Himaroto Cave
A roughly 300-meter boat-shaped limestone cave with bat colonies and guano deposits in rural Kanluhangon.
The overview
About Himaroto Cave
Himaroto Cave is a natural limestone cave in Barangay Kanluhangon, Tabuelan, named for its elongated, boat-like ("baroto") shape. Local accounts describe the cave passage as roughly 300 meters long, running back into the hillside in a narrow, winding tunnel that mirrors the profile of a traditional outrigger boat. The cave is home to a sizeable bat colony, and thick guano deposits have built up on parts of the cave floor over time — historically gathered locally for use as fertilizer and for their phosphate content. Visiting means walking into a dark, enclosed passage with uneven, sometimes slippery footing and bat activity overhead, making it a rougher, more exploratory stop than Tabuelan's beaches. Himaroto Cave sits well off the beaten path in a rural interior barangay and receives only occasional local and foreign visitors. There is no developed tourism infrastructure at the site, so a local guide from the barangay is strongly recommended for both wayfinding and safety inside the cave.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Boat-shaped ('baroto') cave profile
- Roughly 300 meters of cave passage
- Resident bat colony
- Historic guano and phosphate deposits
- Undeveloped, off-the-beaten-path setting
- Rural Kanluhangon interior scenery
- 1 Bring a flashlight or headlamp, sturdy closed shoes, and a local guide, since the cave is unlit and unmarked. Expect uneven, slippery footing and a strong ammonia odor from bats and guano. Avoid disturbing bat roosts and watch your footing near any drops inside the cave. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a non-aircon bus toward Tabuelan/Tuburan (~3 hours). From Tabuelan town proper, take a habal-habal (motorcycle) into Barangay Kanluhangon and arrange a local guide to the cave entrance.
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Entrance Fee
Free (PHP 100-200 tip/fee for a local guide recommended)
Opening Hours
Daylight hours
Duration
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-May) for easier trail access.
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