Hinagdanan Cave sits in Dauis on Panglao Island, just a short drive from other Bohol attractions. We stopped by during our family trip to see what the cave was all about. It’s one of those places people mention when talking about things to do in the area, so we decided to check it out ourselves. Here’s what we found.
Our Experience
We arrived at Hinagdanan Cave around 11 in the morning. There’s a parking area right outside, so you don’t have to walk far with kids or bags.
The entrance fee is 50 pesos per person. If you want to swim, it’s an additional 75 pesos, bringing the total to 125 pesos. Swimming is allowed from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, so plan your visit within those hours if you want to go in the water.
The entrance to the cave is a bit narrow and can be slippery. We had to walk slowly and watch our step, especially with Audrey. It’s not difficult, but you do need to be careful going down.
Once we got inside, there are indoor lights and safety rails that guide you to the swimming area. The temperature drops the moment you step in. It’s cool inside, a welcome relief from the heat outside.
The water is brackish, which means it’s a mix of freshwater and saltwater. Some people find that interesting. We didn’t swim since we weren’t prepared for it, but we saw others enjoying the water. It can get deep in some areas, so non-swimmers should be cautious.
Honestly, it felt like going to an underground swimming pool. You walk down a short staircase, take a few steps, and you’re at the pool area. If you’re expecting a big cave adventure, this isn’t that. It’s a quick visit. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes.
Outside the cave, there are food stalls and souvenir shops. We noticed the items here are cheaper compared to the ones in the main town, so if you want to buy something, this is a better place to do it.
About Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave is located in the municipality of Dauis on Panglao Island in Bohol Province. It’s a naturally lit cavern with a deep lagoon inside. What makes it different from other caves is the way sunlight filters through holes in the ceiling, lighting up the cave naturally.
The cave is made of limestone and filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The light coming from above creates some interesting effects, especially when it hits the water. That’s probably the most interesting part visually.
The cave got its name from the Visayan word “hagdan,” which means ladder. According to the story, a local farmer discovered the cave by accident years ago. He used a bamboo ladder to get inside and was surprised by what he found. Today, the cave is managed by the Bohol Department of Tourism, and the entrance fees help maintain the site.
Steps lead down into the cave, so it’s accessible for most visitors. It’s not a difficult climb, but the narrow entrance and slippery steps mean you need to be mindful, especially if you’re with young kids or elderly family members.
Tickets and Rates
Entrance fee: 50 pesos per person
Swimming fee: 75 pesos per person (total of 125 pesos if you want to swim)
Swimming hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
These rates are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to confirm when you visit.
Planning Your Visit
Best time to visit: Mornings are less crowded. We came around 11 AM and it was fine, but earlier might be even quieter. Avoid weekends if you don’t want to deal with larger groups.
What to bring: If you plan to swim, bring a towel, swimwear, and waterproof sandals. The cave floor can be slippery. If you’re just visiting to look around, comfortable walking shoes are enough. Don’t forget a waterproof phone case if you want to take photos near the water.
How long to spend here: 30 minutes to an hour is more than enough. It’s a small cave, and there isn’t much to see beyond the swimming area and the natural lighting.
Getting there: Hinagdanan Cave is easy to find on Panglao Island. If you’re staying in Alona Beach or other parts of Panglao, it’s just a short drive or tricycle ride away. You can also include it as a stop if you’re doing a Panglao day tour.
With kids: The steps and narrow entrance require some supervision. Audrey managed fine, but we kept a close eye on her. If your kids are very young or tend to run around, you’ll need to be extra careful.
Souvenirs and food: The stalls outside sell the usual items like keychains, shirts, and local snacks. Prices are lower here compared to the town center, so if you want to grab something, this is a good opportunity.
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