Sohoton Cave tour from Tacloban: Mat-weaving workshop included

Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park: spelunking, kayaking, and banig weaving in one day

A full-day tour from Tacloban City to Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park in the Visayas, featuring a river cruise across the Golden River, spelunking and kayaking inside the cave system, and a side trip to Saob Cave's mat-weaving community. Your guide shares local knowledge and cave folklore. You watch artisans demonstrate traditional banig (mat) weaving and can try it yourself. Light snacks, a Filipino lunch at the park, and all transport are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sohoton Cave and Cultural Immersion

• Pick up from Tacloban City
• Travel to Sohoton Cave Park
• View San Juanico Bridge
• River cruise on Golden River
• Spelunking, kayaking, nature bathing
• Visit Saob Cave banig weaving community
• Return to Tacloban City

The experience

Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park sits roughly 90 minutes south of Tacloban City. The drive itself passes the San Juanico Bridge, the Philippines' second-longest bridge and the longest stretch of the Pan-Philippine Highway. Once you arrive at the park's tourism center, the river cruise begins across the Golden River of Basey, Samar: the gateway to the cave system. From there, you move into spelunking and kayaking through the cave passages, then a natural bathing area where the cave opens to daylight and water.

The tour's defining stop is Saob Cave, home to the banig-weaving community of Basey, Samar: the mat-weaving capital of the Philippines. Here you meet local artisans and watch them work with traditional techniques, and the tour includes a hands-on workshop so you can try the craft yourself. This is not a quick photo stop. It's structured as a genuine exchange with the people who keep the tradition alive. Your guide throughout the day is a local who knows both the cave system and the cultural history of the region.

The full journey, including travel time and all activities, runs just under eight hours. You'll have light snacks and bottled water during the day, and a traditional Filipino lunch served at the park. Transport is air-conditioned, and pickup happens at your choice of location within Tacloban City, with the return to the same point.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup in Tacloban City.
• local English-speaking guide.
• river cruise across the Golden River.
• spelunking and kayaking in Sohoton Cave.
• access to the natural bathing area.
• traditional mat-weaving demonstration and hands-on workshop at Saob Cave.
• light snacks and bottled water.
• traditional Filipino lunch at the park.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 27

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Viaje Holidays Travel Services

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here because the mat-weaving workshop and cultural exchange at Saob Cave depend on personal interaction with the artisans: large tour groups dilute that connection. If you want to move at your own pace through the cave and spend real time learning a craft rather than rushing between photo stops, this structure delivers it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens inside Sohoton Cave during the tour?

Sohoton Cave involves three main activities: spelunking through the cave passages, kayaking on the underground river, and swimming or bathing in a natural pool where the cave opens to daylight. The river cruise from the tourism center to the cave entrance takes about 30 minutes.

Can I actually try mat-weaving at Saob Cave, or is it just a demonstration?

The tour includes both a demonstration and a hands-on workshop, so you can learn and practice the traditional banig-weaving technique with the local artisans themselves. This is part of the tour's focus on direct cultural exchange rather than passive observation.

How long is the drive from Tacloban City to the caves?

Travel time from Tacloban City to Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park's tourism center is approximately one hour and 30 minutes. The return journey from Saob Cave back to Tacloban is about one hour and 45 minutes.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport with pickup in Tacloban City, a local English-speaking guide, light snacks and bottled water throughout the day, and a traditional Filipino lunch served at the park. Spelunking, kayaking, and the river cruise are all part of the experience.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves spelunking, kayaking, and river activities, so a moderate level of physical fitness is needed. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular conditions, or pregnancy. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.