Hailed as the “little paradise of pure hearts," Panglao Island in Bohol is a beautiful island recognized for its serene beaches and a variety of diving sites. Aside from that, the land is gifted with scenic limestone structures and lush tropical landscapes. When visiting the island, one of the thrilling adventures that you should not miss is the Hinagdanan Cave, a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites.

Hinagdanan Cave

Hinagdanan Cave can be found on Panglao Island lit by sunlight filtered through holes in the ceiling.  It is made of limestone and is within easy reach. You'll have to walk through dense vegetation of just about one kilometer. The entrance of the cave is a hole a meter wide in diameter, visible from a limestone hill. Cemented steps lead to the interior of the cave. The cave is slippery, but there's a railing made of rope to hold on to to avoid accidents due to the slippery stones of the cave.

The cave is about 100 meters long full of beautiful rock formations. The stalactites and stalagmites stick out from the ceiling and floor of the cave as though trying to meet each other. Inside the cave, there's also a lagoon with a greenish surface produced by the green limestone at the bottom of the pool.

Discovery

Hinagdanan Cave was accidentally discovered when the owner of the area was clearing the decaying branches of the land when he found the hole. The owner threw a stone into the hole and then heard a splash. He then built a ladder to get into the cave. They named it Hinagdanan, means "laddered," the manner of how to get into the cave's interior.

For spelunkers, Hinagdanan Cave might be one of the greatest adventures waiting to be discovered. It is a challenging outdoor activity that requires climbing, crawling, squeezing through holes and wading through water. Also, it can be a perfect activity for adventure seekers who wish to discover amazing rock and crystal formations, nocturnal bats and natural beauty that awaits inside the cave.

Trip to Panglao Island

From Manila, just take a flight to Tagbilaran, which takes a little over an hour. It is also possible to take a boat to Bohol, but will take 25 hours. Currently, there are numerous daily flights from Manila to Tagbilaran.

If you’re in Tagbilaran City, you can take a jeepney going to Panglao or tell a “habal-habal” (motorcycle for hire) to take you to Panglao Island.