It’s certainly a pretty epic cave. However, when I went it was a little crowded, which didn’t complement the ambiance.

What is Hinagdanan Cave?

Hinagdanan translates to “laddered” cave. The story has it that the cave was accidentally discovered by a farmer while clearing his land. The farmer then built a ladder down the hole for the village to enjoy the cool waters below. It’s heavily disputed as to when this occurred, however, it is said that villagers used the cave to hide from the Japanese Imperial Army invasion during World War Two.

Cave Details

Hinagdanan Cave is a 100 M wide grotto with large limestone rock formations. There are several large stalagmites and stalactites that cast impressive shadows when lit from the holes above.

The entrance to the cave is very narrow and short. However, it won’t take long before the cave opens up to reveal a large cavern. From here, you’ll get to see the epic blue fresh water.

BOOK A BOHOL TOUR: BEST RANKED PANGLAO ISLAND BOHOL TOUR FOR ONLY $12

How to Get to Hinagdanan Cave in Bohol

Hinagdanan Cave is located in Dauis, a small municipality in the famous tourist island; Panglao. Due to the proximity to popular tourist hotels, resorts and guest houses, it is very popular. Depending on where you are staying, you will most likely be able to walk there following the map below. Otherwise, there are several tricycle drivers that would be happy to take you for 150-200 pesos.

Below I’ve pinned the exact location of Hinagdanan Cave to help you find it.

RELATED: Cruising Down Loboc River, Bohol Philippines

Is the Cave a Tourist Trap?

While I was definitely impressed with the beauty of Hinagdanan Cave, I personally think it was a little too crowded. You will realize as soon as you are near the entrance just how much industry is build up around the attraction. There are stalls, vendors and even a ticketing office to see the cave.

While I appreciate that locals are rightly turning a profit off their natural wonders, I’m not too sure if it’s a place I’d visit again. The cave was cramped and full of people swimming with life jackets. This made it difficult to even move let alone explore.

If you decide to visit Hinagdanan Cave, then I hope that you have a better experience than I did.

Hinagdanan Cave Entrance Fee

The Hinagdanan Cave entrance fee is 25 pesos per person. However, if you want to swim in the azure blue waters you’ll have to pay an extra 100 pesos. I decided to check out the cave without purchasing a swimming ticket.

Due to the cave being on private land, all of the money goes to the owner. Considering just how popular the site has become, I bet she’s pretty happy with her ancestor’s discovery.

All in all, Hinagdanan Cave is certainly an impressive grotto with some unique history. If you’re close-by and have a spare 30 minutes and 25 pesos, then by all means check it out. However if you’re looking for a quite place to relax and explore, then I’d probably suggest skipping this one.

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For many, a Loboc River cruise is a highlight for their Loboc adventures. Personally, this was one of my favorite activities on Bohol Island due to the amazing natural beauty of the Loboc river and surroundings.

Where is Loboc River?

Loboc River is a jungle river that snakes itself all the way from Carmen near the Chocolate Hills, to the beaches of Southern Bohol. For those looking to jump on a Loboc River cruise, you can head to the small town of Tay Tay.

Due to the growing popularity, there is an increasing amount of resorts and tourist-oriented restaurants and activities in this once small quiet river town. There are a few different boats that operate cruises down the river and also SUP’s for rent.

To get to Tay Tay, it will take approximately one hour and 20 minutes by tricycle. Expect around an hour depending on Tagbilaran traffic if you’re looking to ride here yourself.

Alternatively, many tourists visiting Bohol choose to just book a Land Tour which includes a full-day guided tour and transport to all of the Bohol highlights including:

• Loboc River Cruise
• The Chocolate Hills (read my guide to ATV’s at the Chocolate Hills)
• Tarsier Conservation Area
• Man-made Forest
• Baclayon Church

Although the online price is very reasonable, it might be possible to negotiate a cheaper price on the street. Just make sure to check what’s included in advance. In my opinion, this tour is definitely worth the money, especially if you plan to check out most of the other highlights anyway.

Alternatively, if you’re in Cebu and planning your Bohol trip, check out this private trip to Bohol from Cebu which includes a trip down Loboc River!

