Busay Cave – Cebu’s Best Kept Secret | Ultimate Travel Guide

Busay Cave Cebu

If you are anything like us, you love a hidden gem and an off-the-beaten-path adventure! Busay Cave in Moalboal is precisely that! We were actually very undecided on whether to visit due to very mixed reviews on Google. However, we are SO glad we went for it! Busay Cave and Freshwater Pool was an absolutely incredible experience, and honestly, we are baffled by why those mixed reviews exist!

So, we wanted to create a travel guide with everything you need to know about Busay Cave to help you plan your trip and see this incredible location firsthand! We cover everything from how to get there to what to expect, equipment needed, pricing, and the best times to visit! Let’s dive in!

Want To Get A Feel For Busay Cave?

Check Out Our Full Experience On YouTube!

We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here then head to our table of contents above and select the section that best answers your questions! Likewise, if you don’t have time right now, feel free to pin this guide on Pinterest for later.

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Where Is Busay Cave Located

Busay Cave is located roughly a 20 – 30 minute scooter ride from the center of Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines, making it a really accessible destination! Moalboal is wonderful travel hub and a great place to stay in Cebu, so if you are planning a trip to Moalboal, put Busay Cave on your list!

We have highlighted Busay Cave’s location on Google Maps for reference:

How Do You Get To Busay Cave?

The best way to get to Busay Cave to hire a scooter and make the short ride there from Moalboal. Our favorite scooter shop in Moalboal is: Majona’s Scooter Rental. This awesome scooter rental even gave us free dinner during festival season! It was such a vibe!

Is It Safe To Take A Scooter To Busay Cave

The surrounding area near Busay Cave is characterized by lush greenery and rolling hills, making the journey itself part of the adventure. The roads can be a bit bumpy and there are some steeper parts, so you want a reasonable amount of confidence on a scooter to make the trip. If you are not too confident, don’t worry; you can easily hire a driver to take you up to Busay Cave from Moalboal.

If you are unsure whether you are confident enough, you can check out our YouTube video, where we show you the roads and what to expect firsthand. Once you arrive, it’s just a short 10-minute walk from the parking area to the cave. The path is lined with stunning scenery and is very picturesque.

Are There Tours To Busay Cave

As far as we know, there are no bookable tours to Busay Cave as yet. This is a testament to how much of a hidden gem Busay Cave is! It likely won’t stay this way forever, so catch it sooner rather than later!

Do You Need To Book In Advance To Visit Busay Cave

As there are no tours to Busay Cave, there are also no ways to pre-book, so no, you don’t have to book in advance. However, it would be advisable to plan your trip, make sure you are confident on the roads and if not play it safe and pre-book a driver for the day. You could always catch some other top spots on the way including Cambais falls and Lambug Beach. You can check out these epic locations and other top things to do in Moalboal in our ultimate travel guide:

Moalboal Cebu – 12 Best Things To Do | Ultimate Travel Guide

You Can Also Check Out The Best Of Moalboal In Our YouTube Video:

Entrance Fee For Busay Cave

When you arrive at the cave, you will be charged a small entrance fee of 20 Pesos (which is roughly 25p to 30p). You can also expect to pay a small fee to park your scooter, again roughly 10 – 20 Pesos. Once you get to the cave entrance, you need to pay for a guide if you want to go inside. This fee was 300 Pesos but may increase over time.

Negative Google Reviews On Busay Cave

We saw lots of frustration on Google Reviews about these entrance fees, but we don’t really understand this. For context, 300 Pesos is about £4. For this fee, the guide brings flashlights, helps point out some awesome bats, and takes some great pictures. Really, we thought it was fantastic and how lovely that we can contribute directly to the locals who live here.

One thing to mention is to be prepared and bring cash, as they do not accept cards. Definitely don’t go all the way there just to see the pool at the entrance. The cave is AMAZING, and it is so worth the 300 Pesos!

