Hinagdanan Cave
A naturally lit limestone cave in Dauis, Bohol, with stalactites and a cool, green underground lagoon. An easy, cheap stop on the way to Panglao's beaches.
Hinagdanan Cave is a limestone cave in Barangay Bingag, Dauis, on Panglao Island, Bohol. Sunlight pours through holes in the roof onto stalactites, stalagmites and a deep, green-blue pool. It is one of the easiest and cheapest sights on the island, and it sits right on the way from Tagbilaran to Alona Beach. Most people spend 30-60 minutes here.
Why go to Hinagdanan Cave
- Natural skylights. Daylight enters through openings in the ceiling, so you can see the cave without strong lamps.
- Stalactites and stalagmites in a cave that runs about 100 m.
- A cool underground lagoon, a welcome break from the heat outside.
- A short, low-cost stop, easy to combine with Dauis Church and the beaches of Panglao.
The story of the name
The name comes from the Cebuano and Boholano word hagdan, meaning ladder. The story goes that the landowner found a hole in the ground while clearing his land, dropped a stone and heard a splash. He then built a ladder to climb down, and the cave was named Hinagdanan, "the laddered one". Today concrete steps lead down inside.
Things to do at the cave
The entrance is a small opening, so you duck and step carefully down into a large chamber. The floor is wet and slippery, with a rope to hold on to. Look up: bats and birds sometimes roost in the roof, so keep voices low. The best light is usually around late morning to early afternoon, when the sun is high and the beams reach the water.
Many visitors also take a dip in the lagoon. The water is cool, deep in places, and slightly brackish. Swimming rules, fees and the hours when swimming is allowed can change, and some sources note concerns about water quality. Ask at the ticket counter whether swimming is open that day, and shower first if there is a shower available. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellent before getting in.
Nearby in Dauis, the stone Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is worth a short visit, as is the sea road that leads on to Panglao. Our Panglao guide has more on the church and the beaches.
Fees and opening hours
- There is a small entrance fee, with an extra charge if you want to swim. Recent travel sources (2025) list something like ₱50 to enter, about ₱75-₱100 more to swim, though figures differ between sources, so check on arrival.
- The cave is usually open about 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Swimming may stop earlier than the entry time.
- A small parking fee may apply if you come by car or motorbike.
- Bring small bills. There may be a small charge for a locker or a life vest.
Where is Hinagdanan Cave?
Dauis, Bohol
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu
- Go to the Cebu City piers and take a fast ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol. The crossing takes about 2 hours, with several departures a day. Our Cebu to Bohol ferry guide has operators, fares and tips.
- From Tagbilaran port, take a taxi, tricycle or hotel transfer across the bridge to Dauis. The cave is roughly 20-30 minutes by road (estimate, 2025-2026).
- Ask the driver for Hinagdanan Cave, in Barangay Bingag. It is signed from the main Dauis-Panglao road.
- Ask the driver to wait, or agree a return fare. Taxis and tricycles can be hard to find at the cave, so settle this before you go in.
- After your visit, carry on to Alona Beach, about 20-30 minutes further (estimate).
If you are flying into Bohol-Panglao Airport, the cave is a short drive away and fits well on the way to your hotel. On a rainy day it makes a good indoor stop, but wet floors are slipperier.
Getting around
Tricycles are the usual way to travel short distances on Panglao Island. Taxis and hotel cars are easier with bags. Many travellers combine the cave with a countryside or island-hopping tour, which usually picks you up at the hotel. Agree on the fare first.
Where to stay and eat
Hinagdanan is a short stop, not a place to stay. Most visitors base themselves in Alona Beach on Panglao Island, or in Tagbilaran for an easy ferry connection. Eat in Dauis town or along the road to Panglao, where small eateries serve local meals, or choose a seafood dinner at Alona. See the Panglao guide for areas and ideas.
When to go
The cave can be visited year round. The dry season, from about December to May, is the most comfortable and keeps the floor safer. During the rainy months, from about June to November, the steps can be slippery, so be extra careful. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds, since weekends and holidays are busier.
Tips for a good trip
- Wear shoes with a good grip or water shoes. Flip-flops slip on the wet steps.
- Bring a small towel, a change of clothes and a waterproof bag if you plan to swim.
- Do not touch or break the stalactites and stalagmites. They take thousands of years to grow, and oil from hands can harm them.
- Keep noise low so you do not disturb roosting bats and birds. Take all rubbish out with you.
- Take care at the narrow entrance, and avoid carrying small children on the steps.
- Phone flashlights are useful, but follow staff advice on flash photography.
Heading on to the beach? Read about Balicasag Island for turtles and snorkelling, or the Chocolate Hills for Bohol's countryside. Planning the crossing? See Cebu to Bohol by ferry.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Hinagdanancave" by Pinay06 at English Wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.5.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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From Tourist Booklet: https://touristbooklet.com/destinations/hinagdanan-cave/. Last updated 28 October 2026. Prices and times change, so check before you go.
