Igotan Cave : Spelunking and Chasing Waterfalls in the City of Talisay for Just Php 100.00
I have this kind of stereotyped notion of cities that they are all buildings, malls, people, noise and all the fuss of chaos and crowd. Oh well, those are just my thoughts, but obviously in the real world not all cities have these kind of complications, right.? When I started blogging, I eventually read other blogs too. After reading other blogs, I realized that there are hidden gems not only in rural places but in cities as well, just like in Talisay City where Igotan Cave is situated. As an amateur in outdoor activities, I find it surreal to know that this place existed. Imagine a cave and waterfalls all in one together. Well, I couldn’t contain my excitement on this adventure anymore, so let’s get it on…
But first here’s a short story before that.
AWKWARD. That was the first word that popped in my mind while waiting for my companions, Idas and Marj, at the South Bus Terminal for our outdoor trip, the first time ever. I waited for them; they came. We conversed first (which I awkwardly did). We shared snippets of stories, and mostly we talked about outdoor activities. Chatting with people with the same passion and sentiments in wandering and traveling as I have, my awkwardness towards them just vanished. And with that, we were off to go to Igotan Cave.
How to get there?
Ride a jeep in going to Talisay. The fare is Php 10.00. The drop off area is Tabunok Flyover. Cross the street and look for Rose Pharmacy where habal-habals are waiting for passengers. The fare is Php 25.00. That is already a standard rate. No need to haggle. The travelling time for habal-habal is 10-15 minutes. Upon arrival, you will see a footbridge where you can pass through, or you may cross the river if you like to wade in it. Then, you’re already near the cave, just trek a little and then your adventure starts.
YES, and finally we arrived in Igotan Cave. We paid Php 25.00s for the entrance fee and Php 5.00 fee for the guide.
When we were there we waited for the other groups who entered the cave ahead of us to finish their tour. While waiting we played with these cute puppies. Such an amusing way to start our adventure with furry friends!
After a while, I looked around and took some snaps. At the mouth of the cave, there is this signage. It’s already worn out by time. You can really tell that this cave has been visited by tourists for a long, long time. There are dos and don’ts in the signage which we read before entering the cave.
And the first group was done. It was now our time to venture inside. Upon entering, I realized the narrow passage of the cave. This might be the reason that only one group (5-10 persons) can enter first to avoid overcrowding. Imagine if you enter the cave and there’s a group going out of it, for sure you’ll walk backwards. That’s how narrow the cave is. HAHA!
- Tip No. 1 Upon entering the cave, you will notice that there is water at the bottom; so as you walk, your feet will be soaked in water. You may wear trekking sandals, slippers or you may go barefoot.
My friends who had worn shoes just left their shoes outside and also our other things like bags and stuffs.
Darkness welcomed and embraced us, as we entered the cave. I learned from other blogs that Igotan Cave used to have lights but it has been cut out to avoid electrically- caused accidents. The guide provided lamps anyway.
- Tip No. 2 Be vigilant and extra careful as you proceed on spelunking. No helmet is provided for this venture.
I even brought a flashlight. Since I am a newbie, I literally brought a big flashlight for household use and not for the out-of-doors. Haha! Just look at this picture where Marj used my big flashlight.
Here’s Idas posing for a picture with a minimal amount of light. Beauty can still be spotted with just a tinge of brightness. HAHA . And you can really tell how she approved and liked this adventure. Right Leo?
We did not only walk; we also did crawl due to the narrow rocky passageways. I, as a big girl( big girl talaga! haha.) got bump and hit by a rock on my head because I was looking down at my steps not realizing that there was a rock above me. It hurt me so badly… Ouch! … Huhu… 😥
The falls inside the cave was not very far, a distance of 100 to 200 meters from the entrance. but it was quite challenging, especially if you are just a newbie in caving.
And finally we arrived in our destination. We are now in the falls! Oh yessss! This is my clearest shot so far of the falls inside the cave.
- Tip No. 3 If you bring your camera make sure to hold it in a steady position. If your hands are moving/trembling, unclear pictures will likely be the outcome. Furthermore, low light in the cave will result in blurry pictures.
Well, the spotlight is on me and nope, I’m not having a concert here, Haha! I will take a shower and will try to experience the gushing water of Igotan Falls. And It’s cold! I felt relaxed because of the therapeutic effect of the gushing water on me. My head is healed. Haha! Imagine having a shower in this hidden gem of Talisay, so dark yet so fascinating.
As you can see the falls is surrounded by this mini-cemented stairs or whatever you may call that? Obviously this was not in the original phase of the cave. It has been traced, touched and modified by humans. Nevertheless, this modification is for safety purposes.
The water in the cave flows continuously wherever it flows. It does not create a pool.
Here’s a pic of three of us with the guide taken upon leaving the cave.
And lastly I would like to share one of my favorite shots in Igotan, a portrait of Idas. I just like the mysterious effect of the subject of this picture. What do you think?
