Jump to: About Lussok Cave | How to Get There | Things to Do | Fees | Itinerary | Budget | Travel Tips | FAQs
About Lussok Cave
Lussok Cave is a multi-chamber limestone cave system located in Luna, Apayao. It's famous for its stunning karst formations, underground river, and boat ride experience inside the cave. As part of the Apayao eco-tourism zone, it's perfect for nature lovers and spelunkers.
How to Get to Lussok Cave
- Jump-off Point: Barangay Dagupan, Luna, Apayao
- From Manila: Take a bus to Tuguegarao or Laoag
- From Tuguegarao: Ride a van or bus to Luna, Apayao
- Local Transport: Take a tricycle or habal-habal to the tourism office, then to the Lussok Cave area
Things to Do at Lussok Cave
- 🚤 Boat ride inside the cave’s underground river
- 🧗 Short spelunking adventure in multiple chambers
- 📸 Photograph unique limestone and karst formations
- 🌿 Visit the nearby Eco-Park and hanging bridge
Entrance Fees and Guide Rates
- Entrance Fee: ₱20 per person
- Guide Fee: ₱300 (good for 5 pax)
- Optional Boat Ride: ₱200 per boat (max 4 pax)
Sample Day Tour Itinerary
04:00 AM – Travel from Tuguegarao to Luna, Apayao 08:30 AM – Register at Luna Tourism Office 09:00 AM – Start caving adventure and boat ride 11:00 AM – Enjoy local food or packed lunch 01:00 PM – Explore nearby parks or hanging bridge 03:00 PM – Depart back to Tuguegarao – Read full story belowJust to let you know, during our backpacking, LET was held in Tuguegarao City, and most of the hotels were fully booked, including Hotel Joselina. We checked a few of the hotels nearby, but no available rooms. It was unexpected! Different ideas and a lot of options were planned if we couldn't find a room. I thought it was just the problem, however, early in the morning, Japs, my roommate, had an unforeseen circumstance - it was a health issue! #matandanasijaps
Instead of forcing himself, given the fact that our itinerary was caving in Apayao, he made his decision not to continue. It was sad, but our journey must go on. Henry and Camille were done with their itinerary but Japs joined them and headed back to Manila. To continue, I, Charles and Ria packed our things up and proceeded to the hotel reception. Upon checking out, we were informed that a fan room was available. So, we booked that room and headed back upstairs and repacked! Bringing our stuff inside our dry bags, we headed to McDonald's nearby for breakfast.
From McDonald's, we rode a tricycle to a UV Express terminal bound for Claveria. After our Cagayan adventure, on our third day, we headed to Apayao, its neighbouring province. Then, rode in an FX and alighted in Junction Luna. Travel Time was 3-4 hours. At Junction Luna, we chartered a tricycle to Lussok Cave. Click the link below for the list of expenses and the complete itinerary.
Good thing that the tricycle driver resides in the area, thus, he knows pretty much everything. It was noon, and the sunlight struck my skin. After getting off the trike, we headed to the tourism office reception area. Met our boatman and our guide - the alright guy. Settled the fees, left our stuff at the reception, and brought our cameras and phones into the cave.
The first part was a boat ride with our boatman rowing while the guide kept on talking, and talking, and talking. The water on the river was clear and the area has a relaxing ambiance because it is surrounded by greens and the wind is cool and fresh. This spot is definitely a sanctuary because it is rich in biodiversity of flora and fauna. The birds singing, the sound of the rushing water, and the wind blowing the leaves were harmonizing in my ears.
As we moved and entered Lussok Cave, those harmonizing sounds disappeared and were replaced by a distinct smell and a unique sound - yes, it was the smell and the sound of the bats residing inside Lussok. Plus, the sound of the water droplets was echo-ing inside the cave. The cave has a high ceiling, is spacious, and really dark. Our boatman kept on paddling for us to reach different chambers inside. Then, the second part was getting off the boat and walking on the boulders. With the guides' instructions, we headed to the higher part of the cave. It was not simple!
The caving experience here has three options: simple, moderate, and hard. According to our guide, simple includes walking on the simple passages, moderate includes the simple passages plus entering inside the small cavern, and hard includes the simple passages, the small cavern, and rappelling.
Lussok Cave has a lot inside, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns in different shapes, forms, and colors. The appearance of the shape depends on how green your mind is. Speaking of which, one thing is for sure: there's big, medium, small, and curved. Of course, in different colors: there's black, white, brown and ma mink-mink.
Like other caves, the usual problem is vandalism. There are parts of the cave where drawings and writings are visible. The crystalline that covers the limestone is proof that Lussok cave is still preserved. It will not be hard for us to promote and brag to others that this cave is a must-visit tourist destination and attraction in the province of Apayao. If you're in Tuguegarao City, you can do a day tour in this cave. After the exhilarating caving experience, the next part was walking on the jungle trail back to the tourism office. The downhill trails are well established, however, some parts are by the cliff. Then, passing on the hanging bridge and back to the river. Rested. Tidy up. At the tourism office, there are toilets and a bath for visitors and a sari-sari store selling food, beverages, and souvenirs.
While on our way back to Junction Luna, our trike driver asked me if it was our first time to be in Apayao. I instantly said: YES, and at last, he started talking about the tourist spots in the area. He mentioned that they have a newly built sports complex. The sun was really hot and the wind was strong, without hesitation, I just answered: "sige kuya, daan nalang tayo, picture picture lang, tapos daan narin tayo sa kapitolyo, tapos ibaba mo nalang kami sa may pinaka-masarap na kainan sa junction." And we made it! After the sumptuous lunch in Junction Luna, we rode in a UV Express van to Tuguegarao City. It was already dark when we arrived in the city, so we had our dinner at the carinderia near Robinson's before heading back to Hotel Joselina. Tidy up and rested. After Apayao, we headed to Ilagan City the next day. Read our journey in Cagayan, Apayao, and Isabela with a complete backpacking guide and itinerary.
Estimated Travel Budget
- Transport: ₱1,200 (Tuguegarao–Luna RT)
- Fees & Guide: ₱100–₱200
- Meals & Water: ₱300
- Total: ₱1,600 – ₱2,000 per person
Travel Tips
- Bring a waterproof flashlight or headlamp
- Wear non-slip footwear — the cave is wet and slippery
- Best time to visit: dry season (Dec to May)
- Support local guides and avoid littering
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cave difficult to explore? No, it’s suitable for beginners. Guides assist with safety.
Are boat rides safe? Yes, life vests are provided, and guides accompany all rides.
Do I need a permit? Walk-in registration is allowed at the Luna Tourism Office or at the cave jump-off.
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