Cudugnon Cave El Nido
Explore a historical cave with a unique crawl-through entrance, set against a backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs and a beautiful beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier cave entry
Cudugnon Cave El Nido
Best Time
Easier cave entry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historical cave with a unique crawl-through entrance, set against a backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs and a beautiful beach.
"The struggle is real, but the views inside Cudugnon Cave are worth every bit of it! 
⏳ Low Tide is Crucial
Enter the cave during low tide for an easier, less claustrophobic experience. :athletic_shoe:
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating the rocky passage and slippery cave floors. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cave Entrance
Cudugnon Cave
Crawl through a narrow opening to discover a hidden world within this ancient cave.
Inside the Chambers
Cudugnon Cave
Marvel at impressive stalactites and stalagmites in naturally lit chambers.
Cudugnon Beach
Adjacent to the cave
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach with clear waters and limestone cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Cave Entry
+1Tour B is Your Best Bet
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Low Tide is Crucial
Enter the cave during low tide for an easier, less claustrophobic experience.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating the rocky passage and slippery cave floors. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moment
The cave and beach offer incredibly photogenic spots, perfect for your travel feed. :camerawithflash:
💧 Be Prepared to Crawl
Entry requires a bit of a squeeze and crawl; not ideal for those with severe claustrophobia.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Low Tide is Crucial
Enter the cave during low tide for an easier, less claustrophobic experience.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating the rocky passage and slippery cave floors. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moment
The cave and beach offer incredibly photogenic spots, perfect for your travel feed. :camerawithflash:
💧 Be Prepared to Crawl
Entry requires a bit of a squeeze and crawl; not ideal for those with severe claustrophobia.
🤝 Trust Your Tour Guide
Listen to your guide for the best technique to enter the cave safely.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cudugnon Cave is praised for its unique adventure and stunning natural beauty, particularly its photogenic beach and intriguing cave formations. While the narrow entrance is a highlight for some, it can be a challenge for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues. Visiting during low tide is highly recommended for easier access.
"Cudugnon Cave is a significant natural and historical site located in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, specifically on the west part of Lagen Island at the foot of Mount Maa Teg. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration, often included as a highlight in El Nido's island-hopping Tour B .
Historical and Cultural Significance
Cudugnon Cave holds immense anthropological significance, believed to have been a Neolithic burial site for ancient Palawenos and settlers from Borneo. Archaeological excavations within the cave have unearthed pottery, jewelry, and even human bones, with artifacts traced back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.). These findings provide valuable insights into the life and death practices of early civilizations in the Palawan area. Furthermore, local legends suggest the cave served as a hiding place for locals during World War II ."
Joshua Tolentino (Byahe ni juswa)
"Water is very clear and it's great adventure for the family."
Lorna Tupaz
"One of the most photogenic places in El Nido. I visited this cave while on the eponymous beach. Can be a difficult for tall people to get into the cave, but once inside the instagrammable photos will be worth it."
Chung H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cudugnon Cave is primarily accessed via El Nido's Island Hopping Tour B. Boats depart from El Nido town. The journey involves a scenic boat ride through Bacuit Bay.
Yes, Cudugnon Cave is a popular stop on El Nido's Island Hopping Tour B. This tour often includes other famous spots like Snake Island and Entalula Island.
While possible to arrange private boat tours, it's most commonly visited as part of an organized island hopping tour due to its location within Bacuit Bay.
The boat ride from El Nido town to Cudugnon Cave typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the specific tour itinerary.
The most practical way to reach Cudugnon Cave is by joining an island hopping tour. Independent travel by kayak or private boat is less common and may be more challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, entrance fees for Cudugnon Cave are included in the price of your island hopping tour package. Confirm this with your tour operator when booking.
Cudugnon Cave is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of island hopping tours. Tours usually operate from morning until late afternoon.
There isn't a strict age limit, but visitors should be able to crawl through a small opening and navigate uneven surfaces. It's not recommended for those with severe mobility issues or claustrophobia. +1
Entry involves crawling through a small hole, which can be challenging for taller individuals or those uncomfortable in tight spaces. Visiting during low tide makes it significantly easier.
The entrance requires crawling through a narrow opening, and some interior spaces can feel confined. If you have severe claustrophobia, you might prefer to stay on the beach and enjoy the view.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave entrance, the interior chambers with stalactites, and the scenic Cudugnon Beach itself offer fantastic photo opportunities. +1
Yes, the cave is naturally lit, and well-placed lighting helps illuminate the formations, making it great for photography. Be mindful of slippery surfaces.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the cave's scale and the beach views. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable due to potential splashes.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with your tour operator or local authorities in El Nido regarding drone usage in protected areas like Bacuit Bay.
Morning light often provides softer, more even illumination. However, the cave's natural light and formations are impressive throughout the day.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Explore the cave's chambers, admire the rock formations, and relax on the beautiful Cudugnon Beach. It's also a great spot for photos.
Yes, families can enjoy the adventure of entering the cave and the beauty of the beach. However, parents should supervise children closely due to the narrow entrance and potentially slippery surfaces.
Cudugnon Cave is an important archaeological site, believed to be a Neolithic burial ground with artifacts dating back to the Sung Dynasty. It also has local legends of being a WWII hiding place.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a waterproof bag for your valuables. Comfortable, water-friendly footwear is essential.
Tour stops usually last around 30-60 minutes, allowing enough time to explore the cave and enjoy the beach area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are supervised closely, especially around the cave opening and on the beach, and that they wear appropriate footwear for navigating the rocky terrain. While the cave itself might be a bit tight for very young children or those with mobility issues, the overall experience of an island hopping tour that includes Cudugnon Cave is generally family-friendly. The clear waters and scenic views are a hit with all ages.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The entrance itself, with visitors crawling through, can make for compelling action shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the cave and the expansive beach views. Golden hour, if your tour schedule permits, can offer beautiful light for both the cave interior and the beach. However, the natural light within the cave is often sufficient. Be prepared for potentially damp conditions and slippery surfaces, so a waterproof camera or phone case is a wise precaution.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Adventure of Entering Cudugnon Cave
+1 This element adds a thrilling sense of adventure, but it's crucial to heed the advice of tour guides on the proper technique to navigate it safely. Visiting during low tide is consistently recommended as it significantly eases the entry process, making it less daunting for visitors. While the crawl might deter some, those who venture inside are rewarded with a different world. The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by natural light filtering through the openings.
+1Practical Tip: Always listen to your tour guide for the safest way to enter and exit the cave. Wearing appropriate footwear with good grip is also highly advised due to potentially slippery surfaces inside and around the cave entrance.
Historical and Archaeological Significance
Beyond its ancient past, local lore also points to the cave's role in more recent history. Legends suggest it served as a hiding place for locals during World War II, adding another layer to its historical narrative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit