What Are the Costs and Requirements for Visiting Cantabon Cave in Siquijor??
The cave costs ₽600, which includes a helmet, head torch, and guide. Since you might get wet in the cave, you can rent waterproof shoes for an extra cost. Tip: The ₽600 is for 1-3 people. So, if you are alone, try to find someone who will take one with you to lower your cost. We always think starting early is the best way to go sightseeing.
In most cases, that means you alone will enjoy the site.
Another plus is that if you are the first to get to the cave, the water is cleaner because less silt is disturbed in the morning than when many have walked through. It’s completely underground, so weather is not a factor. There is one thing to consider, though: the cave might be closed down if there is too much rain and the water level goes up to a dangerous point. Find your dream hotel with Booking.com.
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How Are the Formations Inside Cantabon Cave Created and What UNIQUE Features Can Visitors Expect?
The water that comes down from the top of the cave takes in minerals and then deposits them, which later on build-up to layers of minerals over MILLIONS of years. The ceiling of the cave from which stalactites keep dripping down to the floor where stalagmites grow becomes heavier and heavier. The river flowing through the cave also leads to breaking the soft limestone rock. Certain segments of the trail are strenuous. You will have to push, pull, crawl, and climb the rocks to get through. The cave is not a tight hole besides the entrance, but — apart from just crawling one can also walk slowly with a care of your head and back while you are going. What We Learnt Inside Cantabon Cave The guides are very knowledgeable and share lots of information about the cave. Here are the things we had learned swallows’ nests, they left to gather and sell to the one who would take that as a source of their income.
Right now, these nests are protected by the government and instead of selling tourism is used as money.
The young swallows are considered a DELICACY in China.
Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Columns all are formed, and many of them are thousands of years old (the main spiral mound is not more than 4 meters in height but has been in existence for thousands of years).
How to Get to Cantabon Cave in Siquijor and What to Expect Along the Way
The best way to reach Cantabon Cave is by scooter, it takes around 30 minutes from San Juan.
You can rent a scooter on the island of Siquijor for ₽250-350 a day. But wait though some parts are bad off-road and the danger is too far. The best way here is to circle the ring road instead of sneaking through unsurfaced streets.
We first learned this out to our regret and concluded by driving some intense roads.
You may see a sign for Cantabon Cave’s entrance, this means you’ve gone too far as you need to register at the tourism office first which is located in the town next to the church. You should then be at your first stop the Cantabon Barangay Hall – this will be where you will get your ticket to the cave.
When you reach the parking and you have been registered, then it will be necessary to hire a guide for your underground journey. Otherwise, if you are scared of renting a scooter, a trike, or a private car will do as well in taking you to Mount Bandilaan National Park to see the highlights.
However, this will be an EXPENSIVE option if you travel from San Juan. The cave costs ₽600 which provides you with a helmet, head torch, and guide. Moreover, you can purchase a pair of waterproof shoes if you’re visiting during the rainy season. Tip: The ₽600 is for 1-3 Trying to avoid the tourists keep in mind that the best way to reduce costs is traveling in groups. “Go early”, is an experience that allows you to see the sites in solitude.
If you get there first, the water will be clean due to minimal silt disturbance, which is in the opposite condition when the sun sets, many people have walked through it.
Regardless of the weather, the cave is below ground so there won’t be any natural light.
There is one thing you need to be aware of and that is the rain. If it has been raining too much the cave might be closed because the water level could rise to dangerous levels.
How to Reach Cantabon Cave in Siquijor for an Underground Adventure
Canton Cave’s location is in the center of the island on the edge of Mt. Bandilaan National Park.
Located in the mountain town of Canton.
The most recommended way to reach the cave is to ride a scooter, this will take about 30 minutes from San Juan.
You can rent a scooter on the island of Siquijor for ₽250-350 a day. Be careful though, some spots are off the road and severely steep. The best method is to take the ring road around rather than flash through the back streets which are not paved.
We learned our lesson the hard way and it turned out that we were taking on some terribly extreme roads.
You may see a sign for Cantabon Cave’s entrance, this means you’ve gone too far as you need to register at the tourism office first which is located in the town next to the church. First, you should go to Cantabon Barangay Hall and get your ticket.
