The Hinagdanan Cave

by Ged Fabros

One of the most interesting places to visit when you are in Bohol is the Hinagdanan Cave. The natural underground cave is located in Dauis, Panglao island which is a 10-20 minute drive from Tagbilaran City.

The cave is small compared to other limestone caves but nonetheless still impressive. Only one person at a time can enter the cave as its opening is really tight but becomes wider as you go down. You have to be really careful going down as the ceiling near the entrance is quite low. Once inside, you will immediately see the cave’s beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The natural light shining through from the ceiling all the more emphasizes the rocks inside the cave.

The highlight of the Hinagdanan Cave for me is its lagoon right in the middle of the cave. It was dark and very deep but at the same time very alluring. Itwas as if your experience inside the cave would not have been complete without taking a dip in its icy waters. The water was clear and looked like it was fresh from a mountain spring amidst reports that it is polluted.

More than just a tourist attraction, the Hinagdanan Cave has become a swimming spot for most of the locals as well. On our visit we saw a number of locals climbing rocks and diving off into the lagoon.

Even though this place is always occupied, whether by tourists or by locals, it is good to know that the waste has been kept to a bare minimum. All in all, it is a spectacular place to go to especially to those who can appreciate natural beauty.