Sambulawan Underground River — Attraction in Lazi

Went here on August and this place was the best highlight of our Siquijor trip. We just heard from our tricycle driver and a resto owner that this place is a must visit even though the entrance fee (P250) is a bit steep compared to other tourists spots. So we went here without hesitation, all excited and clueless 😅.

Upon arrival we paid for the entrance fee and we're told that a tour guide will be accompanying and assisting us. Glad there was no queue. It is their reco to give one of our phones to the guide so he'll be the one taking charge of photos and videos, since he informed us that there will be a short hike and also we'll be floating/swimming inside the cave 😳. Before the hike, the guide provided each of us a life vest and headlamp.

Our guide, Kuya Arben was so chill and funny! Our group was laughing our asx off while hiking down to the underground river. The hike was a bit challenging since it was slippery and there were lots of stairs! Not recommended for senior unless they are still agile.

When we reached the cave, we were told that we will be "swimming" to get to explore the inside. 2 of us does not know how to swim but were told that it was not really a problem since our guide can pull our group throughout. The place was really magical and amazing and we are really thankful to our guide's witty and hilarious banters which really helped us to relax and forget our fear of water, closed spaces and heights.

Tour and hike took at least 45mins. Our guide was really good in taking photos and videos. And It is recommended to give tip to the guides as token of gratitude. After the tour, we were really exhausted but felt very happy and...

In short we felt ripped off and had a surprisingly underwhelming experience. Wouldn't recommend this to anyone. There's so much more to see in Siquijor. Go there only if you have too much spare time

We went there yesterday. They charge 250 per person, which doesn't sound a lot as foreign currency, but in comparison to other tourist attractions is absurd - 3-5 times more than waterfalls and snorkeling sites, and for no reason because this place is just a river cave which demands no maintenance.

The price includes a life jacket (not necessary if you're a good swimmer) and a torch (which is not waterproof) but of course they do the old trick - the guide is not included and you decide how much to pay him. In other words they let you know you are expected to give him a tip.

If you ask they will lie and tell you the whole experience is one hour - 20min go down the cave and another 40min swimming in the river. Actually it's 5 min going down and 20min in the river.

The underground "river" is more like a small stream. The water are crystal clear and if your guide is in a good mood he tells you about the history of the cave and shows you bats, spiders, crabs, birds... However you should know the river is VERY short (maybe 100-150m) and narrow, not an mpressive cave or geological site.

And finally, our guide who just yelled 4yearsold jokes the entire time and ruined the experience for us. God bless him he was friendly and with good intentions but he...

Visiting Sambulawan Underground River was one of the highlights of our Siquijor trip. We arrived around 12NN, just as the queueing started. We were number 6 on the list and waited for about 20-30 minutes, which wasn’t too bad. Luckily, there was a food stall nearby selling iced coffee, siomai, and siopao—perfect for a quick snack while waiting.

What makes this place truly special is that, unlike other underground rivers in the country, you can actually swim and walk inside the cave. The experience of wading through chest-deep, crystal-clear waters, navigating through narrow passages, and marveling at the cave’s natural rock formations is something you won’t find anywhere else. It’s an adventure that blends exploration and relaxation in one unique setting.

The limited number of people allowed per batch is a great rule to prevent overcrowding, making the experience more intimate and enjoyable. The entrance fee is ₱250 per person, and you’ll have a mandatory guide whom you’ll need to tip separately (we gave ₱400).

Pro Tip: Only one mobile phone per group is allowed inside (not a strict rule, but recommended). If you want good photos, hand your phone to your guide without the case—cases tend to have smudges that can affect your shots.

Overall, this is definitely one of my favorite spots in Siquijor. The thrill of walking and swimming through an underground river, surrounded by ancient rock formations, makes it a must-visit for...