If trekking waist-deep in water through a dark cave and jumping off a cave cliff is up your alley – then you’ll love Tayangban Cave Pool in Siargao, Philippines. Undoubtedly one of the most fun places on Siargao island, Tayangban Cave is the perfect place for those hungry for a little adventure. But besides the adventure, you’ll also see plenty of natural beauty and be able to discover the unique twin cenotes, bat caves and emerald rock pools.
About Tayangban Cave Pool
What should you expect from your visit to Tayangban Cave Pool? Well, the place in itself doesn’t look like much from the outside so it’s definitely a good idea to know what you’re getting yourself into! Once you parked your motorbike, head to the hut to pay the entrance and guide fee.
You’ll need a guide in here because the cave is completely black. For your safety, you’ll also get a helmet with a head torch and a life vest if you’re not comfortable going through water. You’ll also need a dry bag so you can keep your valuables safe and water shoes to keep your feet comfy and so you don’t slide on the rocks. If you love documenting your travels then a water-proof camera will go a long way here.
Now you’re ready for the descent! You’ll start by going through a small cave opening. Once you’re in the guide will help you navigate through the walkways filled with water. The guides like to go fast through here, but you can stop as many times as you wish – don’t feel pressured to walk in their pace.
During your walk through the waist-deep water, you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites and hear bats fluttering around. The walk through the dark, wet walkways will take about 20 minutes and you’ll notice you’re approaching the end once you see a big light opening at the end.
The opening leads to the pool, where the real fun begins! I am generally a bit of a worse when it comes to jumping into the water, but seeing local 5-year-olds do it, made my fear go away a little. And I’m glad it did! It was so fun and the best way to cool off on a hot day.
How To Get To Tayangban Cave Pool
Tayangban Cave Pool is located in Pilar, a small village in central Siargao and approximately a 30-minute drive from General Luna. Once you arrive at Tayangban Cave Pool you will see the entrance sign on the right-hand side of the road. You can park the scooter on the left side (where you’ll also finish) and head over to the ticket counter/hut.
Since the cave pool is a family-run place, you’ll see plenty of people hanging around at the entrance. The majority of them are young boys who also work there as cave guides. After you pay the entrance and guide fee, write down your name in the visitors’ book and collect the helmet with the light.
Tayangban Cave Pool Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Tayangban Cave Pool is 70 PHP (1.50 USD) per person. Besides the entrance fee, you’ll also have to pay 100 PHP (2 USD) for a guide. The guide fee is obligatory since you’ll need someone to show you the way through the dark cave and to the pool. While tipping isn’t obligatory, it is appreciated – especially if you come across a friendly local.
If you arrived with a motorbike and bigger items, then leave them at the entrance. We only took valuables with us in a waterproof bag. You’ll be wet on this adventure, so keep this in mind when you arrive!
Best Time to Visit Tayangban Cave Pool
The best time to visit Tayangban Cave Pool is while there is still daylight outside. The cave pool is open until 5 pm and you will likely be able to visit as long as there are still guides hanging around the entrance. If you’ll want to swim and jump into the pool at the end of the experience then count on spending at least 1 hour here.
Tip: It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Tayangban Cave Pool from General Luna and it is in the same direction as Magpupungko Rock Pools and the Insta famous palm swing. So if you’re planning to visit both on the same day, then start your day earlier and visit the cave pool before the rock pools, or after (depending on the tide for the rock pools).