Once you have parked the car and registered you will have to employ a guide who will stand with you throughout your entire underground trek.
Also, if you are not willing to take the risk of renting a scooter, then a trike or a private car, of them ought to be able to drive you to the area of Mount Bandilaan National Park to see the sights. Be aware that taking a private car would likely be expensive if you are traveling from San Juan.
The cave costs ₽600 which provides you with a helmet, head torch, and guide.
As you are going to get wet inside the cave you can also hire waterproof shoes if it will put a dent in your pocket. Tip: The ₽600 is for 1-3 People so if you’re traveling solo, try to pair up and you can split your costs. We do this from our past experiences and we believe that any location is best to be toured first. This means often you are likely to have the entire attraction to yourself.
First entering the cave will be better in the morning because the water would be purified rather than in the afternoon during the time when those who pass through the cave drag along with them some of the sediments.
If it is not sunny outside, don’t worry the cave is underground and no light will be there. Nevertheless, it is significant to note that if there has been too much rain the cave might get closed due to water levels reaching high and risky levels.
How to Navigate and Enjoy Cantabon Cave in Siquijor: A Best Guide
Canton Cave is one of Siquijor’s unique tourist spots and can be combined in a day of chasing waterfalls, beach hopping, and cliff jumping. This is the caving experience you cannot miss in Siquijor. Read our guide to help with the logistical details about your visit.) One of Siquijor’s best things to do and interesting tourist spots is Cantabon Cave. Located in central Siquijor the Philippines, Cantabon Cave is an ADVENTUROUS trail inside a pitch-black cave beneath the earth.
It comes out of a tiny hole in the ground and one travels to this extraordinary place that is unique to Siquijor only with the local guides. Hundreds of stalactites hang from the cave roof and a stream of fresh water flows through Cantabon Cave creating natural swimming pools in this underrated activity in Siquijor. Me and Jacqueline joined by our guide on the Cantabon More Tourist Spots!! The picturesque destination Siquijor has an abundant life of tourist spots in its vicinity.
Fancy of exceptional blue water cascades hidden in the jungle. Furthermore, diving from the cliffs into crystal-clear water is mind-boggling.
Canton Cave is located in the Central part of Siquijor Island. If you are in San Juan which is the primary area for a tourist to enjoy in Siquijor, it is about 30 minutes to ride along the lush jungle and small villages.
The best and most popular way to reach Cantabon Cave and explore Siquijor is by scooter. Scooters cost between Php 250 ($5) and Php 350 ($7) per day depending on the number of days you intend to keep the bike.
My whole trip to Siquijor except for a few rough patches on the roads was a PLEASANT ride as the roads were concrete and very smooth.
In consequence, check if any road work is being done and, if so, allocate extra attention.
A second option is renting a tricycle to move around for one day.
Tricycles are generally like Thailand’s tuk-tuks some of which are also motorcycles with an attached sidecar. A tricycle isn’t the most comfortable option but will cost around Php 1500 ($32) for the day and can carry up to 4 persons. The cost also covers the driver who suggests a route and the most worth seeing places. Route from San Juan to Cantabon Cave – Click the map for location The map above is interactive.
You can click on the map for live directions to Cantabon Cave from whichever part of Siquijor you are in.
The whole experience that we got from the starting point to the end was 1 hour and 30 minutes.
During 30 minutes servicing, preparation, and walking to and from the cave were done. We spent a solid hour inside the cave.
It will take you 2.5 hours there only if you stay in San Juan which is a 30-minute drive.
To give a perspective of our day. We started off the day at 7 am, went to Cabugsayan Falls, Locong Falls where we had fun diving in crystal clear water, had a local breakfast, and arrived at Cantabon Cave at 11:30 am. The entrance fee to Cantabon Cave is 20 Php ($0.40c) per person and another Php 500 ($10.50) for the guides. The rate is 500 PHP for three persons already included and 100 pesos is an additional person.
They will provide a life vest, helmet and perhaps a flashlight (the fee for this is sometimes charged and others not). Considering the whole adventure takes around 1 hour and the price can be divided between 3, that works out to be $3.50 per head. TIP: You are allowed to share the Php 500 guiding fee among up to 3 persons, but this rule does not save you if going alone.
Try to visit this tourist place in a bunch.