Discover a Different Side of Anda: Exploring Cabagnow Cave Pool in Bohol
By Jeffrey Escobido
Anda, Bohol, is known for its beautiful coastline, quiet atmosphere, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Beyond its beaches, however, the municipality offers another remarkable attraction: natural limestone cave pools filled with fresh water.
Cabagnow Cave Pool is one of the destinations that makes Anda distinctive. Unlike the wide-open scenery of a beach, this natural attraction features a limestone opening leading down to a pool surrounded by rocky walls. The contrast between the rugged stone formations, natural sunlight, and blue-green water creates a memorable setting for adventure travellers, nature lovers, and photographers.
For visitors travelling from Northern Mindanao, a trip to Anda can also become an opportunity to experience the scenic countryside of Bohol. Although reaching the destination requires several hours of land travel and transportation connections, the journey rewards travellers with a quieter side of the province, away from some of its more crowded tourist destinations.
Where Is Cabagnow Cave Pool?
Cabagnow Cave Pool is located in Barangay Talisay, in the municipality of Anda, Bohol, in the southeastern part of the province.
The attraction is part of Anda's distinctive limestone landscape, shaped by natural geological processes over thousands of years. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, appreciate the rock formations, and experience a natural swimming environment when conditions and local safety rules permit.
The Bohol provincial tourism profile for 2025 lists a reference entrance fee of ₱50 and an environmental fee of ₱30 for Cabagnow Cave Pool. Visitors should confirm current fees, opening hours, and swimming arrangements before travelling.
Official references:
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Bohol Tourism: https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph/visitbohol-anda/
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Bohol Provincial Planning and Development Office — Tourism Profile 2025: https://ppdo.bohol.gov.ph/ppdofiles/Profile/SocioEconomicProfile/EconomicDevelopment/TourismProfile2025.pdf
How to Get to Cabagnow Cave Pool From Iligan City
Travelling from Iligan City to Cabagnow Cave Pool involves crossing from Northern Mindanao to Bohol and continuing by land to Anda. It is best to plan the journey around transportation schedules, ferry connections, and your preferred arrival time.
1. Iligan City to Cagayan de Oro City — Approximately 2 Hours
The first leg of the journey is from Iligan City to Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), a major transportation hub in Northern Mindanao.
Travellers can take a bus or other available public transportation connecting Iligan and CDO. Depending on traffic, departure point, and stops along the route, the trip takes approximately two hours.
Upon arriving in CDO, allow additional time to transfer to the appropriate bus terminal or port, depending on your chosen onward connection.
2. Cagayan de Oro to Jagna, Bohol — Approximately 6 Hours
From Cagayan de Oro, travellers can plan their onward journey to Jagna, Bohol, with an estimated travel time of around six hours for the relevant transportation leg.
Because this route involves inter-island travel, the actual journey depends on the available bus and ferry connections, sailing schedules, transfer arrangements, and waiting times. Confirm whether your chosen itinerary provides a direct connection or requires separate tickets and transfers.
Jagna is an important coastal municipality in eastern Bohol and a practical gateway for travellers continuing towards Anda.
Before leaving CDO, confirm your arrival point in Jagna and the schedule of onward transportation to Anda. If your ferry arrives late, consider arranging accommodation rather than risking a missed connection.
3. Jagna to Anda — Approximately 1 Hour
From Jagna, continue by road towards Anda. The estimated journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the type of transportation.
Travellers may arrange a local bus, van, motorcycle, or private vehicle, depending on availability. If you are carrying luggage or travelling with a group, a pre-arranged vehicle may offer greater convenience.
During this part of the journey, visitors can enjoy views of Bohol's rural communities, greenery, and coastal surroundings.
Once you arrive in Anda, you can check in at your accommodation, arrange a local tour, or proceed to the town proper if you are planning a day trip.
4. Anda Poblacion Bus Terminal to Cabagnow Cave Pool — Approximately 30 Minutes
From the Poblacion bus terminal in Anda, the journey to Cabagnow Cave Pool in Barangay Talisay takes approximately 30 minutes by local transport, depending on the exact departure point, road conditions, and route.
Travellers can consider hiring a tricycle or rela, a locally used form of small passenger transport, to reach the attraction. Confirm the fare with the driver before departure, especially if you want the driver to wait while you explore or take you to other destinations.
When arranging your ride, clearly identify Cabagnow Cave Pool in Barangay Talisay and ask the driver to bring you to the current visitor entrance.
It is advisable to arrange your return trip in advance, particularly if you plan to visit several attractions or travel later in the afternoon.
Estimated Travel Time Summary
| Route | Estimated travel time |
|---|---|
| Iligan City to Cagayan de Oro | 2 hours |
| Cagayan de Oro to Jagna, Bohol | 6 hours |
| Jagna to Anda | 1 hour |
| Anda Poblacion to Cabagnow Cave Pool | 30 minutes |
| Total estimated travel time | 9 hours 30 minutes |
The total is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes based on the individual travel estimates above. It does not include terminal transfers, ferry waiting time, check-in requirements, delays, or extended stops. Actual door-to-door travel can take longer, so travellers should verify the complete transportation itinerary before departure.
