Tayangban Cave Pool Guide: Reviews, Fees & Tips

Q: How deep is Tayangban Cave Pool?

Most adults stand comfortably in the shallows, while the center is deeper. Depth typically ranges around chest to head level, roughly 1 to 2 meters depending on recent rain more than tide. The pool floor varies between rock and sand, and you can hold onto limestone edges for balance. Non-swimmers can request a flotation device from guides. Always follow your guide’s line and enter slowly to test footing.

Q: Do you need a guide at Tayangban Cave Pool?

Yes, a local guide is required to enter the cave corridor and reach the open pool. Guides manage safety, lead the route, and point out footholds in dim sections. The guiding fee is paid at the entrance with the ticket. Flashlights are usually provided, and life vests may be available on request. Stay with your group, listen to instructions, and avoid entering if you feel unsure about dark, enclosed spaces.

Q: Are tides important at Tayangban Cave Pool?

Tides play a smaller role here than rain. Water depth and current inside the cave can change, but recent rainfall matters most for clarity and levels. You don’t need to time your visit to a specific tide here; follow on-site guide advice and check PAGASA before you go.

Q: Is Tayangban Cave Pool safe for kids and non-swimmers?

With a guide and flotation, it’s doable for cautious families, but comfort in water helps. The cave section is dark, uneven, and can feel narrow, which may unsettle young children. Keep kids within arm’s reach and follow the guide’s pace. Non-swimmers should wear a vest and stick to the shallows in the final pool. On days with stronger currents or after heavy rain, consider skipping the cave portion.

Q: What footwear is best for Tayangban Cave Pool?

Wear closed-toe water shoes with solid grip. The limestone and riverbed can be slick, and flip-flops slip easily. Quick-dry shoes protect toes and improve traction in the dim cave. If you don’t own a pair, consider simple quick-dry water shoes that drain fast and fit snugly. Avoid going barefoot due to sharp rock edges and occasional debris after rain.

Q: Can you bring a phone or camera inside Tayangban Cave?

Yes, but protect your gear from splashes and brief submersion. Use an IPX8 waterproof phone pouch and keep valuables in a small dry bag. The cave is dim, so turn on your flashlight sparingly and keep one hand free for balance. Large cameras are risky in tight, wet spaces. Guides can help snap quick photos at the open pool where light is better and footing is stable.

Q: Is there parking at Tayangban Cave Pool?

Basic roadside parking is available at the entrance for scooters and vans. A small fee may be collected by local attendants, so bring coins and small bills. The area is unpaved and can be muddy after rain. Do not leave valuables in vehicles. Keep essentials like phones, cash, and keys in a dry bag you carry through the cave.

Q: When is the best time of day to visit Tayangban Cave Pool?

Mid-morning offers softer light in the cave and fewer crowds at the pool. Avoid heavy rain windows; recent rainfall affects clarity more than tides here. Many travelers pair the cave with a surf check or sunset walk at Cloud 9 Siargao the same day. Arrive early if you prefer quieter conditions and minimal wait times with guides.

Introduction

Tayangban Cave Pool is one of Siargao’s most atmospheric stops in the Philippines, blending a torch-lit cave walk with a cool, emerald pool framed by jungle. Expect echoing walls, smooth limestone, and shafts of light catching ripples on the water. Guided, short, and memorable.

Based on local experience and careful on-the-ground checks, this guide keeps it practical. You’ll get clear costs, what the guide-led route involves, and simple safety tips so you know exactly what happens from entry to exit. It pairs easily with a Siargao day out from General Luna, and the timing works well around tides and lunch stops.

Plan smart and arrive ready. Up next are the fees, how long you’ll need, and what to bring so you can focus on the fun and the refreshing water waiting at the end of the cave. Jen and I last visited in 2025 and updated this guide with current, on-the-ground details.

Quick Answer: Tayangban Cave Pool Siargao – What to Know Before You Go

Tayangban Cave Pool is a short, guided cave walk that ends in a cool emerald pool in Pilar, Siargao. Expect chest-deep water, low light, and limestone walls with a jungle-framed exit.

Location: Pilar, about 25–30 minutes from General Luna. Open in Google Maps.
Entrance fee: ~150 PHP per person with mandatory guide; parking 20–50 PHP; optional life jacket ~50 PHP.
Time needed: 30–45 minutes total.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Slippery rocks; follow your guide.
Highlight: Torch-lit cave section opening to a photogenic pool.
Plan it: Pair with Magpupungko at low tide and check Siargao weather and seasons.

In short: A quick, guided dip with a bit of adventure, best done en route to other east-coast stops.