How to Get a River Boat

As soon as you arrive, you’ll no doubt be asked if you would like a “river cruise” or “boat ride” by many of the locals. The small bamboo terminal is just over the Loay bridge from the main part of town. This is the official place where you can buy a ticket for a Loboc River cruise from the several operators. You will see it on the map above.

RELATED: Exploring Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, Bohol

Loboc River Cruise Rates 2020

There are several boat or “banca” operators. They are essentially just large rafts pushed down the river by another small boat behind it. The entrance fee cost is 150 pesos. However, most also offer a buffet lunch on the boat. This will cost 200-300 pesos per person.

Check out: Stand Up Paddle Board Tour on Loboc River

Cruising Down Loboc River

In my opinion, the Loboc River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the Philippines. The banks are surrounded by overhanging palm trees and local fishermen make their way down the forest banks.

Once the boat leaves the dock, you will stop at small riverside banks where singing groups perform and dance. Although this felt a little like a tourist trap at first, it was nice to hear that these groups are paid for their performances and in-all it added a nice cultural aspect to the tour.

After around an hour, the banca will reach Busay Falls. Don’t get too excited. These waterfalls are spectacularly unimpressive. However, it’s still a beautiful spot that makes a worthwhile turnaround point.

Nearby Zipline

Recently, there has also been a zip-line installed that runs over the Loboc River. Although I didn’t check it out, it looked fairly impressive. If you decide to give it a shot, let me know how it was!

More Things to do in Bohol

I hope that this guide to a Loboc River cruise in Bohol has been useful for planning your next trip. For more Bohol travel guides and blogs, take a pick from the list below.

Where to see the Endangered Tarsiers in Bohol, Philippines
MAG ASO FALLS, BOHOL
RIDING AN ATV THROUGH THE CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL
Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, Bohol

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Where to go for Chocolate Hills ATV

There are several tour companies and ATV rental places at the Chocolate Hills. Your choice will vary depending on whether you want a guided tour or to simply rent an ATV.

EXPLORE ALL DISCOUNTED BOHOL ATV ADVENTURE DEALS HERE

Guided tour option

The best place to go for a guided tour is the ATV Eco-Adventure Tour, located in Brgy. Buenos Aires, Carmen. If you’re visiting the Chocolate Hills through an organized In-land tour, they will most likely already offer to drop you here. If you’re looking to see the Bohol interior anyway, then I’d suggest booking a countryside tour which includes a Chocolate Hills ATV stop.

If you’re looking to book ahead to save money and time, I’d highly the best-reviewed and most booked Bohol countryside tour for under $28.

This tour above will take you to all the highlights in Bohol, including the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, the man-made forest, Loboc River and of course, the Chocolate Hills.

Those looking for a Chocolate Hills ATV ride without a guide or driver can also drive a motorbike here by themselves. It will take roughly one hour from Tagbilaran and closer to 90 minutes from Panglao.

ATV Rental Option

If you like to have the freedom to see things for yourself, a great option is to rent an ATV or Bug Car yourself. Graham ATV Rental is located on the main road a few minutes from the Eco-Adventure Tour.

You will be given a map, safety equipment and a general overview on how to ride an ATV or Bug Car.

Chocolate Hills ATV rate

The Chocolate Hills ATV tour option costs 950 pesos for a one hour tour on an ATV. If you have two people, I would suggest getting a Bug Car for 1500 pesos that can be split between two.

Those looking to hire their own ATV can choose different rental packages between 30 minutes and four hours. Prices start at 450 Pesos per half an hour but can be negotiated for those looking to spend more time.

There is also a 50 Peso entry fee for anyone going to the Chocolate Hills.

Make sure you check out the waterfalls on the way. Read more.

The Chocolate Hills

Whether you want to check out the Chocolate Hills by ATV, tour or on your own, it’s definitely a unique landscape not to miss. By far, taking an all-terrain-vehicle through the iconic hills is the best way to explore this beautiful part of the island.

Bohol TIPS

The fastest and cheapest way to get from Bohol to Cebu and return is to book the fast ferry.

This ferry completes several island transfers daily and departs roughly every hour from both Bohol and Cebu, starting at 6 AM and finishing at 6:30 PM.

You can save money by booking ahead online to grab the Cebu and Bohol ferry for under $10.

