Bohol Waterfalls Guide: The 5 Best Waterfalls in Bohol
Bohol is one of the best islands in the Philippines because of it’s natural, untouched beauty. This island is filled with awesome tourist spots and in this article I will cover the 5 best waterfalls in Bohol. I’ve personally been to each of these waterfalls and can provide you information based on real life experiences. This is an in-depth travel guide that covers everything you need to know about visiting the best waterfalls in Bohol!
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit
- Kawasan Falls Bohol
- Camugao Falls
- Mag-Aso Falls
- Dimiao Twin Falls
- Can-Umantad Falls
- Bohol Waterfalls Itineraries
- How Many Waterfalls are There in Bohol?
- What is Bohol Famous For?
- Tips & Suggestions
- Bohol Packing List
- Other Things to Do in Bohol
- Best Waterfalls in Bohol
Best Time to Visit the Bohol Waterfalls
The best time to visit the Bohol waterfalls is in the dry season. This typically runs between November and June. If you’re planning to visit the waterfalls in Bohol at the end of the dry season, be aware that some of the waterfalls can dry up so try to go after it rains or closer to November. I personally visited all of these waterfalls in April and the flow was pretty good, but it was shortly after a typhoon.
If you value solitude, I’d suggest going as early in the morning as possible and try to avoid the weekends and holidays as during these times they get a lot of local traffic.
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Best Bohol Waterfalls #1: Kawasan Falls Bohol
I’ll start this list with one of the more unknown waterfalls in Bohol, Kawasan Falls Bohol. You’ve likely heard of the famous Kawasan Falls on Cebu Island, well this set of Bohol falls is named after that! This waterfall has the classic blue Gatorade water that the Philippines is known for. Kawasan Falls Bohol easily makes this list because it’s in a secluded, beautiful location surrounded by high cliffs and palm trees.
There are a lot of spots to hang out by the river to take photos and when we were there we were lucky enough to be the only ones there!
How to Get to Kawasan Falls Bohol
Getting to Kawasan Falls in Bohol is pretty straight forward, it’s located on the West side of the island and is one of the closest waterfalls in Bohol to the popular tourist area of Panglao. Kawasan Falls is in the Balilhan region in the interior of Bohol and the roads are mainly paved and in decent shape. To get from the main road to the parking area we had to drive our motorbikes down some narrow paved paths but that made it even more fun!
- Driving time from Panglao Island: 1-hour (25mi/40km)
- Driving time from Tagbilaran City: 36-minutes (12mi/26km)
- Driving time from Anda Beach: 2h20min (65mi/105km)
Hiking to Kawasan Falls Bohol
It was slightly difficult to find the entrance to this waterfall. We rode our motorbikes as close to the pin on the map above as possible and parked. From there it’s a 15-minute hike to Kawasan Falls. You’ll walk down some hills and through some beautiful rice terraces. Eventually the trail will end up at a river and from that point you’ll be able to see the waterfall!
Entrance Fee: 50PHP / $1USD
For more information check out Kawasan Falls Bohol: Ultimate Travel Guide.
Best Bohol Waterfalls #2: Camugao Falls Bohol
Situated in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by towering cliffs lies Camugao Falls – an impressive 100ft/30m tall waterfall. Camugao Falls is another one of the Bohol waterfalls that tends to fly under the radar in terms of tourists. These falls in Bohol are some of the best around! There’s a spot on the lower cliffs where you can jump in.
I’ve seen photos of this waterfall and there wasn’t much water flowing but when we were here in April it was incredible. Nobody else was at the waterfall the entire time. I’d suggest you visit these Bohol waterfalls quickly before it gets busier.
How to Get to Camugao Falls
Camugao Falls is located in the San Istro region in the West of Bohol. It wasn’t difficult to find the parking area. This waterfall is perfect to bundle with the nearby waterfalls of Mag-Aso Falls and Kawasan Falls. It’s very close to both of them and you can visit all 3 in the same day. Camugao Falls is best accessed from Panglao Island as opposed to Anda Beach, but it’s doable either way.
- Driving time from Panglao Island: 1-hour (26mi/42km)
- Driving time from Tagbilaran City: 45-minutes (15mi/25km)
- Driving time from Anda Beach: 2h13min (64mi/103km)
Hiking to the Camugao Waterfalls in Bohol
While driving to these Bohol waterfalls was simple, finding the trail was more a challenge. There was a small hut on the cliffs edge where some locals helped us find the trail. From this hut there are excellent views of the waterfall. The hike itself is a moderate 10-minute walk along a trail down the mountains. I say moderate because when we went it was quite muddy and slippery.
It seemed like we walked through someone’s property but the locals insisted that it was the only way to get there, and we made it to the falls so I guess they were right!
