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The places locals actually send visitors to.

Buho Rock Resort

Buho Rock offers sea views, swimming, snorkeling and cliff jumping.

Camotes Islands

attraction

A T-shaped wooden pier extending into the calm waters of Lake Danao, with a tree-lined shore in the background beneath a blue, cloudy sky.

Lake Danao Park

A peaceful, figure-eight-shaped freshwater lake offering scenic boating in Camotes.

San Francisco

attraction

Timubo Cave

Descend into Camotes Island's subterranean cave for a swim in fresh underground water.

San Francisco

attraction

A white wooden lifeguard tower on a wide white sand beach with calm blue water and a distant green shoreline under a bright blue sky.

Tulang Diot Beach

A gorgeous white sand beach on a quiet islet just off the coast of San Francisco, Camotes.

San Francisco

attraction

A scenic interior view of Bukilat Cave in Camotes Islands, featuring natural sunlight beaming through a large roof opening onto a clear, turquoise pool surrounded by rock formations and hanging stalactites.

akosibinbin, sherry.bacon

Bukilat Cave

About Bukilat Cave

Bukilat Cave is a limestone cave in Barangay MacArthur, Tudela, on Poro Island in the Camotes Islands. Its interior contains natural rock formations and a freshwater pool illuminated by openings in the cave ceiling. The cave has also served as a shelter for local residents during World War II. A stairway leads into the cavern, where visitors can walk around the pool and, when conditions permit, swim.

What to expect

The main feature is the large underground chamber, where daylight enters through natural openings in the limestone ceiling and reaches the pool below. The cave's rock formations and changing water level give the interior a different appearance depending on the tide. Visitors can walk along the path around the pool and may swim when water conditions are suitable. The pool has historically been described as relatively shallow at low tide and deeper as the tide rises. Allow roughly 30–60 minutes for the cave itself, depending on whether you swim or take time for photographs. The site suits visitors interested in caves, geology, photography, and a short nature stop while touring Camotes.

Know before you go

The municipality of Tudela currently lists Bukilat Cave's best-visit period as around 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; confirm locally before travelling. Older published information lists an entrance fee around ₱20, while a 2026 local travel guide reports roughly ₱10–50, so bring small cash and confirm the current rate on arrival. Access involves stairs descending into the cave, and the site is not wheelchair accessible. The water level changes with the tide, so swimming conditions can vary. If entering the water, bring appropriate swimwear and a towel, and use care on wet surfaces. A torch can also be useful because the cave itself has limited artificial lighting.

Barangay MacArthur, Tudela, Camotes, Cebu

Tudela 78 km from Cebu City (straight-line)

Last checked September 17, 2026

⚠️ Travel & safety

Conditions, access, hours, and prices can change, and some places involve remote travel or activities with inherent risks. Verify important details locally and use your own judgment when visiting. See our Terms for important safety and liability information.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Bukilat Cave?

Take a ferry from Cebu City area to Camotes, then travel by motorcycle, tricycle or other local transport to Barangay MacArthur in Tudela; allow several hours including the ferry crossing.

When is the best time to visit Bukilat Cave?

mid-morning for natural light through the cave openings

Where is Bukilat Cave located?

Bukilat Cave is at Barangay MacArthur, Tudela, Camotes, Cebu. That puts it in Camotes Islands. It is roughly 78 km from Cebu City.

Is Bukilat Cave suitable for swimming?

The cave contains a pool that visitors have traditionally used for swimming, but its depth changes with the tide. Check the water conditions locally before entering.

What else is there to see near Bukilat Cave?

Buho Rock Resort, Lake Danao Park, and Timubo Cave are the closest places on the Cebuzone map to Bukilat Cave, and are all linked below.