GUINSUHOTAN / CAGNITUAN

CAVE AND FALLS

NOTE: The Guinsuhotan Caves and Falls are found in the town of Cagnituan. Because of this, they are also sometimes called the Cagnituan Caves and Falls.

Photo from: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/maasin-southern-leyte-a-city-in-the-province/

Guinsohotan Cave and Falls are located in Cagnituan, Maasin, Southern Leyte, Philippines. It has clear waters good for swimming and picnicking. Busay Falls is also nearby. Together with the Cagnituan Lagoon, they are just within the Capital City of Maasin, it is one of the most visited nature sites because of its twin experience, the cave with its subterranean river and the inviting pool of the water falls.

The Guinsohotan Cave is a large subterranean cave, 15 km from the city center and 276 meters above sea level. Those who do enter the cave by wading or swimming can find small “in-cave” waterfalls, bats and impressive rock formations.

The water coming out of Guinsuhotan Cave flows down in cascades to form a natural lagoon, Cagnituan Lagoon, frequently visited by bathers and patrons of cool therapeutic treatment. These two sights, which belong more or less together, are placed in Barangay Cagnituan and can be reached from Barangay Maria Clara by using a Habal-habal. Read More: https://greedypeg.org/southern-leyte/Guinsohotan-Cave-and-Falls.html

Photo from: http://thebackpackersadventures.blogspot.com/2012/10/maasin-southern-leyte-cagnituan-cave.html

Within the city are two of the best places to have a relaxing time alone or with companions. Nothing beats trekking through the beautiful path that leads to the Guinsohotan Cave, a cave that offers a stunning view of its interiors. To cap the experience off, the Cagnituan Waterfalls is just nearby. The inviting waterfalls will surely ease your worries even for a while. Read More: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/maasin-southern-leyte-a-city-in-the-province/

Photo from: http://www.whaleshark-divers.com/en/adventure-tours/

We gathered at the barrio’s open function hall; a gymnasium of some sort, while waiting for the Brgy. Chairman and our guides. We changed our shirts as we anticipated being wet and dirty during this adventure. We were told that spelunking inside Cagnituan Cave could cost us an hour or two and we were all up to the challenge. Spelunking, aside from mountain climbing, beach bumming and waterfalls chasing, is one of the activities that The BACKPACKERS enjoy. There was only one problem: due to sheer excitement, we all forgot to bring our flashlights which were in our packs at the Aguelo’s residence. It was too late to head back, so we asked the brgy. chairman if he can lend us some source of light for we really wanted to try to navigate the cave. To our delight, we were able to borrow one flashlight and were introduced to several young guides who had their sources of light. These ‘guides’ became our light as we traversed the cave from point A to point B.

The first order of business that afternoon was to get to the mouth of the cave which is also the location of Guinsohotan Falls. It was a short trek passing through the abundant greenery of the rustic town. It was a pleasant afternoon walk which became a little muddy when a short downpour greeted us. And when we heard the rumbling water coming from the falls, we all got excited. The catch basin and the falls came in to sight as we came nearer. I have seen a lot of taller and more majestic waterfalls in my whole life as a traveler but I still could not help myself from staring in awe and amazement upon standing face to face with Guinsohotan Falls. Read More: http://thebackpackersadventures.blogspot.com/2012/10/maasin-southern-leyte-cagnituan-cave.html