Princess Manan-aw Cave

Overview

Princess Manan-aw Cave sits within the Cagong-Cagong Cave System in Alicia, Bohol — a geosite gathering several cave formations within the same limestone complex. It takes its name from a stalactite formation read as a princess in a resting position.

The passage runs 195 meters, 5.6 meters high and 3.7 meters wide at the mouth. Inside, stalactites and stalagmites continue forming along the walls, and fossilized coral is visible in the ceiling — direct evidence that this limestone was once seabed. Water still dripping from the rock face keeps building new formations, slowly.

Visitors are asked not to touch the stalagmites: skin oils interrupt the mineral deposition that drives the formation’s growth.

Location

Barangay Cagong-Cagong, Alicia, Bohol. The cave is part of the broader Cagong-Cagong Cave System and is classified by the BPTO as a Nature / Caves (inland) attraction.

Getting There

From Tagbilaran City, travel northeast toward Alicia municipality. Once in the barangay, a walk of roughly 10 minutes through forest and farmland — the trail is described as passing directly behind a resident’s house — leads to the cave entrance. Visits are arranged in advance rather than walk-in: contact is made either through the “ATGA – Princess Manan-aw Cave” Facebook page, by email (princessmananawcave@gmail.com), or by visiting the Cagong-Cagong village hall, where staff connect visitors with a guide. [FACT NEEDED: specific road direction from Alicia town center; vehicle access point.]

Practical Info

• No touching of stalagmites — enforced to preserve ongoing formation processes
• Bring a light source for the interior; hard hats and headlamps are provided on-site, though the headlamps are reported as dim, so bringing a personal flashlight is recommended
• Closed-toe shoes are recommended (slippers are reported as acceptable); a minimum age of 7 is enforced for children
• Bring small-denomination cash, since guides do not always carry change for large bills
• Bring plenty of water — the walk is short but exposed to heat
• [FACT NEEDED: entrance fee amount, operating hours]

What to Expect

The cave interior showcases stalactite and stalagmite formations alongside fossilized coral embedded in the ceiling. The presence of coral fossils confirms the limestone was once a seabed. The narrower trail approach filters out casual visitors — the site rewards those willing to make the short trek.

Notes

• Part of the Cagong-Cagong Cave System, which contains more than 20 documented caves in the area alongside other geosites in Alicia
• Nearby attractions in Alicia include The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP), The Alicia Schists, and Altham Destiny Land

Princess Manan-aw Cave in Bohol: Complete Guide, accessed 2026-07-17 — source for booking process, age requirement, gear provided, and trail description. Alicia - Behold Bohol, accessed 2026-07-17 — source for cave system size and dimensions confirmation.