Tayangban Cave Pool | General Luna

Information

Landmark: Tayangban Cave Pool
City: General Luna
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Tayangban Cave Pool, General Luna, Philippines, Asia

Tayangban Cave Pool is a partially submerged subterranean river and cenote-style lagoon located in the municipality of Pilar on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. The site consists of a limestone cave system that opens into a deep natural emerald pool surrounded by mangroves and forest.

Visual Characteristics

The landmark features a dark interior cave system characterized by jagged limestone walls, stalactites, and chest-deep brackish water. The cave transitions into an open-air lagoon with water depths reaching up to 7 meters. The water is deep green in color, and the surrounding terrain is a mix of jagged karst rock formations and dense tropical ferns.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated directly along the Siargao Circumferential Road in Pilar, approximately 20 kilometers north of General Luna. The travel time is roughly 30 to 40 minutes via motorcycle or tricycle. A concrete entrance and ticketing booth are located at the roadside, with a steep set of stairs leading down to the cave entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Geologically, Tayangban is a solutional cave formed by the chemical weathering of limestone bedrock by groundwater over thousands of years. It is part of the extensive karst landscape of Siargao and is classified under the Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape. Historically, it was a local swimming hole before being formally managed as an eco-tourism site.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors participate in a "cave canyoneering" experience, which involves wading and swimming through the dark cave system for approximately 15 minutes before reaching the open pool. Cliff jumping is available at the outdoor lagoon from a 5-meter limestone ledge. Bamboo rafting and swimming are the primary activities in the open-air section of the pool.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure includes a small registration hut and a wooden equipment rental station where life jackets (mandatory) and helmets are provided. Basic changing rooms and a rustic restroom are available near the entrance. There is no cellular signal (4G/5G) inside the cave, though intermittent 4G is available at the roadside entrance. No food vendors are located inside the site, but small shops operate along the main road.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season from March to September to avoid high water levels and murky conditions caused by heavy rains. Photography is optimal between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the sun is directly overhead, allowing light to penetrate the cave openings and illuminate the emerald water of the lagoon.

Facts & Legends

Local guides often point out unique "glittering" rock formations inside the cave, which are mineral deposits reflecting flashlight beams. A critical logistical tip: footwear such as reef shoes or sturdy sandals is mandatory, as the cave floor is uneven and composed of sharp rocks, and the water depth varies unexpectedly throughout the transit.