A Complete Guide To Can-Umantad Falls in Bohol
Are you planning a trip to Can-Umantad Falls?
Nestled in the lush greenery of Candijay, this post will detail everything you need to know about Bohol’s tallest waterfall, including how to get there, the cost, and what to expect.
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Bohol is widely known for its beautiful beaches and mystifying Chocolate Hills.
However, for those who dare to explore a little further, breathtaking scenery and unspoiled nature await you.
As the tallest waterfall in Bohol, Can-Umantad Falls is a must-visit destination in Candijay.
Vibrant blue swimming pools contrasted with the bright greenery of the nearby rice terraces make for one of the most beautiful views on the island.
A trip to Can-Umantad Falls is not common among tourists visiting Bohol, so you might be wondering how to get there and whether there are more natural attractions nearby.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip to Can-Umantad Falls in Candijay, updated for 2024.
Can-Umantad Falls description
Can-Umantad is the tallest of the falls in Bohol. This stunning tiered waterfall nestled beneath the nearby rice terraces drops an impressive 60ft into a turquoise swimming hole.
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Where is Can-Umantad Falls in Bohol?
Carved within striking green rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls is located in Candijay, in the east of Bohol.
Candijay is roughly 2.5 hours from the popular tourist hub Panglao and 1 hour from Carmen in central Bohol.
Can-Umantad Falls is a top off-the-beaten-path destination and one of the most stunning Bohol falls.
In the east of Bohol, there are very few tourists so you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and experience a different side to the island.
The map below shows the exact Google Maps location of Can-Umantad Falls. You will also see other popular Candijay Bohol tourist spots and nearby natural attractions pinpointed.
How to get there
The best way to get around Bohol is with a scooter.
However, even with a scooter, visiting the natural attractions in the east of the island is still a long journey from the tourist hub Panglao.
I would therefore recommend staying in central/east Bohol for a couple of nights to break the journey up.
Authentically experience Bohol and immerse yourself in nature.
Stay in the countryside just 5 minutes from the iconic Chocolate Hills in your own private bungalow.
If you don’t want to take a scooter, Bohol is pretty well-connected with public transport. Just head to the Tagbilaran Dao Integrated Bus Terminal for buses across the island.
From Panglao/Tagbilaran
If you’re planning to travel from Panglao to Can-Umantad Falls by scooter, this will take about 2.5 hours in each direction.
You can follow the road through the center of the island or opt for the coastal route.
If you prefer to take public transport, you will first have to reach Tagbilaran Bus Terminal from Panglao. The bus runs every 30 minutes and you can catch it outside McDonald’s Alona Beach.
This will take about 45 minutes and cost you 70 PHP ($1.20).
From Tagbilaran Dao Terminal the journey is pretty straightforward. Take the bus heading to Ubay and tell the driver where you’re going.
Ask to get off at Lungsod Daan Public Market.
This should cost about 100 PHP and take about 2.5 hours.
From here, you are about 20 minutes from the Candijay tourist spots and Can-Umantad Falls Bohol. You can organise a tricycle to the entrance.
From Carmen
Carmen is located in central Bohol and is where I would recommend staying, as it is a great base to explore all of Bohol’s main tourist spots.
We stayed in an amazing homestay where you can rent a scooter directly for 400 PHP ($7) a day and then make the 1-hour journey to Can-Umantad Falls by bike.
For more information on the homestay and where to stay in Bohol, you can jump here.
From Anda
A beautiful beach town on the eastern tip of Bohol, you can also reach Can-Umantad Falls from Anda.
If you have a scooter the journey is roughly 50 minutes. However, if you are taking the bus, this will take about 1 – 1.5 hours.
You will have to take the bus from Anda heading to Tagbilaran Dao Bus Terminal and get off at Lungsod Daan Public Market. From here you can take a tricycle to the falls.
What to expect at Can-Umantad Falls
On your way to Can-Umantad Falls, you will start to catch a glimpse of the cascading water in the distance when you are about 10 minutes away.
There is a steep road down to the waterfalls, which can only be accessed by two-wheeled vehicles. If you have a car, you will have to leave it near the main road and hike about 20 minutes down.
Follow the steep dirt track down to the falls and leave your scooter in the small parking area. Here, you will also find locals selling refreshments and snacks.
Can-uman means 60 in the local language, as these cascades reach 60ft in height before crashing down into vibrant blue swimming holes of varying depths.
The rice terraces above are irrigated by the nearby Cadapdapan River, with the water flowing down into this impressive cascade.
Whilst from a distance the waterfall looks really tall, when you are close you will see that the water hits a large plateau before reaching the main swimming hole.
This means you can shower under the fall and explore the small cave-like area behind. There are lots of different swimming pools of different depths to explore and splash around in.
The lush greenery serves as a dramatic backdrop and the thundering sound of this Bohol waterfall adds to the peace and tranquility of the area.
