Sohoton Cave
Sohoton Cave
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
56 reviews
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32
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Opal10
Hawaii105 contributions
Nov 2022
About P3450 all inclusive for 4 persons - Pontoon boat,kayaks from cave to natural bridge, entrance fees, safety equip., guide fee. Get Larry if can, knowlegable,humorous and from the area. We stayed in Basey, 30 - 40 min. ride away. One can also take a boat from dock on edge of town. Not available during our visit.
Inside caves we found a magical land of formations and huge caverns. All explained by Larry in easily understood manner. He also answers questions from experienced 'cavers'. Park lodge has snack foods, souvenir corner, tables to eat any food brought by visitors, C.R. where also can change into dry clothes (bring ur own) after a swim in the river). A few basic over night cottages. Bring cameras or regret it. Native birds along banks of river (kingfisher family mainly) and lizards that can run over water barely leaving a splash. Boat crew knew their jobs and we even had local residents playing/signing Waray tunes just up the steps from the dock before reaching the cave entrance. Nature really got some Wow's from our mouths. Larry offered an experience of total blackness by turning off stratigically placed lights. And if the group wants to experience total silence also, just stop talking and be quiet. WE did for about 30 sec. with only the sound of an occasional drip of stalagtite/mite making water. Loved our time in Sohoton Caves Nat'l Park. What a Find.
Inside caves we found a magical land of formations and huge caverns. All explained by Larry in easily understood manner. He also answers questions from experienced 'cavers'. Park lodge has snack foods, souvenir corner, tables to eat any food brought by visitors, C.R. where also can change into dry clothes (bring ur own) after a swim in the river). A few basic over night cottages. Bring cameras or regret it. Native birds along banks of river (kingfisher family mainly) and lizards that can run over water barely leaving a splash. Boat crew knew their jobs and we even had local residents playing/signing Waray tunes just up the steps from the dock before reaching the cave entrance. Nature really got some Wow's from our mouths. Larry offered an experience of total blackness by turning off stratigically placed lights. And if the group wants to experience total silence also, just stop talking and be quiet. WE did for about 30 sec. with only the sound of an occasional drip of stalagtite/mite making water. Loved our time in Sohoton Caves Nat'l Park. What a Find.
Written November 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChlAlms
12 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
We have been to a number of caves in our lives both in the United States and abroad. Sohoton ranks very high. The thing about Sohoton that really captivates is the ride out there. We boarded a boat in Basey town and rode the hour long trip up the Golden River to the caves. On the way we passed by a number of local "barangays" (towns). The towns we passed and the people we saw made the trip even more special. The tour guide spoke really good english---I think that he was a local college student. He answered all of our questions and really gave us a good tour. After Sohoton we traveled to the Natural Bridge. If you have time after exploring the cave I encourage you to visit the Natural Bridge
Written March 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luz B
41 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
I visited this place months ago. In quite a laidback town I thought there was nothing extraordinary to expect but I was dumbstruck to behold such a wonder as we cruised down the Golden River. The chirping birds, the rustling leaves, the streaming water echoed and permeated the air like a symphony that soothes and heals a weary and fragmented soul.The lush forest that streamline the bank, the majestic rock formations that stir one's imaginationation tell timeless tales from varied vantage points.Seems like I could not get enough of the jaw-dropping splendor which tranfuses down to the cave and the natural bridge. Fun, excitement and wonder intensified as we explored the vast cave and our imaginations freely wandered as we gaped at the sight of the stalagmites, stalactites and helectites. The Banaue Rice Terraces, the Philippine Eagle, the Christmas Village, the Piano are simply among the the lovely formations inside the cave, along with the small bats at the entrance and the balinsasayaw birds. Indeed, Sohoton is a Masterpiece! The kayak concludes the trek. An exciting roller coaster ride to the Natural bridge and a heart-stopping deep plunge into the cool waters make one's memories in Sohoton Cave and Natural Park even more indelible.
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gedaleann
Tacloban City, Tacloban, Philippines81 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
It was a great experience and I would like to do it again if it was not as expensive.
River Cruise 2500 pesos
or Motor Boat 500 pesos for 5 persons
Cave guiding fee 300 pesos
Kayak guide 150 pesos
Community fee 150 pesos
Light 300 pesos
Kayak rental 50 pesos
Cave entrance fee 50 pesos (locals)
200 pesos (foreigners)
Golden River environment fee 50 pesos
Guitarist fee 200 pesos
Fold Dancing fee 200 pesos
SSA Operational Expense at 15%
River Cruise 2500 pesos
or Motor Boat 500 pesos for 5 persons
Cave guiding fee 300 pesos
Kayak guide 150 pesos
Community fee 150 pesos
Light 300 pesos
Kayak rental 50 pesos
Cave entrance fee 50 pesos (locals)
200 pesos (foreigners)
Golden River environment fee 50 pesos
Guitarist fee 200 pesos
Fold Dancing fee 200 pesos
SSA Operational Expense at 15%
Written February 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lienrolf
brugge4 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
This is, unfortunately, the spirit. We wanted to visit just the natural bridge, not the cave. We wanted to leave by boat from Basey centre, since the reviews told this was beautiful. The only way to go there (so everybody told us..)was by contacting the touristic office of Basey.