Alternative Adventure

A Bohol ATV adventure is epic. However, if you’re looking for a little more adventure, I’d definitely recommend a Bohol Island cycling tour, which takes you around the mountainside near Loboc River for under $17! FIND OUT MORE

MORE ADVENTURE GUIDES IN BOHOL

• Cruising Down Loboc River, Bohol Philippines
• Exploring Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, Bohol
• Mag Aso Falls in Bohol, The Philippines
• Riding an ATV Through the Chocolate Hills, Bohol THE COMPLETE GUIDE
• Snorkeling in Moalboal – Where to Swim With Giant Turtles on Cebu
• Where to see the Endangered Tarsiers in Bohol, Philippines

The post Riding an ATV Through the Chocolate Hills, Bohol THE COMPLETE GUIDE appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Tarsier Facts

The Tarsiers in Bohol are often mistaken for large monkey-sized creatures. When you first see them, you’ll notice that they are absolutely tiny. A fully-grown Tarsier is roughly 100 millimeters in height. However, they can leap up to five metres.

Another funny fact, each eye is heavier than their brain. They can also turn their heads 180-degrees to each side. This helps the tiny creatures hunt large insects at night.

Endangered Status

The Tarsiers in Bohol are listed as an endangered species. Each Tarsier can only have one baby per year and protects its own territory of one hectare per individual. This, combined with the threat of introduced dogs and cats mean that they are incredibly prone to extinction.

The Philippine Tarsier Foundation has established protected and fenced off areas for the Tarsiers to repopulate. There is also a smaller conservation area where tourists can come to see them. Just remember that the Tarsiers in Bohol are incredibly sensitive to sound and light.

Where to see the Tarsiers in Bohol

Although tourists are unable to enter the protected conservation sites, there is a small sanctuary located in Corella. The site is located approximately 20 minutes from Tagbilaran City by Jeepney or tricycle. Those coming from the tourist area of Panglao can expect a one hour journey depending on traffic.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

The entry price to see the Tarsiers in Bohol is 50 Pesos. You will be guided through the small protected area by conservation workers who point out the often easy to miss Tarsiers. Remember to be quiet and avoid any flash photography.

Getting to the sanctuary

Visiting the sanctuary can also be completed as a stop on a Bohol tour. If you’re looking to check out some waterfalls and the Chocolate Hills, it might be a good idea to barter with a local tour operator. Expect to pay up to 1000 Pesos per day for the “Inland Tour”.

Renting your own motorbike or moped for under 300 pesos per day means that you can see the real Bohol by yourself. However, you will miss out on the local knowledge. It’s also great to pay your money forward to local tour operators who rely on the income.

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RIDING AN ATV THROUGH THE CHOCOLATE HILLS, BOHOL
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The post Where to see the Endangered Tarsiers in Bohol, Philippines appeared first on We Seek Travel.

How to Get to Mag Aso Falls

Mag Aso falls is located close to the small township of Antequera. The best way to get here from Panglao or Tagbilaran is to rent a moped. There are several places that would be happy to rent one to you between 200-300 Peso per day. Riding to Mag Aso takes just over one hour from Panglao and 45 minutes from Tagbiliran.

Having your own moped gives you the freedom to explore Bohol at your own pace and is usually the cheapest option. You can also add in additional stops like the Tarsier Conservation Area. For those that want private transport, there are tricycle drivers in Panglao or Tagbilaran that will take you to Mag Aso Falls. Expect to pay anywhere between 300 to 600 Peso for the return trip.

Visiting the Chocolate Hills? Why not check out the hills on an ATV – Read more.

What do to at Mag Aso Falls

There is a small ticket hut at the entrance to the path at Mag Aso falls. The ticket price is 20 pesos. Follow the path down the gorge until you reach the turquoise water pool and waterfall.

Swimming and jumping

The water is perfect for swimming on a hot day. On the right side of the pool you will also notice a rope that allows you to climb to a jump spot. The height for this jump is roughly 5 metres.

Climbing to the top of the waterfall

In the drier seasons, Mag Aso falls is a smaller and timider waterfall. If conditions are right, you can climb up the short fall and check out the view from the top. There is also a gorge running from the waterfall with views of the epic turquoise river feeding the falls.

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Where to see the Endangered Tarsiers in Bohol, Philippines

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