Cascading from a towering height, Can Umantad Falls is one of Bohol’s most stunning natural wonders. Surrounded by lush rice terraces and dense greenery, its crystal-clear pools invite you for a refreshing dip in a serene, unspoiled setting. Tucked away from the tourist crowds, this hidden gem is the perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
About Can Umantad Falls
Tucked away in the province of Candijay, Bohol, Can-umantad Falls is the tallest waterfall on the island, standing at about 60 feet (18 meters). Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in its cool, natural pools.
The water flows from a river that passes through the stunning Cadapdapan Rice Terraces before cascading down the falls, adding to its unique charm. The rice terraces and the waterfall are amongst the most beautiful places in Bohol, and they are well worth a trip!
Getting to Can-umantad Falls is part of the adventure. The waterfalls are quite remote and it can be quite a journey if you come from Panglao, the touristy area of Bohol. However, the ride there takes you through peaceful villages and scenic landscapes that show off Bohol’s rural charm. It’s an amazing opportunity to see a lesser known area of the island.
How to get to Can Umantad Falls
As we just mentioned, reaching the waterfall can be an adventure on its own. If you come from Panglao, you’re looking at a 100+km-long ride, which can easily take 2.5 to 3h on a scooter.
TIP: A good idea would be to split the trip in two, possibly including a sunrise visit to the Chocolate Hills, which are about half way there. You could also opt for staying overnight somewhere in the area of Anda or Cabantian, as there are many other attractions in the area.
For those coming from Panglao, the road is paved for most of the way. About 10km to the destination however, the road becomes unpaved and there is a short but very steep section that will discourage you if you aren’t confindent on the bike.
However, the final 3km are paved again. These last 3km are also the most spectacular, with the road winding through the thick jungle before opening up over the town of Cadapdapan and its rice fields.
Can Umantad Entrances
It’s important to know that it is possible to access Can Umantad Falls from two different locations. Here is a detailed explanation of both options:
Option 1: From the Main Entrance
The main entrance of Can Umantad Falls is marked as “Can-umantad Falls Parking Area” on Google and it is located at the end of a steep but paved road.
While still on the main road you will find a green sign indicating the Can-Umantad Falls. From here, the parking lot is just 1.2km away.
The road descends in the valley at the level of the river, and you can only access it via scooter or by walking. But don’t worry, if you’re coming by car there are guys who hustle their way by escorting tourists up and down the road for 100php each.
As you descend in the valley, you will find a small parking lot and a hut where you can buy entrance tickets, as well as drinks or snacks. From here, the waterfall is just 5km away on a mostly flat terrain.
Option 2: From Eleuterio’s Restaurant
The other entrance for Can Umantad Falls is located at Eleuterio’s Restaurant, which is a eatery above the waterfalls, among rice fields. Here there is another parking area, but given its higher elevation you’ll need to descend 465 steps towards the waterfall. Expect the walk to take about 10 to 15 minutes.
RECOMMENDED ENTRANCE: The quickest way to get to the waterfalls is by accessing Can Umantad by its main entrance (Option 1). However, we still highly recommend stopping by Eleuterio’s Restaurant to see its surroundings and hike through the rice fields. If you choose option 1, you can easily drive up to the rice terraces after your visit.
Our Experience at Can Umantad Falls
We accessed Can Umantad Falls via its main entrance without any issues. If you’re using a local SIM card, be sure to load the directions on Google Maps before heading out, as there is no signal towards the end of the drive.
As you leave the main road, the landscape opens up, revealing stunning rice fields and your first glimpse of Can Umantad Falls.
The descent to the parking area is quite steep, but even late in the morning, there weren’t many people around. After parking, we made our way to the small kiosk located right at the parking.
At the kiosk, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 30 PHP per person (~$0.50 USD). Parking is free. A guide will also be assigned to you, though it’s not necessary, as the waterfall is just a short, easy five-minute walk away.
In more remote areas of the Philippines, it’s common for guides to accompany visitors, both locals and foreigners. While the guide service is free, a tip is expected—typically around 100 PHP (~$1.60 USD).
Our guide spoke little English but was very kind. Despite us telling him he didn’t have to wait, he patiently stayed the entire time.
At the falls, there are several pools where you can swim. A small one, located just after the bridge, is even suitable for cliff jumping. Ask the local guides to find the exact spot.
The main pool, right below the waterfall, is large and perfect for swimming. However, the bottom is a bit slimy, and the rocks can be slippery.
We spent nearly two hours at the falls. Though a few visitors came and went, we often had the pool completely to ourselves. This spot was amongst the best places we visited in Bohol, and we can definitely recommend you to visit it, even though it’s a long drive.
Entrance Fee at Can Umantad Falls
Visiting Can Umantad Falls comes with a small entrance fee of 30 PHP per person (~$0.50 USD), which you’ll pay at the kiosk near the parking area. Parking is free, so you won’t need to worry about additional charges for your motorbike.
If a guide is assigned to you, the service is free but a tip is expected—typically around 100 PHP (~$1.60 USD).
Best time to visit Can Umantad
The weather in Bohol can be unpredictable year-round. While the island experiences more rain from July to September, the rest of the year isn’t completely dry either.
For waterfalls like Can Umantad, rain isn’t necessarily a downside. In fact, the frequent showers help maintain a strong, consistent flow, enhancing the beauty of the falls. During our visit, the weather shifted multiple times—we experienced a mix of sun, clouds, and even heavy rain.
Fortunately, there are huts where you can store your belongings and stay dry.
What to bring
When visiting Can Umantad Falls, packing the right essentials will enhance your experience.
Wear your swimwear in advance, and while not strictly necessary, water shoes can be useful for navigating slippery rocks. Bring a towel and a change of dry clothes for after your swim.
If you’re visiting from Eleuterio’s Restaurant (Entrance 2), opt for comfortable sports or hiking shoes, as the trail requires sturdier footwear.
Although there are huts where you can store your belongings if it rains, keep in mind that there are no lockers. The area isn’t very busy, and your guide can keep an eye on your things if needed, but it’s best to avoid bringing valuables and pack accordingly.
