Hinagdanan Cave is a famed Bohol tourist attraction for not only its unique beauty but also the interesting story of how it came to be.
It is said that the Hinagdanan Cave was discovered by a local farmer who was clearing his land and stumbled across two holes in the ground. I am guessing no flashlights were invented way back when and so he dropped a rock down the hole and heard a big splash. Curios, he constructed a ladder and descended into the hole to discover an enormous underground cave and freshwater lagoon!
Hinagdanan Cave also played its role during World War II as a hideout for the Filipinos to escape the Japenese Army, though they were still found hiding underground.
I hope this fascinating short story of the discovery and the history of Hinagdanan Cave urges you to visit this epic location in Bohol.
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WHERE IS HINAGDANAN CAVE BOHOL
Hinagdanan Cave is located on the northern coastline of Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines.
From the main tourist area of Alona Beach in Panglao, it’s a short 15-minute drive to reach the Hinagdanan Cave.
See More → 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
HOW TO GET TO HINAGDANAN CAVE
The best way to get to reach Hinagdanan Cave Panglao is to rent a scooter from one of the many scooter rental stores dotted around Alona Beach. Scooter rentals are around 300-350 pesos per day.
Alternatively, you can jump in the back of a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you over to the Hinagdanan Cave Pool. For a 15-minute drive in a tricycle, you can expect to pay around 100-150 pesos. Put your bartering skills to the test!
HINAGDANAN CAVE ENTRANCE FEE
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee at Hinagdanan Cave Bohol is 50 pesos.
Parking Fee: There is also an additional parking fee of 20 pesos, but if you just park down the road a bit you can avoid paying this.
Opening Hours: Hinagdanan Cave is open Monday to Sunday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Hinagdanan Cave Bohol
The entrance to Hinagdanan Cave
MY EXPERIENCE AT HINAGDANAN CAVE
I honestly had no idea what to expect when I headed over to this side of Panglao island to explore the Hinagdanan Cave.
Having just come from Anda in East Bohol to explore the tourist area of Panglao, I thought the cave pools here at Hinagdanan cave would be similar to the ones in Anda. I was wrong…
Well in a way, the Hinagdanan Cave had similar features as the Anda Cave Pools such as stalagmite pinnacles, turquoise pools and a staircase entrance. Though Hinagdanan Cave is on a much more grand scale in both size and epicness!
I handed over my ticket to the young lady at the entrance gate who then pointed the way to the staircase that leads into Hinagdanan Cave and she advised me to mind my head on the way down.
I felt as though I had stepped down into a wormhole and emerged in a completely different world. The Hinagdanan Cave is incredibly impressive and other-worldly, to say the least.
Must Read → 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
Turquoise water inside the Hinagdanan Cave Bohol
WHAT TO EXPECT INSIDE HINAGDANAN CAVE
Inside the cavern, you’ll find a large freshwater pool that glows a fluorescent turquoise color and large stalagmite pinnacles hang from the ceiling inside the Hinagdana Cave.
The natural pool is around 3 to 4 meters deep and there is plenty of space for swimming and rock jumping.
You won’t need a flashlight inside the Hinagdanan Cave Bohol as there is natural light from the holes in the ceiling and also light bulbs in the staircase and at the back of the cave.
Around the edges of the natural pool is quite dry and you can set down your belongings here while you go for a dip.
Do note that the ground gets quite slippery especially if there are wet kids running around, so please watch your step. I recommend bringing a pair of slip-on waterproof shoes with you for extra grip.
Once you’ve enjoyed some time exploring Hinagdanan Cave I recommend checking out the Molave Cove & Cliff Jump and Panglao Beach which are both within 10-minutes drive of each other.
Inside the Hinagdanan Cave Bohol
PIN LOCATION OF HINAGDANAN CAVE
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WHERE TO STAY IN PANGLAO
Luxury: Donatela Hotel
Donatela Hotel is the best luxury accommodation in Panglao. Centrally located and close to beaches and other attractions on Panglao island. The hotel offers a private beach area, swimming pool, restaurant and pool bar. There is a garden villa, pool villa, family villa and honeymoon villa available at Donatela Hotel. The rooms are air-conditioned featuring a balcony, flat-screen tv, dining area, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar, private bathroom, bathtub and plunge pool. They can also help you to organise scuba diving, snorkeling and other activities in Bohol. Great for families, friends and couples.
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
Mid Range: Conrada’s Place Hotel & Resort
Conrada’s Place is located 450m from Alona Beach and close to shops, restaurants and other nearby attractions. The accommodation features an outdoor pool, restaurant, snorkeling activities and wellness spa. There are double rooms, deluxe rooms, family rooms and suites which have air-conditioning, free wifi and breakfast is included for all guests. Conrada can also help you book island hopping tours and other activities in Bohol. Great place to stay for families, friends and couples.
Budget: Bohol Coco Farm
Bohol Coco Farm is rated the best budget accommodation for a solo traveler in Bohol. Enjoy a rustic experience with modern luxuries of free wifi and a restaurant. Great location close to beaches and other attractions. The rooms and fan-cooled with shared bathrooms and towels are included. There’s also a shared lounge with free coffee and a tour desk.
Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN PANGLAO, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BOOK A BOHOL TOUR
Another great way to see all of the best Bohol tourist spots is to book a Bohol Countryside & Panglao Highlights Tour.
This particular tour is the most top-rated tour in Bohol with hundreds of great reviews and thousands of bookings. I can’t recommend this amazing tour enough, especially for first-timers to Bohol!
You can Click Here to see what other travelers are saying about this tour!
The Bohol Tour includes the following:
- Chocolate Hills
- Bilar Manmade Forest
- Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
- Loboc River Cruise with lunch
- Hinagdanan Cave
- Panglao Watchtower
- & much more
Click Here to check availability and rates.
AIRBNB BOHOL
Another option for accommodation in Bohol is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals on Bohol Island.
Get your $40 Airbnb discount here!
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
Philippines Travel Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
Cebu Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
Bohol Travel Guide: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
Siargao Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
El Nido Travel Guide: El Nido Island Hopping
Coron Travel Guide: Coron Island Hopping
Boracay Travel Guide: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
Siquijor Travel Guide: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
Bantayan Island Guide: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
Malapascua Island Guide: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
Camiguin Travel Guide: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
Romblon Travel Guide: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
Tablas Travel Guide: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
Carabao Travel Guide: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
Dumaguete City Guide: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
Sumilon Island Guide: Sumilon Island Itinerary
MY CAMERA GEAR
• DSLR Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7ii
• Drone Camera: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• GoPro: GoPro Hero 8 Black
• Everyday Lens: Sony F2.8 24/70mm
• Camera Bag: Lowepro Protactic 31L
• Selfie Stick: Sandmarc Metal Edition 1.2m
• Tripod: Joby Flexible GorillaPod
• GoPro Dome: Underwater GoPro Dome
• Power Bank: Anker Powerbank
• External Hardrive: WD Elements 4TB
WHAT TO PACK FOR PHILIPPINES?
• Waterproof Phone Case: Universal Waterproof Case
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
• Rain Jacket: North Face Rain Jacket
• Water Shoes: Slip-on Water Shoes
• Day Bag: Nomatic 20L Day Bag
• Power Adapter: Universal Power Adapter
• Packing Cubes: 4 Set Packing Cubes
• Microfibre Towel: Quick Dry Travel Towel
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Money Belt: Hidden Money Belt
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Hinagdanan Cave, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Adventuring! 😃
