Bantayan Island is a slice of paradise off the mainland of North Cebu, known for its pristine beaches and dirt cheap seafood. What we weren’t expecting to find there was Ogtong Cave, a subterranean pool with crystal clear, turquoise water. Ogtong Cave is privately owned by a resort of the same name, so it’s not exactly a hidden gem, but it’s well worth visiting if you’re looking for a unique Bantayan Island tourist spot.
HOW TO GET TO OGTONG CAVE RESORT
Ogtong Cave is located in the municipality of Santa Fe, which is home to most Bantayan Island tourist spots. Bantayan Island is small, so you’re never too far from the attractions if you’re staying in Santa Fe, which is where most people choose to stay. Ogtong Cave Resort is only a 10-minute drive from the Santa Fe Port, and even closer if you’re coming from the central tourism hub around Kota Beach.
We brought our car onto Bantayan Island from mainland Cebu, but we gather most tourists won’t have a car! Since Bantayan Island is so small, the most convenient way around is by scooter, which you can find at a number of rentals around the island. Another way of getting around the island is by bicycle if you feel like working up a sweat! Most hotels and resorts will have scooter and bicycle hookups that they can direct you to.
WHAT TO BRING TO OGTONG CAVE RESORT
Prepare for your trip to Ogtong Cave with our must-have travel essentials.
Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Quick-dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (click for price)
If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:
Professional camera: Sony a7iii (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO9 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (click for price)
OGTONG CAVE ENTRANCE FEE
If you’re staying at Ogtong Cave Resort you’ll have free access to the cave, as well as all the other facilities around the island. You’ll also have complimentary day-use access if you’re staying at Santa Fe Beach Club, which is where we stayed, since the two properties share the same owner. If you’re staying somewhere entirely different, then you can simply pay ₱100 to visit Ogtong Cave and the swimming pool.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT OGTONG CAVE
Like we mentioned earlier, Ogtong Cave is far from Bantayan Island’s best-kept secret, but there’s no denying its beauty. A stone staircase leads you down into a hole in the ground, surrounded by vibrant tropical trees and manicured lawns. We were immediately blown away by the colour of the water, which was as clear as glass and a beautiful bright blue.
It’s not the biggest cave, but it’s a relaxing spot for a refreshing dip in its cool water. It’s a mixture of fresh and saltwater, and the water level depends on the tides. We were able to stand and even sit in some places, but the erosion and water markings on the wall showed a different story.
We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves, with most guests choosing to swim in the large outdoor pool instead, but you should be prepared to share with others. You should also come prepared with a fully charged GoPro battery, which we totally forgot.
OGTONG CAVE RESORT ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES
The owners of Ogtong Cave Resort were kind enough to let us into a room to take some photos for the blog. It’s definitely one of the Bantayan Island resorts and we couldn’t help but wish we were spending a night! Before booking, keep in mind this is a popular resort for families so if you’re looking for a romantic escape, the chatter of children might get in the way.
Check out 12 awesome tourist spots in Bantayan Island
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