Entrance Fee: Free, except we tipped the locals who helped us find the trail.
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Best Bohol Waterfalls #3: Mag-Aso Falls
Mag-Aso Falls might be on the smaller side of the Bohol waterfalls but it’s not the size of this waterfall that’s enticing. What’s great about Mag Aso Falls in Bohol is the spring fed, blue swimming pool below the waterfall. It’s deep enough that you can jump in from the side and it’s a great way to cool off from the blazing heat in the Philippines.
This waterfall has a more developed area with change rooms and seating areas. You can hang out in the turquoise pool or further down the river. This waterfall is not to be missed!
How to Get to Mag-Aso Falls
Mag-Aso Falls in Bohol is situated in the Antequera region in the West of Bohol. This is a popular waterfall for people staying in the Alona Beach area as it’s not too far away. As with anywhere on the island, I’d recommend visiting these Bohol waterfalls via a motorbike because you’ll be able to visit other tourist spots and waterfalls in Bohol on the same trip. I’ve listed some options later in this article.
- Driving time from Panglao: 1-hour (23mi/37km)
- Driving time from Tagbilaran: 34-minutes (12mi/20km)
- Driving time from Anda Beach: 2h30min (74mi/120km)
Hiking to Mag-Aso Falls Bohol
The walk to Mag-Aso Falls is relatively straight forward. From the parking area follow the concrete path until you reach the river. You’ll have to walk down some steep concrete stairs so take caution. The hike to Mag-Aso Falls in Bohol shouldn’t take longer than 10-minutes. There is a lookout point near the end with excellent views of the waterfall.
Entrance Fee: 50PHP / $1USD
For more information check out Mag-Aso Falls Bohol: Complete Guide.
Best Bohol Waterfalls #4: Dimiao Twin Falls
The Dimiao Twin Falls, also know as Pahangog Falls or Pahangog Twin Falls are definitely must-see waterfalls in Bohol. We actually came across these Bohol waterfalls by accident while trying to find the nearby Ingkumhan falls. Some locals told us that these ones were better so we decided to come here instead! I do not regret that decision one bit.
The Dimiao Twin Falls are beautiful waterfalls in Bohol with an awesome natural pool below you can jump into from the waterfall. There’s some small huts along the river bed but other than that this place is totally natural. The locals that brought us here said the water flow was lower than usual so only one of the twin falls was actually flowing. That was still enough for it to make it one of the highlights of my time on Bohol.
How to Get to the Dimiao Twin Falls
These Bohol waterfalls are located in the Dimiao region along the Southern coast of the island. To get here you’ll want to turn North off the Bohol Circumferential Rd onto Dimiao-Blair Rd. You’ll pass through a few small villages and feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere – which you obviously are. The road actually passes right through a basketball court, not beside the court, like straight through the middle.
If you’re traveling between Panglao and Anda Beach, this makes for a good pit stop to take a break!
- Driving time from Panglao: 1h20min (36mi/58km)
- Driving time from Tagbilaran: 1h08min (29mi/46km)
- Driving time from Anda Beach: 1h39min (43mi/70km)
Hiking to the Dimiao Twin Falls
The hike to these Bohol waterfalls is around 10-minutes long but is fairly steep down the trail. Going down is a breeze but you’ll be huffing and puffing on your way back up, especially after swimming and jumping into the waterfall. The Dimiao Twin falls trail was pretty well maintained but was bare bones and there were a few technical sections. I’d suggest wearing closed toed shoes.
Entrance Fee: Free, but we tipped the locals who showed us this place.
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Best Bohol Waterfalls #5: Can-Umantad Falls
Can-Umantad Falls is certainly the tallest of the Bohol waterfalls, clocking in at 200ft/60m. These waterfalls in Bohol feature many turquoise blue pools and a few spots you can even jump in! Can Umantad Falls is pretty touristy but it’s still worth a visit. There are some tables with umbrellas throughout the area you can relax at while you’re taking in the awesome views.
There’s also a small cave behind the main waterfall you should definitely check out. The pools and river at this waterfall seem like they were dyed blue, it’s something you’ll have to see for yourself.
How to Get to Can-Umantad Falls
Can-Umantad Falls are the only Bohol waterfalls I’ve listed that are located on the East side of the island. They’re situated in the Candijay region and are the closest waterfalls in Bohol to Anda Beach. Driving here you’ll pass many awesome rice terraces, mountains, and villages so it’s definitely worth the trek. We had a great time riding our motorbikes to Can-Umantad Falls, and around Bohol in general.
