Hinagdanan Cave is a lit limestone cave in Dauis, on Panglao Island, Bohol, with a cool underground lagoon that visitors can swim in. Entry is about PHP 50 per person, with swimming costing extra. A visit is short, so it fits easily into a half day. For guests staying near Alona Beach, it is the easiest cave to reach without booking a full day tour.
How much is the entrance fee at Hinagdanan Cave?
Recent visitor reports put entry at about PHP 50 per person, with swimming in the lagoon costing about PHP 75 to PHP 100 more. A small parking fee of around PHP 20 is also reported. Fees differ between sources and change from time to time, so confirm the current rates at the ticket booth. Opening hours are commonly listed as 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
A few practical notes:
- Bring water shoes or sandals with grip, since cave floors can be wet and uneven.
- A dry bag or a change of clothes helps if you plan to swim.
- The cave is lit, so you do not need a torch.
What makes Hinagdanan Cave worth the visit?
The main draw is the underground lagoon. Light filters in through an opening in the cave roof and falls on clear, cool water, with stalagmites and stalactites around the pool. The cave is not vast, but the chance to swim in the lagoon makes it more than a quick sightseeing stop. Arriving early or late in the day usually means fewer people.
Which other caves in Bohol are worth visiting?
Hinagdanan is the practical cave stop for guests based in Panglao. Other Bohol caves are mostly in the interior, away from the Panglao beaches. PhilAtlas's list of Bohol caves includes Kabjawan Cave in Candijay and Kalanguban Cave in Sagbayan, and tour operators run caves-and-waterfalls day trips to Anda and Candijay. Treat these as separate day trips and confirm access with the operator.
Callao Cave is often mentioned alongside Hinagdanan in search results, but it is in Peñablanca, Cagayan, not in Bohol. It is known for a chapel inside one of its seven chambers that receives natural sunlight through an opening in the ceiling.
How do I get to Hinagdanan Cave from Panglao's beaches?
Hinagdanan Cave is in Barangay Bingag, Dauis, on the Dauis side of Panglao Island, so you do not need to cross to the mainland from Alona Beach. From Alona it is roughly 8 to 12 kilometres, or about 20 to 30 minutes by scooter or tricycle depending on traffic.
Getting there:
- Scooter rental: The most flexible option from Alona. Amihan Resort can arrange scooter rental for guests on request.
- Tricycle: Negotiate a round trip with waiting time, and agree the price before you go.
- Private car: Amihan Resort can arrange private car hire for guests on request, for those who want a guided day out.
- Tour package: Many operators bundle Hinagdanan with a Panglao island tour. These are convenient but mean you are tied to a group schedule.
How do I pair a cave visit with a beach day in Panglao?
The natural pairing is cave in the morning, beach in the afternoon. The cave stays cool regardless of weather, and by midday the beach is the better place to be.
A practical half-day structure:
- Head to Hinagdanan Cave for the 8:00 AM opening.
- Swim the lagoon and finish before late morning.
- Ride back to Alona Beach.
- Spend the afternoon at Alona Beach. Eat lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants, rent snorkelling gear, or book an afternoon island-hopping trip.
- Be back at your resort before sunset.
This works well if you are staying in Danao, the quieter side of Panglao. Amihan Resort is in Danao, about 500 metres from Alona Beach, a 7 to 8 minute walk. It is not beachfront, and the resort can arrange scooter rental or private car hire on request so guests can run the cave itinerary without organising transport from scratch.
What should I know about swimming in Hinagdanan Cave?
The lagoon water is cool and still, and most adults can swim in it. Swimming costs extra on top of entry. Use the steps to get in and out, since limestone edges around a pool can be slippery. Skip the swim if you have open cuts.
What is Bohol known for beyond its caves?
Bohol is a compact island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The Chocolate Hills (roughly 1,268 conical limestone hills that turn brown in the dry season) are the province's most photographed sight. The Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates, can be seen at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella.
Panglao Island, connected to the main island by two bridges, adds the beach and diving side. Alona Beach is the hub for dive operators, and Balicasag Island is a short boat ride away.
Bohol is reachable by fast ferry from Cebu City (roughly 2 hours) or by direct flight into Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which opened in 2018. Amihan Resort is about 7 minutes by car from that airport, and the resort's tour desk can arrange round-trip airport transfers.