The Geology Behind the Cave Pool
Cabagnow Cave Pool is more than a photogenic swimming destination. It forms part of Anda's distinctive limestone landscape.
The provincial tourism authority identifies the area's limestone as part of the Middle Miocene Anda Limestone, associated with the Sierra Bullones Limestone Formation. Over geological time, water and natural weathering dissolved and reshaped the limestone, creating karst features such as caves, cavities, and natural pools.
These geological processes help explain why natural cave pools occur in different parts of Anda. They also make the municipality interesting for visitors who enjoy nature, earth science, photography, and outdoor exploration.
Responsible tourism is especially important in these environments. Visitors should avoid damaging the rock formations, leaving litter, or using products that could contaminate the water.
Important Safety Information
Cabagnow Cave Pool requires greater care than an ordinary beach because of its rocky surroundings, depth, and entry and exit conditions.
Before entering the water:
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Confirm that the attraction is open and swimming is permitted.
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Ask local staff about the current water depth, conditions, and approved entry points.
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Never jump or dive unless authorised staff confirm that the area is safe.
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Use designated ladders or other approved exit arrangements.
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Avoid swimming if you are not confident that you can exit safely.
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Follow lifeguard and site-management instructions.
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Keep children under close adult supervision.
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Avoid entering the water during severe weather or when conditions are unsafe.
Visitors should remember that natural pools can have uneven underwater surfaces and depths that are difficult to judge from above.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Cabagnow Cave Pool
Morning — Arrive in Anda
Check in at your accommodation or arrange local transportation. Eat breakfast, bring drinking water, and confirm the operating arrangements for Cabagnow Cave Pool.
Midmorning — Explore Cabagnow Cave Pool
Travel from Anda Poblacion to Barangay Talisay by tricycle or rela. Spend time appreciating the limestone landscape, taking photographs, and swimming only if permitted under the site's safety rules.
Late Morning — Visit Another Natural Attraction
If time permits, ask a local driver about visiting another accessible cave pool or nearby coastal attraction. Confirm entrance fees and travel time before adding another stop.
Lunch — Support Local Businesses
Enjoy a meal at a locally operated restaurant or eatery in Anda. Local dining establishments provide an opportunity to experience Boholano cuisine while supporting the community.
Afternoon — Explore Anda's Coastline
Visit an accessible beach, enjoy the coastal scenery, or spend time relaxing at your resort. Leave enough time to return to your accommodation before dark.
Travellers continuing to Jagna or another municipality should check their transportation schedules in advance.
Where to Stay in Anda
Travellers planning an overnight stay can explore accommodation options such as:
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Solea Reef Resort Anda
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Anda de Boracay White Sand Resort
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J&R Residence Beach Resort
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Bugnaw Si-E Beach Resort
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Anda Pearl Premier Beach Resort
Use online maps or official accommodation channels to confirm locations, current room rates, availability, and access to Cabagnow Cave Pool. These properties are options to investigate, not confirmed endorsements or availability guarantees.
Travel Budget and Preparation
Your total trip cost will depend on the transportation connections you choose, the number of nights you stay, and whether you travel independently or hire a private vehicle.
Include the following in your budget:
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Transportation from Iligan to Cagayan de Oro
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Inter-island transportation and any required transfers to Jagna
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Land transportation from Jagna to Anda
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Local tricycle or rela fares
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Entrance and environmental fees
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Meals, drinking water, and refreshments
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Accommodation, if staying overnight
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Emergency funds for schedule changes or unexpected expenses
Carry enough cash for local transport and small businesses, keep your belongings secure, and save copies of your ferry and transport bookings.
A Tourism Opportunity for Anda
Cabagnow Cave Pool represents an opportunity to promote the natural attractions and local businesses of Anda to a wider audience. Visitors can combine their trip with local restaurants, accommodation providers, transport operators, and other community-based tourism services.
Travel content, destination guides, and responsible-tourism campaigns can help introduce the area to visitors from other parts of Bohol and the Philippines, including travellers from Northern Mindanao.
JE Media Creatives supports digital content and promotional opportunities that help local businesses strengthen their online visibility and connect with potential customers.
Potential partners include resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, transportation operators, outdoor recreation businesses, photography services, and sustainable-tourism initiatives.
Sponsored features may include accommodation spotlights, destination guides, local food features, travel itineraries, short-form videos, and responsible-tourism campaigns.
Final Thoughts
Discovering Cabagnow Cave Pool is an opportunity to experience a different side of Anda, Bohol. Its limestone formations, natural pool, and peaceful surroundings offer an alternative to the province's more familiar beach destinations.
For travellers starting in Iligan City, the route through Cagayan de Oro and Jagna provides a practical framework for planning the journey. Allow approximately two hours to reach CDO, six hours for the CDO-to-Jagna travel leg, one hour from Jagna to Anda, and another 30 minutes from Anda Poblacion to Cabagnow Cave Pool, while accounting for ferry schedules and transfer times.
With proper planning, safe swimming practices, and support for local businesses, a visit to Cabagnow can become a rewarding way to discover the natural beauty and welcoming communities of eastern Bohol.
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