Attraction

Maubo Cave

The cave is surrounded by a lush vegetation including succulent herbs and plants. Inside the cave are dense stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is also populated with Balinsasayaw, a bird species known as cave-dwellers.

Maubo Cave

Type: Nature

Overview

Maubo Cave is an inland cave in Barangay Maubo, Valencia, Bohol, set within dense vegetation of succulent herbs and plants. The interior contains stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the cave houses a colony of Balinsasayaw (swiftlets), a cave-dwelling bird species known in Cebuano as balinsasayaw.

Beyond its natural features, the cave has cultural significance as a traditional ritual site. Local folk healers — called tambalan (Cebuano for a folk doctor who treats ailments using tambal, meaning medicine) or meriko (a name of Japanese origin associated with connection to nature and serenity) — perform healing rituals here known as dangkoy-dangkoy, a ritual dance, particularly during the Lenten season. A widespread local belief holds that entering the cave and performing the rituals can confer healing.

Location

Barangay Maubo, Valencia, Bohol. Valencia is an inland municipality approximately 10 km northeast of Tagbilaran City and serves as a base for several natural attractions including Danao Lake and Anislag Spring.

Getting There

From Tagbilaran City, take a jeepney or habal-habal toward Valencia — approximately 20 to 30 minutes. From Valencia Poblacion, Barangay Maubo requires a further ride; [TO ENRICH: exact distance and road condition to Maubo barangay].

Practical Info

  • Currency: PHP
  • Language: Cebuano, Filipino, English
  • Lenten season ritual events: observed locally, exact dates variable
  • [TO ENRICH: entry fee, guide requirement, cave length and depth, lighting inside]

What to Expect

The cave entrance is framed by lush vegetation. Inside, speleothems (stalactites and stalagmites) are present throughout. Balinsasayaw swiftlets nest in the cave; their nests are of economic value in parts of the Philippines, though local collection practices here are [TO ENRICH: confirm status]. The cave carries a dual identity as a geological attraction and a living ritual space — visitors should be respectful of local practices.

Notes

  • Listed in BPTO inventory under Nature / Cave (inland)
  • Tambalan = Cebuano folk healer; tambal = medicine; meriko = serenity/nature connection (Japanese origin); dangkoy = ritual dance
  • Valencia also has Danao Lake, Anislag Spring, Banderahan Peak, and Cabjawan Cave

Explore Valencia: Tagbilaran's Quiet Hill-Country Backyard

More to see in this area

Coconut and cassava farmland on the low ridges of Valencia municipality in southern Bohol's hill country, with a view toward Tagbilaran Bay visible from an elevated barangay roadmunicipality

Valencia: Tagbilaran's Quiet Hill-Country Backyard

Valencia is a small inland municipality in southern Bohol, in hill country southeast of Tagbilaran, primarily agricultural with no developed tourist facilities but within day-trip range of the capital.

Best: Dec–Apr

More attractions in Valencia: Tagbilaran's Quiet Hill-Country Backyard

Other things to see nearby

Anislag SpringNature

Anislag Spring

The natural, cold spring with crystal-clear waters is situated in the middle of a lush rainforest. The refreshing atmosphere offers relaxation for locals and tourists alike. The name of the spring was derived from the Anislag Trees which are abundant in the vicinity.

  • Banderahan Peak — An elevated place that offers an overlooking view of the town as well as the neighboring town of Garcia Hernandez.
  • Cabjawan Cave — The cave is surrounded by ornamental plants and trees that give the area a cool breeze. It has a narrow entrance that would allow one person to enter. The cave is walled with glaring stalactites and stalagmites.