Cudugnon Cave | El Nido

Cudugnon Cave is a significant archaeological and geological site located in El Nido, Palawan. It is a key destination on the standard "Tour B" island-hopping itinerary.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is a "tucked-away" site featuring a narrow, low-hanging entrance that requires visitors to crawl through to reach the interior. Once inside, the cave opens into high-ceilinged chambers with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Natural light filters through crevices in the rock ceiling, creating a dramatic, illuminated atmosphere.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: 39M3+Q2V, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

Access: Accessible only by sea, usually as part of a boat tour.

Transport: * Boat: Motorized outrigger boats (bangkas) dock at the scenic beach fronting the cave.

Entry: Physical entry involves crawling through a small opening at the base of a limestone cliff.

Permits: A valid Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) permit is required for the tour.

Historical & Cultural Origin

Cudugnon Cave is an important archaeological site. Excavations have revealed that it served as a burial site during the Neolithic period. Artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and human remains dating back thousands of years have been discovered here, some of which are linked to early trade with mainland Asia.

Key Highlights & Activities

Caving/Exploration: Navigating the tight entrance and exploring the various limestone chambers.

Archaeological Context: Learning about the site's history as an ancient burial ground.

Photography: Capturing the play of natural light on the rock formations inside the cathedral-like chambers.

Beach Relaxation: The white-sand beach outside the cave is often used for swimming or as a rest stop.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The cave is kept in its natural state with no artificial lighting or paved paths inside. Tour guides provide assistance and flashlights if necessary. There are no permanent facilities on the site; all amenities are provided by the tour boats. Cellular signal is non-existent inside the cave.

Best Time to Visit

Operating Hours: Daily from 07:00 to 17:00.

Low Tide: Easier access to the entrance beach and the cave opening.

Dry Season (December to May): Ensures calm seas for boat transit and dry conditions inside the cave.

Rules

No Single-Use Plastics: Strictly enforced on all El Nido tours.

Physical Condition: Requires a moderate level of agility to crawl through the entrance.

Preservation: Do not touch or disturb any rock formations or potential artifacts.

Footwear: Aqua shoes are recommended for the rocky entrance.

Nearby Landmarks

Snake Island: 1.5 km North.

Cathedral Cave: 0.5 km South.

Pinagbuyutan Island: 4.5 km East.