessible by a sedan. ‘Course, traveling by SUV would complete the look and feel of a real adventure, for those looking for a little excitement.
  • Cheap: For only Php40, you get to experience the wonders of nature hidden inside a mountain.
  • It’s an Adventure: The winding roads leading to the caves amidst the lush greens of the mountains are already a welcome break from the regular humdrum of the city. Then, imagine the thrill of discovering a huge maze of caves tucked behind a small, unassuming (and quite literal) hole in the wall! The first floor alone contains at least five humungous caverns that you’d need an hour to explore.

  • Discover the Spiritual: Naturally, since this is the Philippines after all, religious patterns have been deciphered from many of the rock formations. Surprisingly enough, however, the formations, shaped by nature at random, really do look like religious icons, especially the one of Jesus and the Crown of Thorns and Inday Nelly’s own version of The Pieta.

  • It has Mystique: The darkness and immensity of the first floor lend a very effective air of suspense and mystery. Check out the Cathedral, the Sounding Drum, and the yawning crevice that leads to the other levels of the cave.

     Overeager adventurers: Take note that the second to the seventh levels need additional permission. For security reasons, these are not readily available to the public.
    		•
    Some Friendly Reminders

    Bring your own flashlight!
    Your guide will have one but to make the most of self-exploration, bring a strong flashlight. A head lamp would be ideal.

    Wear the proper footwear.
    Although Inday Nelly’s is not damp and muddy, your toes still need protection from being stubbed in the dark. Rubber shoes with good grip will do just fine.

    Make a Stop at the Three Crosses
    There’s a path beside the caves that leads to three crosses atop a hill where some travelers make wishes or offer intentions. Be warned: The path is steep and it’s a veritable hike up the hill. Who says you can’t work(out) and pray at the same time.

    How to Get There

    Head towards Antipolo. Once you get to Teresa, descend the winding road. Less than two kilometers later, you will see a large Solid Cement Factory arc. Turn left at that corner. Descend down the road until you hit the Solid Cement gate. From there, make left and follow the road. It will become a dirt road. Keep veering left until you see stone steps (to your right) leading up to the cave    .
    CRESCENT MOON CAFÉ
    Make a stop at Crescent Moon Café. It’s on the road back to Manila from Inday Nelly’s and is the perfect post-caving choice!


    alagaw wrap
    halabos na hipon
    coi pond
    Pottery by Lanelle Abueva-Fernando

    Why Crescent Moon Café?

    Great Value: At P300-400 for an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, you can refuel to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content! Food is delish – home-cooked feel with panache.

    Healthy: Try the vegetable wrap – it’s a winner! Load up your leaf (yes, leaf) with garlic, coconut, onions, dried shrimps, and a delectable molasses sauce.

    Wonderful Ambience: An outdoor koi pond and a delightfully homey interior make for a tranquil and cozy meal.

    Delicious Desserts: Homemade suman and fresh mangoes are included as part of the buffet.

    Pottery: The owner, Lanelle Abueva, makes her own pottery from large plates, pitchers to tea cup sets.

    Address Ascension Road, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City
    Landline 530-5854