- Tip No. 4 As much as possible never touch any rocks in the cave. Refrain from taking something from the cave to serve as souvenir. ALWAYS PRACTICE LNT (LEave no trace)! Never litter, never vandal. Let’s be eco-friendly for the preservation of the cave.
Apart from the cave, you can go down and see the rock formations below. There’s a mini pool where you can dip. We saw kids playing and wading in the pool. It looked muddy or brownish because of the color of the soil. (I think!)
The rock formation, up close. What a marvelous piece of creation, right?
That spelunking and chasing waterfalls was done in 30 minutes and it was still too early to head back home so we decided to go side tripping in this point of Talisay.
There was a staircase outside, built in the side of the mountain? We were curious. Hmmm! Where does it lead to? So we climbed the stairs. It was not that far away but my goodness I was out of breath! This was the result of having no previous exercise. HAHA!
Finally we reached the peak of the mountain and the stairs led us to this church. This church is not just beautiful but also splendidly built on top of the mountain. It seems so close to heaven that in praying, you will feel the closeness of God who hears instantly your wishes and hopes. It was such a beautiful location for a church with a naturally refreshing and verdant view of its surroundings.
And we kept on trotting wherever our feet would take us; explored places wherever the trail might lead us.
We reached this dam and ooops picture taking is not allowed. So we went off and let go of this beautiful place. It could be a nice back drop for a selfie; but naaah rules are rules. They should be followed or else there might be consequences for wrong doings.
As we continued our exploration, we found four horses, but this horse struck me most. Whatever happened to your eye, you are still a beautiful soul.
And that’s it! Our adventure has just ended. Thank you, Talisay, for giving me a glimpse of your beauty. Truly there are hidden gems in the city. And to my new friends, thank you, too for this awesome adventure. I hope this is not the last time we wander out. So glad I have met you two.!
(And as always here’s the moving photo of our adventure. Thanks for watching in advance.) 😀 to be followed 😉
Estimated expenses for this spelunking and chasing waterfalls in Talisay:
Php 10.00 – Jeepney fare bound to Tabunok, Talisay
Php 25.00 – Habal-habal fare going to Brgy. Igotan
Php 25.00 – Entance fee for Igotan Cave
Php 5.00 – Guide fee
Php 25.00 – Habal Habal fare going back to Tabunok
Php 10.00 – Jeepney fare to Cebu
A total of 100.00
*food, souvenirs, and miscellaneous fees are not included
Hi Miss chasing Potatoes! this is a really nice blog you made about Igotan. Managhid ta ko nimu maam if pwedi nako e feature ni imung blog sa facebook page namo sa Igotan. Also pwedi pud nako gamiton imong pictures para e post ug kun pwedi akong e background or e profile pic sa Igotan fb? wa man gud mi nindot nga camera maam hehe. Take care!
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Hiiiii…. yes sure ok ra… unsa inyoha fb?
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I have never been caving and would love to visit. This looked like an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing
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Hi, pwede kuyog ta laag puhon 🙂
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Sure??? Hahaha unsa imo fb?
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I couldn’t imagine that my beauty can still be spotted in just a tinge of brightness.😜😜😜
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Hahahahaha klaro kaayo karon ra nibasa ayyyy 😂😂😂
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Wow! Salamat kaaju, ‘day, naa na koadtuan karong Sabado!
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HAHAHAHA…kamao diay ka mobisaya dong? haha
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bol-anon tawon ko, nyora! 🙂
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HAHAHAHA! Ok 😛
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hi there.. ang agianan padung uli – same ra ba gihapon sa agianan padung? kay nahan mi mangari ba, nya magmotor lang mi.,
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Yep, same ra. 😀
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tnxies
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No problem. Glad I can help. Thanks for dropping by. 😀
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🙂
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Hi there! I would like you to know that I nominated you for the 2016 Liebster Award! I’ll be glad to know if you accept it. All the best! http://www.irizchan.com/blog/2016/05/liebster-award-2016/
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Thanks Iriz 😀 🙂
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Hi. I imagine you are on one of your exotic trips.
Have messaged you to tell you that my old webadress isn’t working anymore. So please reconnect at sharingtidbits.wordpress.com/. thanks a lot.
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Hi, Thanks 🙂 Yes, I followed already your new website 🙂
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Woah! Actually thinking of visiting the place when I get back to Cebu, pero I’m not sure if I can actually make it inside the cave since I have this fright that I might get snuff out huhu. Wasn’t it that suffocating, Ate Gly? I badly wanna go and try pero I’m really scared. Well, I’ll never know if di ko mo try Hahaha. I seriously wanna try your adventures! 😀
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Hi Lou..No sweat ra kaayo ning Igotan haha kay dali ra kaayo maabot sa falls mga 10-15 min ra guro though narrow ra jud ang passageway. Hehe 😀 Laag niya tah puhon 😀
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my friend lives in Talisay and we usually stay there when we visit Cebu. I’ll tell her to go here if we’d be back again in Cebu 🙂 Nice blog 🙂
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Hi Thedorzfallac, thanks a lot for dropping by.
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Ahh great, this is only the second time I read a travel blog. Thanks for giving out necessary travel information about this trip. Very helpful.
