Blessed with over 1,400 caves dotting its incredible landscape, Bohol is considered by many as a “cave country.” Even its name is believed to be inspired by the word buho, a local term which translates to ‘hole,’ because of the vast number of sinkhole caves that can be found on the island. With so many caves and caverns waiting to be explored, choosing which ones to include in your itinerary can be overwhelming. This is why we’re listing down some of the must-visit caves on the island to help narrow down your options for your Bohol spelunking adventure.
Hinagdanan Cave
The Hingandanan Cave is a karst cave in the town of Dauis in Panglao. Accessible and easy to navigate, this cave is popular among tourists who want an easy-going caving experience. The cave features a lot of stalactites and stalagmites that add to its charm. Its path also leads to a huge underground freshwater pool where travelers can take a refreshing dip.
Bingag Cave
One of the larger caves that can be found in Bohol is Bingag Cave in Panglao. This cave is more suited for experienced spelunkers because of its low, narrow, and complicated passages. Its entrance is so small and narrow that only one person at a time can crawl into the cave. Inside the cave are a high-ceiling dome and a lake surrounded by rocks.
Francisco Dagohoy Cave
Buhong Tiawan Cave
Used as a refuge for locals during the Japanese occupation, Buhong Tiawan Cave is about one and a half kilometers away from the town center of Antequera. Its entrance is located at the wall of a limestone hill, which leads to a gorgeous cavern with different types of dripstones. The cave also serves as home to different species of birds and bats.
Kamira Cave
Image: bohol-philippines.com
Another cave located in Danao is the Kamira Cave. In exploring this cave, you’ll have to go through narrow passages and at some point, submerge yourself in cold water to get to another part of the cave. Here, you’ll find glistening walls, protruding stalactites and stalagmites, rock formations, some bats and freshwater crabs, and at the end of the cave, a natural pool with a fountain.
Hagakgak Cave
Around two kilometers from the town center of Antequera another cave which is Hagakgak Cave. Spelunking here may require some previous experience because it involves wiggling your way through narrow passages that can be wet and muddy at times. Inside the cave, there’s a cavern with majestic formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Cave animals like rare albino crabs and other fish can be found inside the cave.
Inambacan Cave
Photo: bernil.wordpress.com
Just like Hagakgak Cave, the Inambacan Cave is located just two kilometers away from the center of Antequera town. Considered as its special feature is a cavern with small stalactites and stalagmites. The cavern is usually submerged in flowing water that may go so deep that there’s only around a 30-centimeter space before it reaches the ceiling. This is why local guides are required when spelunking this cave.
Carmaloan Cave
Carmaloan Cave lies in the town of Jagna which is located on the southern coast of Bohol. Definitely a must-visit for enthusiasts, Carmaloan is the deepest cave in Central Visayas. The cave has an impressive depth of 149 meters and the length of the surveyed portion is 561 meters. To explore Carmaloan Cave down to its fullest depth, one must stay in town for at least a night.
Kangcaramel Cave
Image: Eden Grand Garden Resort and Adventure Park
Kangcaramel Cave can be found inside the Edith Grand Garden Resort and Adventure Park in Baclayon. This cave features stalagmites that enhance its beauty, and you’ll also chance upon slumbering bats on its ceiling as you go along. After exploring the cave, you can enjoy other resort activities such as horseback riding and a flower farm tour.
Sudlon Cave
The largest cave in Bohol is Sudlon Cave. Located in the town of Alicia, this cave has a river and a lake inside of it. The cave is located at the side of a cliff which makes entering it a bit difficult. Inside, there are Miocene limestones and a huge population of bats that made this cave their habitat. At dusk, these bats emerge from the cave and fly into the evening sky.
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Looking for more exciting pusuits to add to your Bohol itinerary? Check out our list of Most Thrilling Activities in Bohol.
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