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Tayangban Cave Pool Entrance Fee, Hours, and What’s Included

Tayangban Cave Pool runs a simple, community-managed setup with a required local guide and a short water walk to the pool. Expect cool cave air, dim light, and clear water framed by jungle at the exit.

Current entrance fees and guide policy

Fees are straightforward and collected at the roadside booth before you enter the cave. We last verified prices in 2025; small changes happen seasonally.

Entrance with mandatory guide: about 150 PHP per person.
Parking: 20–50 PHP for scooters or cars.
Optional life jacket rental: around 50 PHP. Helmets may be provided at staff discretion.
Cash only. Rates can change without notice; confirm onsite.
Guides lead the entire route and advise on safety and water depth. No littering or solo entry.

Sari Sari Store at Tayangban Cave Pool Siargao

Opening hours and onsite facilities

Operating hours are typically daytime, roughly 8 am to 5 pm, with last entry mid to late afternoon depending on staff and conditions.

Facilities: basic restrooms, changing area, and small kiosks with drinks and snacks.
No lockers. Keep valuables light or use an IPX8 waterproof phone pouch.
Best paired with nearby Magpupungko Rock Pools around low tide for a smooth day route.
Rules: follow your guide, no cliff jumping unless they approve conditions, and respect the cave environment.
For tourism standards and traveler guidelines, see the Philippine Department of Tourism guidelines.

How to Get to Tayangban Cave Pool from General Luna and Around Siargao

Tayangban Cave Pool sits along Siargao’s east coast on the Circumferential Road, about 18–22 km and 25 to 35 minutes from General Luna. Expect a smooth coastal ride past coconut groves with a simple roadside sign at the turnoff. Navigate on Google Maps.

Roadside sign and turnoff for Tayangban Cave Pool in Siargao

Motorbike, tricycle, or car rental

Most travelers ride a scooter for flexibility and easy parking. Tricycles and cars work well for groups or rainier days.

Motorbike: 350 to 500 PHP per day in General Luna. Helmets included. See our Siargao Car & Motorbike Rental Guide.
Tricycle charter: 800 to 1,500 PHP round trip with waiting time. Agree on price before departure.
Car rental: 2,000 to 3,000 PHP per day. Good for families and storing gear.
Navigation: Search “Tayangban Cave Pool.” Mobile data can dip north of GL, so download offline maps or use an Philippines eSIM by Airalo for instant setup and steady coverage.

Driving tips and parking

Roads are mostly paved with occasional potholes, speed bumps, and free-roaming dogs. Go slow on wet concrete after tropical showers.

From General Luna, head north on the Circumferential Road toward Pilar. The booth and parking lot are on the left when coming from GL.
Parking is next to the ticket booth. Scooters and cars fit easily.
Bring small bills for parking and entrance. Cash only.
Ride with lights on, wear a helmet, and keep right on narrow sections. See our Siargao safety guide.
Check regional travel updates via the Department of Tourism Caraga Region.

What to Expect at Tayangban Cave Pool Siargao: Cave Walkthrough and Swim Experience

Here’s how the Tayangban Cave Pool visit unfolds from the cave entrance to the emerald pool. Expect cool water, dim light, and a fun, short adventure with local guides leading every step.

Low-light corridor inside Tayangban Cave with guide and visitors

The guided wade through the cave

Guides lead a slow wade through a narrow limestone corridor with headlamps lighting stalactites and trickling walls. Water starts at ankle level and reaches waist to chest depth for most adults.

Footing is uneven and slippery, so move deliberately and keep one hand on the wall. Apply reef-safe sunscreen away from slick rocks. Consider quick-dry water shoes for extra grip.

Close-up of stalactites and rock textures at Tayangban Cave Siargao

The main pool and cliff jump

The cave opens into a clear, emerald pool surrounded by jungle and tall rock walls. Sunbeams cut across the water and small fish flicker near the edges.

A popular cliff jump of roughly 3 to 5 meters sits on the side ledge. Always check where your guide points and jump feet-first. Depth in the center is usually around chest to overhead for most adults, though it can vary with recent rain.

Wide shot of emerald pool and cliff jump area at Tayangban Cave Pool

Duration and difficulty

Most visits take 30 to 45 minutes including the cave wade and time at the pool. The pace is easy, but expect low light, uneven rocks, and brief sections of deeper water.

Suitable for confident beginners who are comfortable in water. Non-swimmers can stay near the edges or skip the jump. Pair this stop with Magpupungko or a coastal loop from General Luna. For more planning ideas, see the best things to do in Siargao.

