Cantabon Cave: Siquijor's Underground Adventure Guide

The Cantabon Cave Experience

Cantabon Cave is Siquijor’s best-kept adventure secret. This isn’t a walk-through tourist cave with lighting and handrails—it’s a raw, wild spelunking experience through an underground river system that will leave you muddy, wet, exhilarated, and with stories to tell.

Hidden in the mountains of Maria municipality, the cave offers a challenging but accessible adventure for those seeking more than beaches and waterfalls.

What to Expect

The Journey

Duration: 2-3 hours (full experience) Distance: Approximately 500 meters through the cave Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Terrain: Wading, climbing, squeezing, swimming

The Experience

You’ll enter the cave’s mouth and follow an underground river through:

Walking sections through ankle to knee-deep water
Climbing sections over slippery rocks and formations
Swimming sections across deeper pools
Squeezing sections through tight passages
Rappelling section (with guide assistance)

The cave opens to a hidden exit surrounded by jungle—an incredible moment after hours in darkness.

Cave Highlights

1. The Entrance Cathedral

The cave mouth opens into a large chamber with impressive stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Your eyes adjust to darkness here before going deeper.

2. Underground River

The entire journey follows an underground river. The water is cool, clear, and refreshing—especially after the humid trek to reach the cave.

3. Tight Passages

At several points, you’ll squeeze through narrow gaps. Not recommended for severe claustrophobia, but manageable for most people with encouragement.

4. The Swimming Section

About halfway through, you’ll swim across a deeper pool. Life jackets available if needed.

5. Rappelling Point

A short rappelling section (rope descent) with guide assistance. No experience needed—guides set everything up.

6. The Exit

The cave ends at a jungle opening with a short hike back. The moment of emerging into sunlight is magical.

Practical Information

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost
Guide fee (mandatory)	₱300-400
Environmental fee	₱50-100
Helmet rental	Included
Lamp/light	Included
Life jacket (if needed)	Included
Total	₱350-500

Hours & Timing

Open: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Last entry: 2:00 PM (cave takes 2-3 hours)
Best time: Morning (cooler, better light at exit)

Getting There

From San Juan: 45 minutes by scooter

Take the road toward Maria
Follow signs for Cantabon Cave
Park at the registration area
20-minute walk to cave entrance

By Tricycle: Can be arranged, but scooter recommended for flexibility

What to Wear

Required

Shorts or quick-dry pants (you’ll get wet)
Rash guard or quick-dry shirt (protection + warmth)
Water shoes or old sneakers (no flip-flops!)
Swimwear underneath (you’re basically swimming through parts)

Provided by Guide

Helmet with headlamp
Life jacket (for swimming sections)
Rope equipment for rappelling

What NOT to Wear

Jeans (heavy when wet)
Cotton shirts (stay wet, get cold)
Flip-flops (dangerous on rocks)
Jewelry or watches (might get lost or damaged)

What to Bring

Must-Have

Waterproof bag (for phone, camera, wallet)
Towel (for after)
Change of clothes (you’ll be soaked and muddy)
Water bottle (you’ll be thirsty)
Cash (for guide and fees)

Nice to Have

Waterproof camera (GoPro ideal)
Snacks (energy for the climb back)
Plastic bag (for wet clothes after)

Leave in Your Scooter

Good clothes
Valuables
Anything you can’t get wet

Physical Requirements

You Need To:

Wade through water (up to chest-high in spots)
Swim short distances
Climb over rocks and boulders
Squeeze through tight passages
Rappel (short section, assisted)
Walk 20 minutes to/from the cave

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness required. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be:

Comfortable in water
Able to climb and balance
Willing to get dirty
Okay with enclosed spaces (mild claustrophobia manageable)

Who Should Skip This?

Severe claustrophobia
Non-swimmers (unless in life jacket)
Serious mobility limitations
Young children under 8
Those with fear of darkness or heights

Safety Information

The Cave is Safe When:

You’re with an experienced guide (mandatory)
You follow guide instructions
Weather conditions are good
Water levels are normal

Risks to Know:

Slippery rocks (go slow, hold guide ropes)
Deep water sections (life jackets available)
Tight passages (some feel claustrophobic)
Flash flooding during heavy rain (guides won’t go)

Emergency Considerations

Tell someone your plans
Cell service is unreliable in the area
Nearest hospital in Siquijor Town (~1 hour)
Guides are trained in cave rescue basics

The Guides

Cantabon Cave guides are local residents who know every inch of the cave system. They’re mandatory—and for good reason.

What Guides Provide:

Safe navigation through the cave
Equipment (helmet, lamp, life jacket)
Help with climbing and rappelling
Stories about the cave and local legends
Pace adjustment for your group
Emergency assistance if needed

Guide Tips

Be patient—they’re keeping you safe
Follow instructions carefully
Ask questions about the cave
Tip if you received great service (₱50-100)

Combining with Other Activities

Half-Day Option

Morning:

7:00 AM: Leave San Juan
8:00 AM: Arrive Cantabon
8:30 AM: Enter cave
11:30 AM: Exit cave
12:30 PM: Clean up, lunch in Maria

Afternoon Free: Beach, falls, or rest

Full Adventure Day

Morning: Cantabon Cave Lunch: Maria town Afternoon: Mt. Bandilaan viewpoint (nearby) Sunset: Return to San Juan

Legends & Atmosphere

Like everything in Siquijor, Cantabon Cave has its share of mystical stories. Locals speak of spirits dwelling in the cave’s depths and of the cave serving as a hiding place during various historical periods.

The atmosphere inside is genuinely otherworldly—the play of lamp light on limestone formations, the echo of water, the cool air after tropical heat. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there’s something undeniably special about exploring underground in the “Island of Fire.”

Photography Tips

Equipment

GoPro or waterproof camera (essential)
Waterproof phone pouch (for phone cameras)
Headlamp (for additional light)

Shot Ideas

Entrance silhouette (person against cave mouth)
Underground river reflections
Stalactite formations
Group shots in larger chambers
The exit moment (emerging into jungle)

Challenges

Low light throughout
Water splashing on lens
Slippery, one-handed shooting
No tripod possible

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?

2-3 hours inside the cave, plus 20 minutes walk each way. Plan 4 hours total.

Is it scary?

It’s thrilling rather than scary. The tightest passages might feel challenging, but guides help you through.

Can non-swimmers do it?

Yes, with a life jacket. The swimming sections are short and guides assist.

What if it rains?

Guides check conditions. If there’s flooding risk, they won’t enter. Check weather before going.

Is there an easy version?

Not really—the full route is the only option. If you can’t do the whole thing, this might not be for you.

Can children go?

Ages 8+ with reasonable fitness. Parents should assess their child’s abilities honestly.

Final Thoughts

Cantabon Cave is the adventure Siquijor is secretly famous for. While tourists line up at Cambugahay Falls, those in the know are getting muddy underground, swimming through an ancient river system, and emerging into hidden jungle like Indiana Jones.

It’s not for everyone. But if you’re seeking an experience beyond the typical beach vacation—something that gets your heart pumping and leaves you with a genuine sense of accomplishment—Cantabon Cave delivers.

Come prepared, trust your guide, and embrace the adventure. You’ll leave Siquijor with a story most visitors never get to tell.

For more adventures, check out Diving in Siquijor or cool off at Cambugahay Falls.