History of Crystal Cave Baguio

Often overlooked by visitors who travel to the area to see the more famous Banaue Rice Terraces, Baguio’s Crystal Cave sadly no longer boasts the remarkable crystals it was named after. Not far from the Philippine city of Baguio, picturesquely situated amid Luzon’s Cordillera mountain range, the Crystal Cave is nevertheless home to stunning rock formations and impressive stalactites which have formed over thousands of years.

History

Not much is known about the Crystal Cave’s history but it is thought the nearby Timbac Caves around Baguio and those of Sagada, roughly six hours by road from Baguio, have been used for burial purposes for up to 2,000 years, in accordance with local practice. However, the coffins and mummies visible today at these locations only date back up to five centuries, according to the National Museum in Manila.

In modern history, the Crystal Cave survived World War II bombings by the Japanese and a significant earthquake which struck Baguio in 1990. International tourists began to visit the area in the 1970s yet there has allegedly been a decline in tourism since the cave has been stripped of its crystals.

The Cave’s Demise

Sadly, locals struggling to survive have robbed the cave of most of its precious crystals in recent decades, selling them to tourists. Previously, the cave entrance was surrounded by crystals. There is currently no conservation effort underway to protect the cave from further pillaging.

Cave Tours

It is possible for visitors to pick up a local tour guide outside the cave to guide them through its dark chambers and passageways by oil lantern. Guides are equipped with lighting and can provide visitors with invaluable information on the cave’s history and interior. It is not recommended to tour the cave without a guide due to the dangers of slipping or getting lost.

Getting There

Baguio City is served by Laokan Airport, which offers domestic links to Manila. The city can also be reached by road from Manila, 150 miles away or a six-hour journey. Once in Baguio, jeepneys (flamboyantly decorated shared taxis) and regular taxis run 35 miles south of the city to the cave, or you can hire a car with or without a driver. Visitors are advised to visit outside of the rainy season (May to November), when parts of the cave become impassable.

Baguio City

North Luzon’s elevated Baguio City was founded by Americans at the turn of the 20th century. It quickly developed a reputation as the country’s summer capital due to its mild climate; a reputation that still stands.

References

• Pilot Destinations: Hanging Coffins of Sagada
• “Lonely Planet Philippines”; Greg Bloom; 2006
• “The Igorot Mummies: A Socio-cultural and Historical Treatise”; Isikias Picpican; 2003

Resources

• Official Website of Baguio City