The Grotto in Narvacan

Grotto in Narvacn

Every time I travel with my family to our hometown in Laoag since I was a kid, we always passed by the municipality of Narvacan but never did I remember even once seeing the Grotto standing on the ocean / bay of Ilocos Sur.  During the start of my traveling days as an adult, that was the only time I can recall seeing the Grotto of the Virgin Mary but still I never find time to really get off the bus (or whatever I’m riding) and see the grotto up close.

 

Found in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, people can get off in Sulvec Bay in Barangay Sulvec.  During my first real backpacking in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, I included the Grotto in my self-created itinerary since I think it is about time to really see this Grotto and what made it special.  Coming from Sta. Maria Church in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, I rode a commuter van traveling to Vigan, Ilocos Sur and got off in Narvacan (You would not miss it if you are looking at your left).  Before I went to the grotto, I first had my breakfast in one of the carinderias (local canteen) in the area since it was around 8:00 am.  While having breakfast, I can clearly view the grotto from the carinderia which really gave me excitement.  Surveying the area, I notice, the only way to go there was to submerge my feet in water.  So I remove my rubber shoes and wore my slippers (I brought my traveling sandals with straps but still I have decided to use my slippers instead for the adventure).

 

Tips & Reminders:

Ask the owner of the carinderia if you can leave your backpack and other things in their establishment just for a while (this is assuming you were a customer and bought something before asking them of leaving your backpack which of course could add the possibility of them saying yes to your request).  Anyway, if either you decide to just bring your backpack or they did not allow you to leave it with them, then your risk is high of soaking your things if you slip along the way, which later you’ll know why.  Or, another advice is to find a dry spot on the rocks along your trip to the Grotto where you can leave your things but it should be close enough for the backpacks to be seen.  As for me, I have decided to bring my backpack since I still do not know what to expect during that time.

Now, start our journey by crossing the highway from the carinderia (Be careful when crossing. Remember this is a highway and there is a curve in your left so possibility is motorists might not see you when you cross. So if you’re not careful, its game over brother) and go to the beach (I do not recommend swimming here). Looking at the Grotto from the beachhead, it seems it will only take you two (2) minutes to be there and from where I was standing then, it is obviously just a couple of meters but it took me around thirty (30) minutes to be at the foot of the grotto, then ten (10) minutes to stay there to pray (you can bring candles and lit it if you want), feel the serenity, admire the view of the place, picture taking, and... thinking how you could go back after withstanding the challenge halfway with exhaustion, which is another thirty (30) minutes traveling back. Why? Ok, let me put it this way, I almost slip more than five times (Thank God He helped me), and remember I am carrying my backpack for my one week journey (my entire travel career is in there and remember, no body like wearing a wet underwear), so slipping is not an option if you know what I mean. To continue, beside the slippery rocks which are submerged in water, you need to deal with small sea snakes (well, they look like snakes but I guess they are afraid of you than you of them) and other sea creatures (not the likes of the cracken though), and the deep (it’s above the knee so fold your short or better wear your short high and do not let your backpack again to get wet)

So this attraction is not just a religious place but also an adventure site as well. The trip going to the grotto is challenging for adults, not good though for kids unless you are a local kid in the area which is familiar with the place. And by the way, I left my backpack at the middle part of the trip after finding a dry safe spot and just went back for it after.

Point of Origin:  Sta. Maria Church, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur (30-minute travel time)

Dropped off point:  Get off in Sulvec Bay in Baranggay Sulvec or to be safer, ask the driver to drop you off at the Grotto area

Transportation Cost (PUV Van): Php 10.00 to Php 15.00

Point of Origin: City of Manila (8-hour travel time)

Dropped off point:  Get off in Sulvec Bay in Baranggay Sulvec or to be safer, ask the driver to drop you off at the Grotto area

Transportation Cost: Php 600 to Php 700 (air-conditioned bus – depending on the bus line)

Travel Safe.  Send me an email if you have questions about this place.  Be a backpacker, be a member.  Enjoy the Philippines

Great Experience