Linao Cave Travel Guide: A Cenote in Eastern Samar, Philippines
Excitement and curiosity had me skipping along the trail like someone running on a full night’s sleep. “How long is the trek?” I asked our guide. “About 15 minutes, ma’am,” he replied, chewing the last bite of a lunch we had sheepishly interrupted. Kristynn, my travel buddy on this Eastern Visayas drive-backpacking trip, had been here once before and planned to keep the experience a surprise. But the sight of my growing excitement gave her away, and she began sharing bits of what lay ahead. With every word, our pace quickened until we reached the first cave. We crossed an underground river in the dark on a makeshift bridge, nothing more than a single bamboo pole balancing in the gaps between the submerged limestones. On the other side waited a quiet lagoon, still and inviting, a place this Linao Cave Travel Guide will also lead you to.
About Linao Cave
Linao Cave is nestled in a forested area in southern Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is a quiet sinkhole that leads into a brackish, water-filled cavern shaped long before it became a place to explore. The word linao (also linaw) is a Waray term meaning clear and calm, a fitting name for the cave’s waters, which are so transparent you can see what lies beneath the surface.
It quietly revealed itself after Typhoon Yolanda swept through the area in late 2013. A local resident came upon it by chance while exploring the landscape left altered by the storm. For a time, it remained a place known mostly to the community, until photos and stories began to surface around 2016 to 2017, when its crystal clear waters earned it the label of a hidden gem.
Linao Cave is among the few cenotes existing in the Philipines with the others being Hinagdanan Cave in Bohol, Tayangban Cave in Siargao, Pukaway Cave in Coron and Timubo and Bukilat of Camote Islands in Cebu. Like cenotes around the world, it was formed through the slow work of rainwater seeping into the ground and dissolving limestone over thousands of years. As underground chambers grew larger, the ceiling eventually weakened and collapsed, creating a sinkhole that exposed the hidden waters below.
The Adventure to Linao Cave
The adventure started even before we arrived at Calicoan. With our rental car, caffeine and few hours of sleep, Tin and I left Tacloban early in the morning and drove to Eastern Samar for about four hours, stop overs included. We quickly made a stop at Calicoan Villas to check in, freshen, gear up a bit and went out and about in a matter of minutes. After about a sweet ten-minute ride, we parked in front of a small convenience store with a sign about a stone throw away from it that has these words carefully carved into.
And that was when it began. A man stepped out, lunch still in hand. “Magandang hapon po, we’re looking for a guide to Linao Cave,” we asked politely. Without hesitation, he set his food aside and handed us the registration book, where we signed our names.
Noticing our diving gear, he assumed we would not need the life vests hanging in the small, homey registration area. Moments later, we found ourselves on the trail, the path quietly leading us deeper toward the cave.
After about ten to twelve minutes on foot, the walk eased into something more adventurous. Before reaching the main chamber, we had to do a bit of light spelunking. Kuya guided us carefully down a sloping limestone path and into a narrow cave we needed to pass through. The most memorable part came next. Crossing the cold water of the underground river in near darkness, feeling our way forward as we went. Thankfully, our guide’s flashlight was enough to show us where to step. We balanced across a single bamboo pole used as a makeshift bridge, then took a few careful steps over sharp limestone. And there she was. A dome of limestone overhead, textured with formations reaching downward, gently enclosing a basin of still, clear water that felt almost unreal after the dark passage behind us.
How To Get There
Linao Cave is located in the municipality of Sulangan specifically in southern Calicoan Island in Guian, Eastern Samar, a quiet stretch of land facing the Pacific Ocean. While it isn’t the easiest place to reach, the route is manageable once you know where to go. This Linao Cave Travel Guide breaks down each step in the most convenient way to get to Linao cave.
Step 1: Fly to Tacloban City
The journey begins in Tacloban City, the main gateway to Eastern Visayas. Fly from Manila to Tacloban. Daily flights are available from Manila (around 1 hour). You may also take a flight from Cebu which takes about 40 minutes.
If you plan to continue to Eastern Samar on the same day, booking an early morning flight is highly recommended.
Step 2: Tacloban to Guiuan
From Tacloban, continue by land to Guiuan, the closest town to Calicoan Island.