They did not listen to our wishes, proposed us a tour, starting with motorcycle from Basey, followed with a boat trip at the end and a visit to the caves too.
we went to Basey ourselves and found a local boatman that wanted to bring us to the bridge and back. Suddenly the employee of Basey touristm office was there at the waterside and tried to convince us to take the tour with her. She also had a motorboat, for 1500 pesos (huh?? Now you have boat?? And its cheeper than what you proposed). We said no and continued our day with the nice local. She wasnt very happy with that.
arriving at the narural bridge,this was a realll ripoff!! 200 pesos per person to enter the natural parc (no problem, although..this is a very high rate in comparing to other attractions in the phillipins, the place was dirty, and the walking path to the natural cave not accessible because its a ruin). 50 pesos for-i have no clue, something with access.. the walking path is closed so, you have to rent a kayak from this place. And another 100 pesos docking money for the boat. Really, we were very dissapointed. After a (beautiful) boat trip of 1 hour from Basey, people don t go back without seeing what they wanted.
They did not listen to our wishes, proposed us a tour, starting with motorcycle from Basey, followed with a boat trip at the end and a visit to the caves too.
we went to Basey ourselves and found a local boatman that wanted to bring us to the bridge and back. Suddenly the employee of Basey touristm office was there at the waterside and tried to convince us to take the tour with her. She also had a motorboat, for 1500 pesos (huh?? Now you have boat?? And its cheeper than what you proposed). We said no and continued our day with the nice local. She wasnt very happy with that.
arriving at the narural bridge,this was a realll ripoff!! 200 pesos per person to enter the natural parc (no problem, although..this is a very high rate in comparing to other attractions in the phillipins, the place was dirty, and the walking path to the natural cave not accessible because its a ruin). 50 pesos for-i have no clue, something with access.. the walking path is closed so, you have to rent a kayak from this place. And another 100 pesos docking money for the boat. Really, we were very dissapointed. After a (beautiful) boat trip of 1 hour from Basey, people don t go back without seeing what they wanted.
Written August 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelly C
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
I went with a group of friends. We had an awesome time. You can Travel to Basey from tacloban city. Approx 1.5 hrs. Aim to get to Basey by 8.30am.
Find the Basey tourism office. They will organise the whole trip. You will back around 3-4pm.
You will experience not only the caves, but kayaking, cliff jumping and swimming. All optional of course.
A must go, cheap experience. Bigger group the better (and cheaper). 800-1100 pesos per person.
Find the Basey tourism office. They will organise the whole trip. You will back around 3-4pm.
You will experience not only the caves, but kayaking, cliff jumping and swimming. All optional of course.
A must go, cheap experience. Bigger group the better (and cheaper). 800-1100 pesos per person.
Written June 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lester V
Quezon City, Philippines4 contributions
Sep 2015 • Family
Our guide, Larry is well spoken and very entertaining. He made a good breakdown of the expenses, from the boat, kayak, entrance fee, lighting fee and cultural/singers fee. He has a good imagination and it shows when he describes the different rock formation at the Sohoton Cave.
Next is our river guide. Junjun who helped my 60+ year old mother in the kayak. He is strong and really helped us rowing our kayak to the natural bridge.
Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge is a must see when visiting Eastern Visayas and the staff are helpful and hard working. I assume that they come from the town of Basey which was devastated by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and visiting here kill two birds in one stone - enjoy the wonderful place and help the protectors of this national park.
Bring extra clothes and have a trekking shoe and a stand by slipper since you will get wet while kayaking. Bring also food and drinks since there are no stores inside the park. Bring also your own trash bags and be responsible for your own garbage. There are toilets available but they are manually flushed from the water from the river. The trip will take half a day. My family enjoyed Sohoton and will definitely come back.
Next is our river guide. Junjun who helped my 60+ year old mother in the kayak. He is strong and really helped us rowing our kayak to the natural bridge.
Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge is a must see when visiting Eastern Visayas and the staff are helpful and hard working. I assume that they come from the town of Basey which was devastated by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and visiting here kill two birds in one stone - enjoy the wonderful place and help the protectors of this national park.
Bring extra clothes and have a trekking shoe and a stand by slipper since you will get wet while kayaking. Bring also food and drinks since there are no stores inside the park. Bring also your own trash bags and be responsible for your own garbage. There are toilets available but they are manually flushed from the water from the river. The trip will take half a day. My family enjoyed Sohoton and will definitely come back.