Safety, Depth, and Best Time to Visit Tayangban Cave Pool

Tayangban Cave Pool is a guided, low-impact adventure when you come prepared and follow local instructions. Expect dim light, cool water, and uneven rocks with a short cave wade before the open pool.

Visitors with helmets and life vests at Tayangban Cave Pool entrance

Water depth and footwear

Depth varies from waist to chest in the cave and can be overhead in the pool’s center, especially after rain. Non-swimmers should wear a vest and stay near the edges.

Footing is slick. Wear secure footwear with grip like quick-dry water shoes, and move slowly with one hand on the wall. Guides typically provide headlamps and may have life vests available on site.

Protect your phone and cash in an IPX8 waterproof phone pouch. For broader safety tips, see Is Siargao Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide.

Weather, tides, and timing

Go in the dry months and aim for mid-morning for gentler light, fewer crowds, and clearer water. Sunbeams through the trees make the emerald pool pop. See our best time to visit Siargao guide for month-by-month tips.

Heavy rain raises water levels and reduces visibility. Tides have minimal impact here compared to coastal spots, but rain matters most. Check PAGASA weather before you go and follow guide advice on the day.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen for the open pool and hydrate well. For travel health basics, consult the WHO. Want trip backup if plans go sideways? Get EKTA travel insurance for medical and delay coverage.

Shaded jungle and clear water around Tayangban Cave Pool

What to Bring for Tayangban Cave Pool Siargao: Footwear, Dry Bags, and Camera Tips

Packing smart for Tayangban Cave Pool keeps you safe, light, and ready for photos. The path is slick, the water is cool, and hands-free movement matters.

Essentials for the cave wade

Grip, buoyancy, and free hands make this short cave walk easy. Expect wet limestone and gentle current in places.

Water shoes with solid traction. Skip loose sandals. Try quick-dry water shoes that drain fast.
Swimwear plus a light tee or rash guard for comfort in cool water.
Small dry bag or leave big backpacks in the vehicle to stay agile.
A little cash in an IPX8 waterproof phone pouch for tips or snacks after.
Guides often supply headlamps and life vests, but availability varies.

Waterproofing and photos

Protect electronics and keep one hand free for balance. Low light in the cave opens to bright, emerald water outside.

Use a waterproof phone pouch with a wrist lanyard and test it before entry.
For action cams, bring anti-fog inserts and a floating handle.
Avoid flash in the cave. Shoot outside for natural color, then wipe the lens.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen away from the water and reapply at the open pool.
Need data for maps and uploads? Get a Philippines eSIM by Airalo for instant connectivity. For charging gear in the Philippines, see the best travel plug adapters.

Tayangban Cave Pool Reviews and My Take

Tayangban Cave Pool delivers a short, scenic adventure at a fair price. Most reviews highlight friendly guides, clean water, and a fun cliff jump into a jade-green pool framed by palms.

Visitors enjoying the main pool at Tayangban Cave Pool in Siargao

Crowds build late morning, but the route is brief and well managed. Expect cool water, low light in the corridor, and staff who prioritize safety without rushing the experience.

Pros, cons, and who it’s for

Best for casual adventurers who want a guided, low-effort activity with photogenic payoff. Families and non-swimmers do fine with life vests, while thrill seekers get a modest jump.

Pros: Engaged local guides, clear water, quick access from General Luna, and a compact, camera-friendly route.
Good value for time; easy to pair with nearby stops.
Facilities and safety briefings keep it beginner friendly.

Cons: Can feel busy at midday; short overall distance through the cave.
Limited shade at the open pool; basic amenities.
Photos inside the corridor are tricky without an action cam.

Local guides assisting guests in the cave corridor at Tayangban Cave in Siargao

After a swim, refuel nearby and plan dinner with the best Siargao restaurants for a strong island finish.

Pair It With Nearby Spots: Magpupungko, Pacifico, and North Siargao

Build a smooth loop that hits the best of Siargao’s east coast. Start at Tayangban Cave Pool, time Magpupungko for low tide, then cruise north for beaches, views, and surf spots. The road is sealed and scenic with coconut forests and sea breezes.

For an easy base, stay in General Luna for dining and nightlife or Pacifico for quiet surf. Compare deals on Agoda or Booking.com, then see Where to Stay in Siargao for area tips.

Check local advisories for road works or weather via the Surigao del Norte Provincial Government.

Suggested half-day route

Go early to beat crowds and match Magpupungko’s tide window. Expect cool cave water, then bright blue tide pools and a relaxed beach finish.

General Luna to Tayangban Cave Pool: arrive by 8 to 9 am.
Head to Magpupungko Tidal Pools for low tide swimming and photos.
Continue to Pacifico Beach for surfing, hammock time, or coffee.
Return south before dusk, stopping at viewpoints along the highway.