Can You Swim In Busay Cave

Yes! There is a stunning blue freshwater pool at the entrance, which is very refreshing. The water is about waist deep, and the pool isn’t massive, so it is more of a dip than a swim, but it is definitely a great way to cool off!

It is worth noting that many locals were hanging out and vibing in the pool when we went. From reading the Google reviews, it sounds like this is quite common and a place where the locals love to hang out regularly. We loved seeing the vibes and everyone having a great time, but we wanted to let you know what to expect. We were the only ones inside the cave itself.

Is Busay Cave Dangerous

In general no, Busay cave is not dangerous! It is relatively easy in terms of physical exertion and manageable in flip flops. However, there are a few things you should be aware of!

Firstly, there are many bats inside Busay Cave. This made for an awesome experience, and they did not come near you. However, if you are afraid of bats, this is probably not the activity for you!

Secondly, bat guano (bat poop) can harbour harmful pathogens, including the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease. Inhaling dust or particles contaminated with bat guano can lead to respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.

The cave did not smell strongly of bat boo, but undoubtedly, there will be bat dropping given the number of bats in the cave. Therefore, those who are very young, elderly or have respiratory diseases should be aware of this and consider avoiding the cave or seeking medical advice before visiting.

To minimize risks, you could consider wearing face masks. It’s also advisable to avoid disturbing the bat colonies or their droppings and to refrain from touching surfaces in the cave unnecessarily. After exploring the cave, thoroughly wash your hands and clothes to prevent the spread of potential contaminants.

Top Tips For Visiting Busay Cave

Here are the top tips for visiting the Busay Cave in Moalboal Cebu:  

1. Bring Cash: Be prepared for the entrance fees, as they do not accept card. Check the latest Google Reviews to ensure you bring enough cash and avoid disappointment.
2. Bring a dry bag: To enter the cave, you have to go through the freshwater pool. Therefore, if you do not want to leave your belongings outside, bring a dry bag to protect your valuables like phones and cameras. Here is our top recommendation: Dry Bag On Amazon.
3. Reef shoes: Although the cave is manageable in flip-flops, reef shoes are probably the most appropriate. Either way, you need footwear you don’t mind getting wet. If you don’t own a pair of reef shoes, these are the ones we have: Reef Shoes On Amazon.
4. Be aware of the risks of bat guano: As discussed above, bat guano (bat poop) carries some risks. If you consider yourself to have a weakened immune system, it would be best to seek medical advice before visiting and consider wearing a mask.
5. Take a camera that has night mode: It is VERY dark in the cave! The guide is great at using the flashlights to get the best pictures, but night mode cameras also help!
6. Be respectful of the environment and follow the guidance of your tour guide to help preserve the natural beauty of the Busay Cave.

Where To Stay In Moalboal

When To Visit Busay Cave

Overall, Busay Cave is not as weather dependent as other activities in the Philippines as it is a sheltered activity. However, if you are in the Philippines, the chances are you are looking to enjoy some other incredible outdoor activities. For our fellow adventurers, these are the best times to visit the Philippines:

Dry Season: Typically extending from November to April, this period brings clearer skies, calmer waters, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. However, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.

Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May or October when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Avoid planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to September, as heavy downpours and choppy waters can hinder your plans.

Below we have included a table of average monthly rainfall in the Philippines to help you plan the perfect time to visit. Hover over the bars to also see average monthly temperature.

Average Monthly Rainfall In The Philippines

Conclusion

Busay Cave offers a unique and enchanting experience, perfect for adventure lovers and those who like to head off the beaten path. With its stunning rock formations, stunning freshwater pool, epic vibes with the local Filipino culture and insane bats, the cave offers an experience like no other.

As you plan your visit, remember to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, such as wearing appropriate gear and being mindful of the cave’s delicate ecosystem. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply looking for a tranquil spot to connect with nature, Busay Cave promises to leave you with lasting memories of its captivating beauty and charm.

Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!

Big Love As Always

Beth and Denz