First time to see the EC in Bolinao, Pangasinan
1 / 10

Enchanted Cave

4.4
·1k reviews·Bolinao, Philippines

Discover the refreshing, crystal-clear pools of the Enchanted Cave, a unique natural wonder perfect for swimming and photography in Bolinao.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Loading map...
First time to see the EC in Bolinao, Pangasinan

Enchanted Cave

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the refreshing, crystal-clear pools of the Enchanted Cave, a unique natural wonder perfect for swimming and photography in Bolinao.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A pleasant half-day escape for cooling off, snapping photos, and taking in natural scenery."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Entrance Fees

Expect ₱300 for swimming, ₱250 for photos only. Extra fees for the cross viewpoint. :moneybag:

🔦 Bring Your Gear

Waterproof flashlights and goggles are recommended for exploring the cave. :flashlight: :goggles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Cave Pools

Crystal Clear Cave Pools

Inside the cave

Swim in refreshing, crystal-clear waters within the natural cave formations. A truly unique and cooling experience.

Cave Photography

Cave Photography

Throughout the cave

Capture stunning photos of the cave's natural beauty and unique rock formations. Bring waterproof gear for the best shots.

Panoramic Viewpoint

Panoramic Viewpoint

Cross viewpoint

Climb to the cross for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. An extra fee may apply.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. The entrance fee is ₱300 for swimming and ₱250 for photos only. Consider bringing your own waterproof flashlight and goggles for better exploration.

Getting There & Around

From Manila, consider renting a scooter upon arrival in Pangasinan for flexible exploration. This allows you to easily access hidden gems like the Enchanted Cave and other attractions in Bolinao.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Cool off from the heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Suggest underrated places in Pangasinan that is worth visiting.

💰 Entrance Fees

Expect ₱300 for swimming, ₱250 for photos only. Extra fees for the cross viewpoint. :moneybag:

🔦 Bring Your Gear

Waterproof flashlights and goggles are recommended for exploring the cave. :flashlight: :goggles:

reddit.com

Budget travel tips! (looking for hidden gems)

reddit.com

8h ride to Bolinao - sulit!

🚗 Parking Fee

A small parking fee of ₱30 applies. :car:

⏳ Time Limit

Enjoy up to 30 minutes inside the cave per person. :stopwatch:

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Entrance Fees

Expect ₱300 for swimming, ₱250 for photos only. Extra fees for the cross viewpoint. :moneybag:

🔦 Bring Your Gear

Waterproof flashlights and goggles are recommended for exploring the cave. :flashlight: :goggles:

🚗 Parking Fee

A small parking fee of ₱30 applies. :car:

⏳ Time Limit

Enjoy up to 30 minutes inside the cave per person. :stopwatch:

👟 Steep Stairs

Be prepared for steep stairs leading into and out of the cave. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Enchanted Cave a refreshing escape with its clear pools, perfect for swimming and photography. However, some consider the entrance fee a bit pricey, and the 30-minute time limit can feel restrictive. The steep stairs are a minor point of caution.

"We went here on a weekday so there were only few people.

Going inside the cave-- the stairs was steep, but normal for caves, not so hard to go in and out to.

The cave was wonderful. Nice and refreshing swim. As mentioned, we went here on a weekday so there were only few people :)

Fees:
₱300 entrance with swimming
₱30 parking fee"

Tee Gee

"The entrance fee at Enchanted Cave is ₱300 if you plan to swim in the cave and the pools, and ₱250 if you’re only taking photos inside the cave. It’s a bit pricey, and there’s an additional fee if you want to climb up to the cross to see the view. The allotted time inside the cave is only 30 minutes per person. I hope they improve the pathway leading to the cave for a better and safer experience."

Cathleen Mae Pajela

"Enchanted Cave is a pleasant half‑day escape if you’re in Bolinao—great for cooling off, snapping photos, and taking in natural scenery. Fees are reasonable, but bring extra for swimming, parking, and the some extra fees. Ideal if you value clear cave pools and light adventure, just be mindful of the occasional crowd."

Roxanne Alvarez

What People Like

Refreshing cave pools
Unique swimming experience
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Expensive entrance fee
Short time limit
Steep stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Sta. Cruz, Manila, you can travel to Pangasinan. Upon arrival, renting a scooter is a popular and flexible option for exploring Bolinao and reaching the Enchanted Cave. Reddit

Enchanted Cave is located in Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan. It's a well-known spot, and local transportation or a rented scooter will help you navigate there easily.

Many travelers opt to rent a scooter for independent exploration of Bolinao's attractions, including the Enchanted Cave. Reddit

While specific routes might vary, local jeepneys or tricycles can often take you to the general area of Bolinao. Renting a scooter offers more direct access and flexibility.