Written September 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maribel A
22 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
I was quite surprised to find such a wonderful place to explore in a not-so-advertised province like Samar. I'm glad a local cooperative with the help of ABS-CBN had set up a Visitor's Center at the jump off point in Golden River. There tourists register, pay a standard fee, and are provided with safety gears and colorful kayaks to use going upstream where the natural bridge is located. The 45 minute kayak trip offers vistas of lush foliage, fascinating geological formations and cool, clean and clear waters reminiscent of the Kayak Big Lagoon Tour in El Nido, Palawan. The final destination is the land bridge which is an awe-inspiring geological marvel. I have never seen anything like it anywhere in the Philippines. Nearby is an intriguing cave system where stalagmite and stalactites form curious shapes and figures. The highly imaginative cave guides are quite good at putting a spin to these shapes and figures giving them descriptive and amusing names and themes. The Sohoton Natural Bridge Nature Park is a must see when visiting Tacloban, Leyte or Basey, Samar.
Written February 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NEST Adventure
Houston, TX144 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
During the travel journey of my life Cave and Caving was first time in my life . when my steep was in Sohoton Cave i feel like i was in somewhere in haven. me and my wife was travelling to Philippines last year of June / July , we were having such a nice time in sohoton cave .the hair a guide in shaamer village , we were lucky to have him i forget his name but he was very export and very helpful during the caving. the people from Shameer village was very nice , they were very friendly and very honest. the lodging were not very nice but it's like a home stay . we were travelling in local jeep before we reach Shameer village. the jeep driver was very kind , because he made me to stay at the front. which makes me easy to take a picture of local things. i was travelling from Nepal and i found the people were same as Nepali . it was very nice for me to communicate with local because my wife was from Philippines. Highly reccomended Sohoton Cave specially because i found that place was very non-touristic visiting place of Philippines .
Written November 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariel A
Manila, Philippines40 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
We took our 2-year old with us when we went to Sohoton Cave.
The facilities were quite basic (shower area, bathroom), but they were clean. They also provided clean life vests for all passengers, although we did bring our son's life vest because the life vests they had for children seemed to be for 5-year olds.
The cave is small but we did not have too difficult a time traversing it, even with a toddler in tow. We also enjoyed the kayak ride to the natural bridge.
The facilities were quite basic (shower area, bathroom), but they were clean. They also provided clean life vests for all passengers, although we did bring our son's life vest because the life vests they had for children seemed to be for 5-year olds.
The cave is small but we did not have too difficult a time traversing it, even with a toddler in tow. We also enjoyed the kayak ride to the natural bridge.
Written September 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I book ahead of time? Or is it walk-in only?
Written March 11, 2019
We just walked in and there was no waiting. You could call and find out if you need to make reservations for a particular time of the year if they might be busier than other times of the year.
Written April 9, 2019
Kristine D
Calbayog City, Philippines
How much is the payment to enjoy Sohoton Cave and is it worth staying here with family and friends?
What are the things that we can do in Sohotan Cave?
Thank you patiently waiting for your answer.
Written September 9, 2018
sam_on_a_road_trip
Manila, Philippines
Hi.
Any recommendations on places to stay nearby Basey / Sohoton Cave?
How do I get in touch with local guides?
Thanks.
Written May 19, 2018
Unfortunately the best places to stay is in Tacloban,Leyte. XYZ hotel is my best reco.
Written June 21, 2018
Hi, how much cost the tour? You need to bring food? How much time take the tour?
Written April 13, 2017
Hello Jose, i already forget the exact cost of the tour but its cheap. Yes you can bring food. the cave tour is about 1 hour
Written April 19, 2017
Hi, How far is sohoton cave from Tacloban City? and how do we get there?
Written February 2, 2017
Hello Lacsonjr
We are talking here of Sohoton Cave in Samar coz there is also one in Surigao. Its not too far from Tacloban though I could not give you the exact measurement but once you cross San Juanico bridge and proceed to the road on the right... a clear direction going to Sohoton Cave can be seen.
Safe trip!!!
Written February 3, 2017
Hello everyone, I would like to know what is the operating hours of Sohoton national park?
Written January 16, 2017
As early as 8:00 in the morning, visitors can start their trip to the site. Then, it will be better if they start sailing back to the port not later than 4 pm.
Written April 11, 2018
I think that you get to the caves through a tour by a tourism place in Basey. my question is are they open on a sunday and what time would I need to get there to organise this? Thanks
Written June 4, 2015
Sorry for the late reply. I just saw this now. And yes,they are open on a Sunday. You could also go directly to Barangay Wespal via motorcycle. It cost 50php per head.
Written February 21, 2016
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