Can-Umantad Falls entrance fee
The entrance fee to Can-Umantad Falls is 30 PHP ($0.50). A guide will offer to take you down for a small tip.
The pathway down to the waterfall is clearly marked, so a guide is not strictly necessary. However, they can help you over the slippery rocks and take some great photos for you.
A small tip can go a long way to supporting the local community to maintain this natural attraction.
Visit Baclayon Church, Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, and the iconic Chocolate Hills, as well as a cruise on the Locboc River.
Roundtrip transportation from Panglao, a private guide, and lunch included.
Nearby attractions in Candijay, Bohol
For those who want to experience Bohol in a more authentic way, the town of Candijay boasts many off-the-beaten-path natural attractions.
You will be treated with few tourists, breathtaking scenery, and friendly locals. The following attractions are all local to Can-Umantad Falls Candijay and can be visited on the same day.
All of these natural attractions are included as part of my DIY Tour in Bohol: 4-Day Itinerary
Alicia Panoramic Park
Alicia Panoramic Park is located just a 40-minute drive from Can-Umantad Falls.
Hiking the vibrant green hills of Alicia Panoramic Park is one of the best things you can do in Bohol. The beautiful landscape and tranquil atmosphere are bound to take your breath away.
The hike takes about 3 hours in total. I would recommend coming for sunrise if you can.
We hiked Alicia Panoramic Park in the morning and then headed to Can-Umantad Falls for a refreshing post-hike dip. You can read my complete guide below.
Full Post: Alicia Panoramic Park: The Ultimate Guide To Bohol’s Hidden Gem
Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are also well worth a visit and are just 5 minutes away from this Candijay Falls.
There are a few viewpoints to appreciate the vibrancy of the rice terraces and little winding paths to explore them further.
As the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are just above Can-Umantad Falls, you can actually access the waterfall by following the steep path from the rice terraces. There are roughly 100 stairs down from the restaurant.
Canawa Cold Spring
Located just 10 minutes away from Can-Umantad Falls is the refreshing crystal-clear Canawa Cold Spring.
Whilst there is a steep dirt road down to reach the springs, they are worth a visit if you are in the local Candijay area.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Bohol can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
Where to stay in Bohol
Whilst most tourists tend to stay in Panglao, I would recommend staying in Carmen.
Due to its central location, Carmen is a great base to explore all of the main attractions in Bohol, especially the east of the island.
Carmen is located just an hour from Candijay and Can-Umantad Falls.
In Carmen, we stayed in Lhoyjean Homestay which was one of the highlights of our whole trip to the Philippines. It is located just 5 minutes away from the iconic Chocolate Hills.
Staying in Carmen is such an authentic way to experience Bohol as you are totally immersed in nature and can enjoy the slower pace of life in the countryside.
The hosts are so lovely and make you feel like part of the family. If you’re looking to escape the tourists and experience Bohol like a local, then this is the place for you.
What month is best to visit Bohol?
The best time to visit Bohol coincides with the best time to visit the Philippines in general. This would be in the dry season from December – May.
The dry season is also the best time to witness the iconic brown colour of the Chocolate Hills.
Must Read: The Ultimate DIY Guide To Bohol’s Chocolate Hills
How long should I stay in Bohol?
I would recommend staying in Bohol for at least 4 days to take advantage of all the natural attractions and outdoor activities on offer.
Bohol has so much more to offer than just the Chocolate Hills and boasts one of the most unique natural landscapes in the Philippines.
I would recommend splitting your time between Panglao and Carmen. Panglao to enjoy the beaches, island hopping, and nightlife. Carmen to enjoy nature, hikes, and waterfalls.
Check out my detailed itinerary below.
Must Read: Ultimate DIY Tour in Bohol: 4-Day Itinerary
Is Bohol too touristy?
As one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines, it is unsurprising that Bohol can be very touristy in some areas.
The Alona Beach area of Panglao is probably the most touristy, along with the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary.
However, Bohol is a very big island. Whilst most tourists tend to stay in Panglao, those who dare to venture further afield are rewarded with beautiful scenery and a total absence of tourists.
The east of the island is a real hidden gem and deserves a spot on your Philippines itinerary.
Destinations such as Carmen, Cadijay, and Anda offer a much more authentic experience and some more off-the-beaten-path Bohol tourist spots.
Likewise, even the most touristy spots can be enjoyed with a little pre-planning.
By avoiding organised tours, and opting for DIY tours instead, you can beat the crowds and explore at your own pace.
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This post has detailed everything you need to know to visit Bohol’s tallest waterfall, Can-Umantad Falls.
If you liked this post and you’re interested in more things to do in Bohol, you can read my other posts here –
- The Ultimate DIY Tour in Bohol: 4-Day Itinerary
- Alicia Panoramic Park: A Complete Guide To Bohol’s Hidden Gem
- The Ultimate DIY Guide To Bohol’s Chocolate Hills
For inspiration or help planning your Philippines adventure, check out the following –