By van (most convenient option)
- Vans bound for Guiuan depart from Tacloban’s van terminals starting early morning
- First trips usually leave around 5:20 AM
- Departures run every 1–2 hours
- Travel time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
- Fare ranges from ₱250–₱300
Most vans stop at the Guiuan Integrated Transport Terminal. If you’re heading straight to Calicoan, you can ask the driver to drop you off along the Sulangan or Calicoan road.
By bus
Buses pass through Guiuan but are less frequent and take longer than vans. This option works if you’re traveling without a strict timeline.
Step 3: Guiuan to Calicoan Island
Calicoan Island is connected to the mainland by road, so no ferry is needed.
By multicab
- Route: Guiuan – Sulangan – Calicoan
- Travel time: about 30 minutes
- Fare: around ₱30.00 to ₱40.00
- Multicabs run mostly from morning until early afternoon
By tricycle (private hire)
- Available around Guiuan town
- Typical fare is ₱300–₱500 per trip
- Chartered tricycle for a full day tour typically costs ₱600.00 – ₱1,000.00.
Other Options:
- Private car: 2.5 to 3 hours from Tacloban to Guiuan, plus 30 to 45 minutes to Calicoan
- Habal-habal or motorcycle rental: A flexible option if you plan to explore more of Eastern Samar
If you also wish to rent a car that you can drive around the region, you may contact Twinnies Car Rental, a car rental service based in Tacloban. You may rent one for as low as Php 1,500.00 for a day. You may reach them through Facebook or at +63 968 721 8231.
Linao Cave Travel Guide’s Sample Budget
| Amount | |
| Van fare (Tacloban to Guian) | Php 300.00 |
| Chartered Tricycle | Php 1,000.00/2 = Php 500.00 |
| Linao Cave entrance fee | Php 25.00 |
| Linao Cave Guide fee | Php 300.00/2 =Php 150.00 |
| Food (for the day) | Php 800.00 |
| Accommodation in Calicoan Island | Php 2,500.00/2 =Php 1,250.00 |
| TOTAL | Php 2,225.00 |
Linao Cave Guide and Fees
| Amount | |
| Entrance fee | Php 25.00/ head |
| Guide Fee | Php 300.00/ 4 pax |
Where we Stayed
Since a day in Calicoan won’t suffice, we stayed in for two nights in the island. There are a few hotels and resorts in the area but among the best in terms of budget and location that we’ve found is Calicoan Villas. Their room rates range from Php 2,300.00 to Php 7,000.00 for two to eight persons respectively. They have pools on both sides of the resort, restaurant and a variety of room types. Since they have a lot of rooms, we didn’t have any problems checking in as walk in guests.
Practical Tips from this Linao Cave Travel Guide
- Leave Tacloban early to make the most of available transport in Guiuan
- Public rides become limited later in the afternoon
- If arriving late, arrange a private transfer in advance
- Download maps offline, as mobile signal can be unreliable in the area
- The best time to visit the cave especially if you are a diver is during the morning where the sun shines through the natural opening piercing through the waters.
- Bring your diving gear. There are no known dive communities based in the area nor rental. You may rent from Kisig Ph, a Tacloban-based dive community, shall you decide not to bring your own gear during the trip.
- There are no convenience stores around the area. If you decide to stay the whole day, bring your own food and snacks BUT do not leave your trash in the vicinity. Take it back with you.
- Wear proper footwear. The limestone rocks can pierce through thin flip flops or rubber slippers.
- There are no ATMs in the area. While most establishments accept cash, it is still best to bring more than enough cash especially for tours including the Linao Cave.
- Since a day in Calicoan island won’t suffice due to the long trip from Tacloban, try exploring Calicoan island instead.
- Bring dry bag. The walk to Linao cave also involves crossing an underground river.
- It is best to wear your swimwear right away when going to the cave.
You may also want to visit these places in the region:
- The Ultimate DIY Limasawa Island Travel Guide 2025
- Sambawan Island DIY Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary) 2025
Anne Elizabeth Gumiran
Anne Elizabeth Gumiran, also known as Queenie, is a 20-something, full-time public school teacher, a part-time travel blogger and a freediver. She started putting her stories of adventures and misadventures into words and pictures in 2017 and continues to do so as she shares her advocacy, Sustainable Traveling.
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