For our 5th anniversary, we were both under what you can call "busy season", so due to this reason, we decided to go someplace near.
The place that we had in mind was... Sta. Victoria Caves and Resort.
Tip:: This trip can be a half or whole day adventure.
How to get there::
If you're from Manila, you can take the bus (GV Florida or Victory Bus) and stop in Ilagan City (market near old chowking) then go to your chosen hotel first. Then take a van going Tuguegarao, van terminal is located in front of Talavera Square, embark at junction going Santa Victoria. There are billboards along the hi-way saying "Zoovic". Stop there and take a tricycle going Santa Victoria Cave and Resort. That's probably 14.3 km and might take you 15-20mins (Ilagan Van Terminal to Santa Victoria Cave and Resort).
When to go::
Best to go here in Summer, March to June. Going there on rainy season would result to the muds to be sticky, and you won't be able to enjoy the caves very much.
Where to stay::
Since there are no hotels in Santa Victoria, you can stay in hotels in Ilagan. There are plenty of hotels in Ilagan but I would recommend Marj Hotel located in Centro Ilagan where you can have a good dinner on their Club/Bar upstairs. Plus the rates are friendly.
What to do::
When you're in Santa Victoria, first stop would be the Adventure Cave.
Entrance Fee is P50.00 per head.
You can't enter here without a tour guide, they will provide your tour guide so don't worry.
There are 4 caves open to the public, it's best to enter here first and try the adventure (it's easier when you enter here first).
Tip:: Caves are not lighted by artificial spot lights so please bring your own flashlights.
After here you can go to the other three big caves. I didn't get a picture of the other cave. Anyway, there are lots of formation here that you would enjoy.
After the caves, you will exit directly to the mini zoo. Entrance and exit here on this part.
There's another zoo on the other side, the way going to the Resort and Falls.
Before going to the wet and wild area of this place, you might want to try the zip line, horseback riding and ATV first.
Fees are reasonable so enjoy!
Then after here, you can now enjoy the wet and wild area! First is the other mini zoo I'm telling you about, then the Big Birds, then you can have a picnic while chillin' in their resort.
I don't have a picture of the resort, sorry about that. After a picnic lunch at the resort, you can go to the wonderful falls of Santa Victoria. That's 10-20-minute walk, depending on your walking speed.
That's that!
Santa Victoria Trip DONE! Hope I was of help ;)
You can comment below for questions. I'll try to answer the best I can.
Happy Trip!
More pictures on my Facebook account.
