How to get there
The location of Biak-na-Bato is no secret anymore. This National Park is a refreshing escape for city dwellers to go with its extensive cave network, cool river system and challenging historical and ecological trails.
The easiest way to reach Biak-na-Bato National Park is to drive from Manila to the north via the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX. Take Exit 34 toward Balagtas. Continue onto Plaridel Bypass Road, then onto San Rafael Municipal Road and turn right to enter Pan-Philippine Highway.
Upon reaching San Miguel Welcome Arch, turn right to the old Cagayan Valley Road. After about two kilometers, turn right to Magsaysay Road. The park is located about 15 kilometers at the dead end of this junction.
Another alternative is to exit from Santa Rita, and drive via Pan-Philippine Highway passing thru the towns of Plaridel, reaching San Miguel. But many portions of this highway are still under repair, caus
What to see, what to do
Entrance to the park is P50 per person for adults and P40 for students or senior citizens. A guide is now required to accompany visitors to go around the park. Minimum guide fee is P200 per group.
The National Park at present has an area of 659 hectares and it extends to the municipality of Dona Remedios Trinidad.
Those with limited time can explore the attractions near the park center. Right beside the entrance is a small monument dedicated to the Katipuneros who fought the war against the Spaniards. In front of it is another monument with a bolo on top. Below this is the Historical Commission marker commemorating the founding of the Republic of Biak-na-Bato.
Further down is the famous Aguinaldo Cave. It was here where Emilio Aguinaldo
To cross the Balaong River, there’s a hanging bridge that connects to the other To cross the Balaong River, there’s a hanging bridge that connects to the other side. side. Across the river is the large mural of Emilio Aguinaldo and the Katipuneros. It pays tribute to the signing of the Constitution of Biak-na-Bato.
From here, a concrete trail leads to some of the caves within the park center. Along the trail is an open cave called Pahingahan Cave, where the Katipuneros would come to take some rest. Further down the trail is a path that leads to the Kweba ng Paniki or the Bat Cave. and return at dawn. Along the way to the Bat Cave are several giant trees that already stood during the time of Aguinaldo.
Further down the park are several trails that lead to Aguinaldo’s secret caves: Hospital Cave, where the wounded Katipuneros were brought for treatment, Imbakan Cave supplies, Tangapan Cave, which served as a which served a trap to trick the Spaniards.
There are several stalls outside the park selling souvenir items made from rocks. On weekends, farmers of Biak-na-Bato sell freshly-harvested fruits and vegetables there.
Where to stay, what do eat
Camping overnight is no longer allowed inside the park, so most visitors come for a day tour. For dining, there’s no restaurant inside the park, but there are at the parking area selling snacks.
But for those who wish to experience picnicking at the same area where the Katipuneros used to eat, there are now picnic tables that can be rented near the mural of Aguinaldo. Bring rice and and imagine it’s 1897.