Luckily, I live in Laguna. This place is just a few jeeps away. Thank you, Chasing Potatoes!
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I think Laguna is in Luzon right??? Ahmm Igotan Cave is in Cebu. Hehe 😛
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Ahh Jesus. Sorry I got confused. I’ve just woke up and shit. Pretty groggy. :)) Okay I’ll read again lol. Thanks for pointing that out hahaha.
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Haha…it’s ok Bum. 😛
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This looks pretty exciting and fun
Vicky
http://vickysscrapbook.com/
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It sure is. Thanks Vicky ♥ 🙂
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Nice one! That underground waterfall gives a great massage. 🙂
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Thank you. 🙂
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Keep exploring ❤
Instagram : cassandradini | http://cassandradini.blogspot.co.id/2016/04/nike-training-for-better-me.html
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Thanks Cassandra ❤
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Looks super fun! Would love to visit! =)
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Thanks Cielo for dropping by. 🙂
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Hahaa lagi! Gikan ko Negros & Siquijor girl
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Hayaha uyyyyy! cgeg laag oh! ako work man ko uyyyy hahaha
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Aw. Naa ka Manila work? Muanha ko by April 20
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dili…naa lang workshop maong naa ko dinhi hehe 🙂
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Aww. For blogging na or traveling purposes?
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sa work jud…huhuhu
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Aw at least oi! Kanice, till when ka?
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Uli na mi ugma…hehe ikaw? moanhi ka 20, laag ka?
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Naa pako Cebu ugma. Yup. Laag ko Ilocos, Kalinga and either Zambales/Batangas/La Union right after
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woooooow. ka bongga ana uyyyyy! nice.. huwat ko ana sa imo blog. 😀
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Sure suree! Magsabot pamis ako mga kuyog by Sunday, if you wanna join we can meet up 😀
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Up na ako blog 💖
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Unsa na?
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Ako blog post sa Negros & Siquijor 😛
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Di lagi nko ma.open imo blog? 😦 ipost gud imo link here 😜
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5 Days Negros and Siquijor Backpacking – WanderingPeople
https://wanderingpeople.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/5-days-negros-and-siquijor-backpacking/#more-931
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There there 😀 busy you ron?
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Grabe ka adventure ka girl! Let’s meet up nya!
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Unsay nka grabe ana? Haha! Sige bah!!! 😛
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Aha ka ron? Bag.o rako uli Cebu ay
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Haha naa ko ron Manila girl. 🙂
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Waaa till when?
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Karon ra ko ka realize hahaha na ikaw man diay ni wandering people. hehehe
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Well this is refreshing! Attraction within the city’s easiest reach. Thanks for sharing. I’ll visit this one soon. 😀
cheers from: http://www.masterryo.wordpress.com
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Thanks too Ryo for your nice comment. Have a great day. 🙂
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Wow, those caves are really beautiful! kind of scary too though haha. I’m so claustrophobic!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
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Me too, I was really scared venturing Igotan Cave because of its narrow passageway but I must fight my fear or else I’ll regret in the end. Anyway, thanks Asallows for dropping by. 🙂 xoxo
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Reblogged this on penpowersong.
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Thank you 🙂
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How I wish, I could explore Cebu sometime.
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Yes, you can. Just plan it out. Sama tayo, Hehe 😛 🙂
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ahh the beauty of nature! Really wonderful post 🙂
Aha, I have a surprise for you! Here: https://thesleepersmentalist.wordpress.com/ (I was wandering around WordPress the other day and stumbled upon that blog. I clicked on his About page and laughed) I thought you might to check! 🙂
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*you might want to check* (ahh my bad typing skills)
I forgot to mention, 100.00 pesos for a piece of heaven? Gusto ko na tuloy pumunta sa Cebu!
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Hahaha, punta ka na Cebu at mag aadventure tayo. 😀 haha
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Ok, Diwata, I followed the blog already. Hehe 😀
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Hahahahahahaahhahahahahahahah natawa talaga ako sa About Page niya.,lol. 😀
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Oh di ba.. We’ve found one potato.. Hahaha… Can’t wait to have an adventure with you 🙂
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Me too 😀
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Ohhh! Hidden gem it is! 🙂 Again, I love your words and your photos! They work so well together! 😀
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Awww thanks a lot for your kind words as always. Have a lovely day xoxo
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you’re welcome! 😀
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I didn’t recognize that the Talisay City has this Gem. I may have to check that one out. Thanks again for sharing.
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Thanks Lai for dropping by 🙂
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Oh yeah! Super like! 👊👊👊 Girl kaayog POV ang entry. Haha.
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HAHAHA, kay babae man jud ko. hahaha 😛
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Haha. I mean ang tone sa imong entry ba kay bayot kaayo. Murag sa Candy nga magazine. 😂😂😂
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Bading man ka. Successful lang jud imong operation sa Thailand. 😂😂😂
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hahahaha..nakatawa ako sa imo comment…ipost ni nako biiii. HAHAHAHAHAHAH 😛
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Hahahaha. 😂😂😂
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