Pacifico Beach shoreline with palms and longboard-friendly waves in Siargao

Where to eat nearby

Keep it simple with local grills and beach cafés. Portions are hearty, coconut smoke in the air, and cold drinks hit after salty swims.

Near Magpupungko: basic eateries serving grilled fish, rice, and fresh coconuts.
Pacifico Beach: cafés for coffee, sandwiches, and fruit bowls. See Pacifico Beach Siargao: My Complete Guide for picks.
Back in General Luna: broader dinner choices from Filipino to wood-fired pizza.

Tours vs DIY: When to Book a Guided Siargao Land Tour

You can visit Tayangban Cave Pool independently or include it in a Siargao guided tour that connects multiple highlights in one day.

Most travelers choose based on time, comfort, and whether they prefer a driver and fixed route or more flexibility for photos and swims.

Siargao land tour van parked near Tayangban Cave Pool entrance

Want an easy, all-in-one day with pickups and local insights? Book a Siargao land tour on GetYourGuide with free cancellation and instant confirmation.

For more options across the island, see 10+ Best Siargao Tours.

DIY vs guided breakdown

DIY is best if you want freedom and a slower pace. Expect cool cave water, quiet stops between coconut groves, and time to linger at viewpoints.

Pros: Full control of timing, cheaper for groups, linger at Magpupungko for the exact low tide.
Cons: You drive and navigate, parking can be limited, and you handle all fees and timing.

Guided tours suit convenience and first-timers. AC van rides, coordinated stops, and a set plan keep the day smooth.

Pros: No driving, quick logistics, local tips, and efficient routes that fit multiple spots in daylight.
Cons: Fixed schedules, limited photo time, and less flexibility if you find a favorite café or beach.

Costs and Sample Budget for a Tayangban Cave Pool Day Trip

Tayangban Cave Pool is one of Siargao’s best-value adventures. Expect modest entrance and guide costs, with most of your spend going to transport, snacks, and optional side trips.

The path is shaded and cool, and you’ll likely hear swifts echoing inside the cave before you see the light on the pool.

Typical costs (per person): Entrance and guide around 100–200 PHP, scooter rental 400–600 PHP per day, fuel 100–200 PHP, snacks 100–300 PHP, parking 20–50 PHP. Bring small bills and cash.

Prefer no driving? Book a Siargao land tour on GetYourGuide and bundle multiple stops in one day.

Sample budgets: solo vs couple

Solo on a scooter:

Entrance + guide: 150 PHP
Scooter rental: 500 PHP
Fuel: 150 PHP
Snacks/coffee: 200 PHP
Parking and tip: 100 PHP
Total: ~1,100 PHP

Couple sharing a scooter:

Entrance + guide: 300 PHP
Scooter rental: 500 PHP
Fuel: 200 PHP
Snacks/lunch: 500 PHP
Parking and tips: 150 PHP
Total: ~1,650 PHP for two

Optional add-ons: Magpupungko entrance 50–100 PHP, simple lunch 250–400 PHP per person, and an IPX8 waterproof phone pouch if you plan to film inside the cave.

Staying near General Luna keeps transport costs low. Compare deals on Agoda or Booking.com, then see Where to Stay in Siargao for practical bases and prices.

Tayangban Cave Pool FAQ

Here are clear answers to the most common questions about Tayangban Cave Pool, from depth and tides to footwear, safety, cameras, and parking. Expect cool cave air, echoing water drops, and a bright turquoise pool at the end.

How deep is Tayangban Cave Pool?

Do you need a guide at Tayangban Cave Pool?

Are tides important at Tayangban Cave Pool?

Is Tayangban Cave Pool safe for kids and non-swimmers?

What footwear is best for Tayangban Cave Pool?

Can you bring a phone or camera inside Tayangban Cave?

Is there parking at Tayangban Cave Pool?

When is the best time of day to visit Tayangban Cave Pool?

Final Tips for Tayangban Cave Pool and Next Steps

Keep it simple and safe: aim for mid-morning, wear grippy water shoes, and bring a small dry bag. Expect dim passages, cool water, and a bright pool finale. Recent rain affects depth and clarity more than tides, so check the forecast, tip your guide, and keep valuables minimal for stress-free exploring.

Pack a waterproof phone pouch and small cash for fees.
Pair the cave with morning surf or a late Magpupungko stop.
Check the weather forecast before leaving General Luna.

Life is for living, so go live it.

Ultimate Tayangban Cave Pool Guide: Reviews, Fees & Tips