- Driving time from Panglao: 2h50min (75mi/121km)
- Driving time from Tagbilaran: 2h23min (55mi/89km)
- Driving time from Anda Beach: 52-minutes (21mi/34km)
Hiking to Can-Umantad Falls
From the main parking area, it’s a short 5-minute walk down some stairs until you reach the river. From this point you’ll follow the trail across the river and head upstream to Can-Umantad Falls. This portion of the walk is extremely scenic as you’ll pass many swimming holes and smaller waterfalls. You’re getting 4+ Bohol waterfalls for the price of 1! Once at the main viewing point it’s an easy walk down the trail to get to the main waterfall and pool to take a swim.
Entrance Fee: 50PHP / $1USD
This waterfall can get very crowded on weekends so try to go during the week if you can. When we were here there were a few other people but it wasn’t packed at all.
For more information check out Can Umantad Falls Bohol: Full Guide.
How Many Waterfalls Are There in Bohol?
There are dozens of awesome waterfalls in Bohol. Id expect there to be a lot of undiscovered waterfalls in the mountainous interior. Some waterfalls that didn’t make this list are Ingkumhan Falls & Kinahugan Falls. I didn’t get the chance to visit them on my trip but when I’m back I’ll be sure to check them out!
What is Bohol Famous for?
The Bohol province in the Philippines is famous for an animal called the Tarsier. This primate is found almost exclusively in Bohol and can be spotted in the Western region of the island. Bohol is also famous for the Chocolate Hills, a group of unique shaped hills in the middle of the island.
Bohol Waterfalls Itineraries
Easy Day Trip From Panglao
If you’re looking for an awesome day trip from Alona Beach on Panglao Island, you can bundle a few of these waterfalls together. I personally visited Mag-Aso Falls, Kawasan Falls & Camugao Falls on the same day from Panglao via a motorbike. It was a good time for sure and took most of the day. Nonetheless, make sure you bring snacks and water, there’s limited food options in the area.
Dimiao Twin Falls & Can-Umantad Falls
We visited both of these waterfalls in the same day via a motorbike from Panglao. Believe me when I tell you this, it was not easy. This route involved 255km of motorbiking in one single day. If you’ve driven a moped before you’ll understand how ridiculous that is. If you embark on this journey be prepared to take some breaks here and there to relax. This trip will easily take all day and also take the life out of you.
Bohol Waterfalls Tips & Suggestions
Here’s a list of tips and suggestions I’ve made for your Bohol waterfall adventure:
- Pack accordingly: If you’ve been to the Philippines before, you’ll know that the weather is unpredictable. So I’d recommend to always bring a rain jacket with you, literally wherever you go.
- Rent a motorbike: This is so you travel freely go wherever you want on your journey! I rented a motorbike straight off the ferry in Tagbilaran for 200PHP / $3USD per day. If you can’t rent a motorbike I’d recommend hiring a private driver instead. They can take you to all of the nearby waterfalls.
- Bring snacks: You’ll certainly get hungry during this trip so pack some snacks and water. There’s a few little villages on the way that you can grab a quick bite.
- Ask for help: If you’re lost or need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask a local for help! In my experience, Filipinos are very accommodating and will try their best to assist tourists.
- Get a sim card: This will make your trip infinitely easier and they’re very cheap. I got one as soon as I landed in the Philippines. There are a few providers and the one I got was from Smart.
- Use Maps.Me: Offline maps are a necessity when visiting locations that don’t have cell phone service. I always pin all of my spots on maps me incase of an emergency.
Packing List for the Bohol Waterfalls
- Universal Travel Adapter
- Portable Luggage Scale
- Salomon X Ultra Hiking Boots
- Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
- Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket
- Premium Packing Cubes
Other things to do in Bohol
Bohol is an awesome island and it’s not just about waterfalls! Some other places I’d recommend you visit are the awesome beaches on Panglao and the Hinagdanan Cave. Bohol is also a great snorkeling spot and there are many tours offered to explore one of the best reefs in the world. You can visit the nearby island son a day trip.
The interior of Bohol is filled with many beautiful hikes and rice terraces, I’d suggest the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in the East of the island. You can visit them while en-route to Can-Umantad Falls!
If you want to live like a local you should visit Can-Uba Beach in the south of the island. It’s not an incredible white sand beach. Rather, it’s a rock beach but what’s special about it is it’s a popular place for locals to visit. I would bet that you’d be the only foreigner there!
How to Get From Cebu to Bohol: Full Guide
The Best Waterfalls in Bohol
If I had to narrow down this list to the overall 2 best waterfalls in Bohol, I would say that based on my personal experience that Kawasan Falls and Camugao Falls were my favorites! Take that with a grain of salt as my experiences will be different than yours. I’d suggest checking them all out for your self!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this travel guide on the Bohol waterfalls. I had a great time visiting each of these awesome waterfalls and highly recommend you check some of them out! If you have any questions about Bohol or the Philippines in general feel free to drop me a comment below.
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