The travel time from Manila to Pangasinan can vary, typically taking several hours. Once in Pangasinan, reaching Bolinao and the cave will add more travel time.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is ₱300 per person if you plan to swim in the cave and pools. If you're only taking photos, the fee is ₱250. Reddit

Yes, swimming is allowed in the cave's natural pools with the ₱300 entrance fee. It's a refreshing experience. Reddit

Yes, visitors are typically allotted 30 minutes inside the cave per person. Reddit

There's a ₱250 fee for just taking photos inside the cave. An additional fee may apply if you wish to climb up to the cross for a view. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required, but visiting on weekdays is highly recommended to avoid crowds and ensure a smoother entry. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The crystal-clear pools inside the cave offer stunning photo opportunities. The natural rock formations and the cross viewpoint also provide great backdrops. Reddit

It's advisable to bring waterproof cameras or protect your devices, as there's water inside the cave. Consider a waterproof phone case. Reddit

Natural light filters in from the openings, but it can be dim in some areas. Bringing a waterproof flashlight can enhance your photos and exploration. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary and may not be permitted inside enclosed natural spaces like caves. It's best to check on-site regulations.

While photography is encouraged, be mindful of the 30-minute time limit and respect other visitors' experiences. Some areas might have specific restrictions.

🎫 🏊 Swimming & Activities

The main activities are swimming in the refreshing cave pools and taking photos of the natural formations. Reddit

The cave pools are known for their clear and refreshing waters, offering a pleasant swimming experience. Reddit

Wear swimwear if you plan to swim. Comfortable clothing that dries easily is also recommended. Reddit

Typically, facilities like changing rooms are available at popular tourist spots like Enchanted Cave, but it's good to confirm on arrival.

While not always guaranteed, some places offer rentals. Bringing your own goggles is a safe bet for a better swimming experience. Reddit

🎫 💰 Budget & Value

Opinions vary, with some finding it a bit pricey but a good experience, while others feel it's worth it for the unique swimming and photo opportunities. Reddit

Factor in the entrance fee (₱250-300), parking (₱30), and potential extra fees for viewpoints. Food and transportation costs are additional. Reddit

Bolinao offers other attractions like Patar Beach, which might be more budget-friendly for a day trip. Exploring local markets can also be a cost-effective activity.

Check the specific rules on-site, but often bringing snacks and water is allowed, which can help save money on food expenses. Reddit

The ₱300 fee includes swimming, which many consider the highlight, offering more value than the photo-only option. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Enchanted Cave can be a fun outing for families, especially for the swimming aspect. The clear, cool waters are perfect for kids to splash around in. However, parents should be mindful of the steep stairs leading into the cave and ensure children are supervised closely. The 30-minute time limit means it's a relatively quick activity, which can be good for shorter attention spans. Reddit

Consider the entrance fee of ₱300 for swimming, which might be a factor for families. Bringing waterproof gear like goggles can add to the fun for the kids. While the cave itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area in Bolinao offers other family-friendly spots like beaches to extend your day trip.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers, the Enchanted Cave presents a bit of a dilemma. The ₱250-300 entrance fee is on the higher side for some, especially when considering additional costs like parking. Reddit To maximize value, focus on the swimming option (₱300) as it offers the most unique experience. Visiting on a weekday can also make the experience feel more worthwhile by avoiding peak crowds.

To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks and avoid purchasing extras on-site. If budget is a primary concern, explore other attractions in Bolinao like Patar Beach, which offers a more traditional beach experience that might be more aligned with a tighter budget. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Enchanted Cave is a photographer's delight, offering unique shots of natural cave formations and crystal-clear pools. The interplay of light filtering into the cave creates dramatic effects. Remember to bring waterproof camera equipment or protective cases, as the environment is damp. Reddit

While the cave offers great photo ops, the 30-minute time limit means you'll need to be efficient. Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to have more freedom to compose your shots without rushing or disturbing other visitors. The cross viewpoint also provides a scenic panorama worth capturing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Enchanted Cave Experience

The Enchanted Cave in Bolinao, Pangasinan, offers a unique natural escape with its cool, clear subterranean pools. Visitors often describe the experience as refreshing and visually striking, perfect for a half-day excursion. The cave features natural rock formations and a serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and photography. Reddit

Accessing the cave involves navigating some steep stairs, which are manageable for most but require a bit of caution. The main draw is the opportunity to swim in the pristine waters, providing a welcome respite from the tropical heat. For those interested in capturing the cave's beauty, bringing waterproof camera gear is highly recommended, as the environment is inherently damp. Reddit

While the cave itself is the primary attraction, there's also an option to climb to a cross viewpoint for a broader perspective of the surrounding landscape, though this may incur an additional fee. The allotted time inside the cave is generally 30 minutes, encouraging a focused yet enjoyable visit. Reddit

Budgeting Your Enchanted Cave Visit

Visiting the Enchanted Cave involves several cost considerations. The primary expense is the entrance fee, which is ₱300 per person if you intend to swim, and ₱250 if you're only there for photography. This pricing has led to mixed reviews, with some visitors finding it a bit steep for the experience. Reddit

Beyond the entrance fee, there's a parking fee of ₱30. Additionally, accessing the cross viewpoint may require an extra charge. To make the most of your budget, consider bringing your own snacks and drinks, as purchasing them on-site can add up. Visiting on a weekday can also enhance the value by providing a less crowded and more enjoyable experience for the price. Reddit

For budget-conscious travelers, it's worth noting that while the cave is a unique attraction, Bolinao offers other natural sites like Patar Beach that might provide a different, potentially more affordable, experience. Weighing the cost against the unique swimming and photographic opportunities is key to determining if the Enchanted Cave offers good value for your trip. Reddit

You may also like