Where to go in Rizal? If you’re in the mood for some spelunking adventure, Mystical Cave is a remarkable geological wonder to explore.
Antipolo has been a favorite destination for those wanting a quick escape from the metro. With charming restaurants and vantage points overlooking a stunning Manila skyline, a number of attractions in the place have indeed gained popularity. If you want to treat yourself, Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa can give you an amazing spa retreat. If you need some creative inspiration, Pinto Art Museum is the place to go. Good food is always a priority and Crescent Moon Cafe will surely serve you amazing dishes. And if you’re looking for affordable places to stay in Antipolo, you may also consider Cafe Lupe Bed and Breakfast.
Truly, Antipolo is beaming with remarkable destinations to visit. But who would have thought that it also has this massive cave called Mystical Cave?
About Mystical Cave Antipolo
The Mystical Cave was discovered by Inday Nelly Deles in 1970. Prior to her discovery, she had visions of a holy place in the mountains. When her first child died, she decided to leave Iloilo and found herself in the quiet town of Antipolo.
One day while she was walking, she remembered the vision she had. Suddenly, an inner voice told her that she had found the place. And the place is what we know now as the Mystical Cave. It was said that the cave only had a small opening like the size of a coin and that an explosive was used to create an entrance. Since her discovery, Inday Nelly Deles maintained the Mystical Cave.
The Mystical Cave is located in Sitio Boso-Boso in Barangay San Jose and can be reached via Puting Bato road. Once you arrived at the site, you need to climb concrete pathways to reach the entrance of the cave which is actually just a small gate.
What to See in Mystical Cave
The Mystical Cave was named as such because of the rock formations you can see inside resembling religious figures like the images of Jesus, Mary, and Pieta among others. Even the water that can be found at the place is said to have miraculous healing powers. No wonder the cave has been a pilgrimage site being visited by devotees especially during the Lenten season.
The Mystical Cave actually has eight levels but only the first level is easily accessible. More levels can be found by going further down but they can’t be easily reached. Ropes must be used and it seems like more experienced cavers or spelunkers are suitable to access them.
The rock formations inside Mystical Cave are really amazing as well as the development of stalagmites and stalactites. Also if you look closely, many of the rocks seemed to have been crystallized. They are really shining in the dark.
The Mystical Cave has enough lighting and the pathways are well made. I’m also still amazed how from a small steel gate, there lies a massive cave full of amazing rock formations. You can even see some stalactites starting to form.
The Mystical Cave is also a popular filming location and various television shows and films had been shot in the place like Encantadia. Note that you need a guide to explore the cave and it will take you around an hour to finish.
Overall
For some, exploring the Mystical Cave is some sort of adventure. But for many others, the place is a sacred location where they contemplate and even find miraculous healing. But one thing is for sure, the Mystical Cave is one incredible geological wonder that you can easily access from Manila.
Nelly’s Mystical Cave Antipolo Rizal
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8AM – 6PM
Admission Fee: PHP50
Address: Barangay San Jose, Puting Bato, Antipolo
Page: https://www.facebook.com/mysticalcaveantipolo/
While researching for some heritage sites of Antipolo City, my search came to the Mystical Cave found by Nelly. Read everything about why it is a mystical cave. Will share to others. Is there a tour guide to explore it? Can this be seen or available place at present? Year 2022
I’ve visited the place, thrice already in the past ten years, and it still mesmerizes me every time. The moment you step in, it feels like you’re in a different dimension. You will feel the heaviness in breathing, I don’t know if it’s scientific or what. It’s dark the whole time, you need some light you have to bring one for yourself because the flashlight from the guide wouldn’t be enough. It’s breathtaking and enchanting. The third time I visited the place, the number of vandals was also increasing. As per the family who’s taking care of the cave, there have been a few people, trespassing and putting vandals up the walls of the cave, throwing garbage, and living there at night they tried to control it and put some locks but it they’re still occupying it. I don’t know if it’s still an ongoing issue today. The stalactites and stalagmites were dying already. (You can’t touch them otherwise they will lose their shine.)
On the other hand, this has been a destination of faith and belief. They’ve added more attractions here, like three crosses at the top of the hill, where you have to do trekking for over thirty minutes, to see a beautiful view of Puting Bato and say your prayers as you are closer to God in heaven. Some huts to eat with your friends and a flower garden. Overall, it’s an experience that you should have especially if you’re religious.
Hi Katirin,
Thank you very much for sharing 🙂 I haven’t been back since I first visited but I was really surprised that such a site exist in Rizal. I hope it can be well maintained for the devotees who frequent the place.
Sincerely,
Arrianne