Out of Town@Juice - What's Your Flavor?

What A Day Trip

Posted on: October 20, 2009

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

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NEIL TARUC says:
nice! no need to go on a long trip to experience nature's wonders.
(January 27, 2010 01:03:00 PM)

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Paolo D says:
The Alagaw wraps in Crescent Moon are like no other. Uber good! I wonder if you can go on a 5 day adventure inside the caves...
(October 30, 2009 03:05:55 AM)

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kenneth rosales says:
wow. i love cheap thrills like these. this will be in my list of outdoor adventures
(October 22, 2009 09:18:01 AM)

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kim flores says:
interesting! i live near antipolo yet dunno there were caves like these there. and to think that i used to pass by solid cement on my way to paete & tayabas during my supplier sourcing trips way back. had i known that then, i would've made a side trip to these caves.:) i gotta go see 'em... the hike would be a welcome treat for me since i haven't done that in a long time.
(October 22, 2009 08:57:12 AM)

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CIELO CASINO says:
This article is very helpful specially to those readers that are adventure seekers and first timers that are planning to have this kind of adventure. With all these information you will be able to budget not only your money but also your time since this is just an hour drive from Metro Manila. Also with this article you now know all the details what to expect when you get there at Inday Nelly's Caves.
(October 22, 2009 08:40:17 AM)

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doji lopez says:
Nice article. I've gone spelunking in Sagada and Laguna, I've marveled (jaw-drop) at the magnificence of Palawan's underground river, so I know I like caves. Antipolo is so near, kailangan mapuntahan! My cousins also explored in and near Mayon volcano, so that should be on everyone's list, as well.
(October 22, 2009 07:39:36 AM)

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