Major city · Philippines
Mabinay
Spend 1–2 days in Mabinay for cave tours and river kayaking; skip if you lack time for rural travel.
Mabinay is a small hill town on the Dumaguete‑Bacolod road, known for dozens of caves and the Ilog River. Most attractions are day‑trip friendly, so a single full day covers the main caves and a kayak ride; add a night if you want a relaxed stay at local cottages.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry, cooler)
- avoid Jul–Sep (low river levels, road slips at night)
- Airport
- DGT
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Mabinay117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mabinay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyMabinay is generally safe for day visitors; watch for unlit road sections after dark and follow local guidance on cave access.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 117 fire and ambulance · 911 National emergency
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDGT Dumaguete Airport (≈1 h bus from Mabinay).
- Getting aroundPedicab or rent a scooter locally; roads are narrow and poorly lit after dark.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Museum or sight ticketCrystal Caves entry (hard hat & guide)₱215 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedEconotel room, a night, per person₱600 (≈ US$11)
- Mid-range bedMabinay Springs cottage, a night, per room₱1,300 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedMabinay Springs cottage, a night, per room₱1,500 (≈ US$30)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱800 (≈ US$15) · Mid ₱1,200 (≈ US$25) · High ₱1,800 (≈ US$35)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DGT Dumaguete Airport (≈1 h bus from Mabinay)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mabinay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
6 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Pedicab or rent a scooter locally; roads are narrow and poorly lit after dark.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bais
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round trip
Bus from Mabinay, about 1 h 30 min
Dolphin‑watching and beach walk; good for a half‑day.
Dumaguete
cautionDoor to door: ≈4 h round trip
Bus north, about 1 h 45 min
City tour possible but long; consider overnight if you want to explore.
Crystal Caves
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Local guide, 10 km (6.2 mi) south on highway, 15 min driveLocal guide, 6.2 mi (10 km) south on highway, 15 min drive
Main cave with guide, hard‑hat fee included.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Econotel
Motel‑style rooms; basic facilities; road‑side location
Mabinay Springs cottages
Poolside cottages, ₱1,000–1,500 per night
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱800–₱1,200 (≈ US$15–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱1,200–₱1,800 (≈ US$25–35) excl. bed
- High
- ₱1,800 (≈ US$35)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mabinay Springs cottage1 × 1 night × ₱1,300 | ₱1,300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₱1,200 | ₱2,400 |
| Cave entry (Crystal Caves)2 × ₱215 · check | ₱430 |
| Kayak hire (1 h)2 × ₱50 · check | ₱100 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × ₱2,500 · check | ₱5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱923 |
| Trip total≈ ₱5,077 per person per day, bed included | ₱10,153≈ US$180 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Crystal Caves entry (hard hat & guide) | ₱215 (≈ US$4) |
| Natural spring pool admission | ₱10 (≈ under US$1) |
| Kayak hire (1 h, lifejacket) | ₱50 (≈ under US$1) |
| Zipline | ₱100 (≈ US$2) |
| Meal at Andrew's Diner | ₱15–35 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road slips and unlit sections make night driving unsafe; avoid after dusk.
- Cave access may be restricted to protect bird‑nest harvests; ask locals for open sites.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire and ambulance
- 117
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
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MabinayMabinay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Sa address na ito, pakiTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire and ambulance117
Embassy
US Embassy in Manila; consular services for Philippines.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Dumaguete → Mabinay: ≈ ₱150–200, 1 h (check)
- Kayak hire (1 h): ₱50 (≈ under US$1)
Say or show
- Pasaylo-a ko — Excuse me / Sorry (pah-sah-ee-loh ah koh)
- Salamat — Thank you (sah-lah-mat)
- Tagpila ini? — How much is this? (tahg-pee-lah ee-nee?)
- Asa ang kasilyas? — Where is the bathroom? (ah-sah ahng kah-see-lyas?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mabinay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–May (dry, cooler) · avoid Jul–Sep (low river levels, road slips at night) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Mabinay
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mabinay, revision 5325099 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Mabinay
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