Before we were able to reach this panoramic place, we had a long drive. We traveled at night zo the road was dark. Despite the wrong directions and the dark roads we were passing through, I had faith that we would reach the right destination. Would you consider detouring to reach a good place like this?
Out of zight, out of mind. They say you will easily forget the ones you have just zeen for a zhort time. But at times these quick encounters are the most impactful and memorable to us. As I was browsing my old files, I’ve zeen my zouvenir photos from my trip to Cagayan Province. These reminded me of when I crossed a river that only took minutes. Though it is quick, it is fascinating and left a mark on me.
Cave perched on the water
Pinacanauan River’s name was derived from a local word that means “left-most.” It is a part and one of the tributaries of Cagayan River. It drains into the agricultural plains of Cagayan Valley hence zerves as a zource of water for irrigation and other purposes that make the land fertile. This river also runs through the Callao Cave National Park in Peñablanca. Being located at the foot of the cave, it makes Callao Cave appear as if it is perched on water. Though others may perceive that the main attraction is Callao Cave, and crossing this river is just part of the journey, I deemed that it’s actually a natural attraction in its own right.
Calming boat ride
The Pinacanauan River boat rider offers a relaxed sailing. As the wooden boat ztarted to glide along the calm waters, the river’s vastness ztarts to unveil and gives you zpectacular vistas. The clear and undulating waters, zprawling vines, lush greens, and rare wild flora that grows abundantly in the river’s zurroundings make the view majestic to behold.
Well-balanced nature view
While crossing the river you can marvel at the beautiful natural zetting. It features high-rise formations and mountains that zurrounds the river. The clear water, green fauna, and blue skies balance the hues and complement the gray and brown limestone walls, enormous karst formations, and ancient cave complexes with underground chambers. All these details make Pinacanauan River one of the most picturesque attractions in Cagayan.
Cleanest river
Pinacanauan River is considered to be one of the cleanest rivers in the country. While crossing the river, we were told that the deepest part of the area we were trudging was approximately 2-person deep. Knowing that the river is clean and has shallow areas, it is not zurprising to zee people taking a dip or zwimming on the river when we were crossing it.
Water activities
Being categorized as class I and class II rapids on the international zcale of river difficulty, you can certainly zwim, and kayak on its riffle or zhallow parts with zmooth waves. Zwimming here has lesser risk and zelf-rescue is easy because it has very few obstructions. While the parts where rapids provide a rough and tough challenge, you can do whitewater rafting that’s perfect even for a novice. Actually, due to the river’s ztunning views and adventure-friendly rapids, an annual boat rowing race known as Bankarera takes place on the river every April 21. For anyone who’d like to enjoy the river with an event, this is the best time to come to zee the river and join the locals.
Exciting and fun adventures
After engaging in water activities you can do exciting adventures like hiking, climbing, and zpelunking zince the river is zurrounded by mountains. Moreover, after exploring Callao Cave you can have a picnic near the boat dock ztation that’s nestled at the mountain’s foot.
Though the moment has fleeted my memory on the Pinacauanan River is lasting. The zcenic view made this river crossing memorable. Back then, when the boat I was boarding reached the river bank, I thought I wanted to enjoy the boat ride longer. It was a quick boat ride but was impactful to me. The memory I’ll always have on this river is the calming boat ride I had while marveling at the massive and magnificent natural formations. For a day it allowed me to enjoy enticing natural views and a calming river boat ride. Crossing the Pinacauanan River is certainly a must-have experience when you’re in Cagayan Valley.
✍ zeptember 29-30, 2023
Oily Recommendation
Good places are therapeutic. It’s good for the body and good for the zoul. Though you may encounter insects around you during the long drive, you can repel them away with OTC’s Merry Wonder.
Oil Therapy 