Pahungaw Falls

Updated June 13, 2025

Description

Picture yourself discovering a hidden gem tucked away in the verdant mountains of Bohol, Philippines. I stumbled upon Pahungaw Falls last summer, and let me tell ya – it’s one of those places that’ll make your jaw drop! This multi-tiered waterfall cascades down smooth rock faces, creating natural pools perfect for taking a refreshing dip. The main falls reach about 20 meters high, with crystal-clear water that sometimes takes on this gorgeous turquoise hue when the sun hits it just right.

What I love most about this spot is how it’s still relatively unknown compared to other tourist spots in Bohol. You won’t find massive crowds here – just the peaceful sound of rushing water and maybe a few locals enjoying their weekend. The surrounding forest adds to the whole experience, with butterflies fluttering around and birds calling from the treetops.

Key Features

• Multi-tiered waterfall system with a main drop of approximately 20 meters
• Natural swimming pools with refreshingly cool water
• Pristine forest surroundings teeming with local wildlife
• Several smaller cascades perfect for photography
• Smooth rock formations ideal for sitting and soaking in the scenery
• Clean, clear water that’s safe for swimming
• Natural rock pools of varying depths
• Areas suitable for cliff jumping (for the adventurous!)
• Shallow areas safe for children to wade
• Picnic spots near the water’s edge

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, the ideal time to check out Pahungaw Falls is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. The water flow is just right then – not too intense but still impressive enough for those Instagram-worthy shots. Early morning visits, like around 7-9 AM, are your best bet if you want to avoid both the heat and other visitors.

I’d suggest staying away during the rainy season (June to November) because the trails can get pretty slippery, and the water can turn murky from all the runoff. Plus, there’s always the risk of flash floods during heavy rains. If you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons, try to check the weather forecast a few days ahead.

How to Get There

Getting to Pahungaw Falls is part of the adventure! From Tagbilaran City, you’ll need to catch a bus heading to Candijay. The ride takes about 2.5 hours – bring something to read or just enjoy watching the countryside roll by. Once you reach Candijay proper, hop on a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) that’ll take you to the jump-off point.

From there, it’s about a 15-20 minute trek through some pretty amazing forest scenery. The trail isn’t too challenging, but you’ll definitely want to wear proper shoes – I learned that lesson the hard way when I tried doing it in flip-flops once! Some parts can be steep, but there are usually makeshift handrails to help you along.

Tips for Visiting

Listen up, because these tips will make your visit so much better! First off, wear appropriate footwear – those rocks can be super slippery. I recommend water shoes or sandals with good grip. Bring a dry bag for your electronics – you’ll want to take pictures, but that spray from the falls gets everywhere!

Pack light but bring essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small first aid kit. There aren’t any shops nearby, so come prepared. If you’re planning to swim (and you should!), bring a change of clothes and a towel. Oh, and don’t forget to bring some cash for the entrance fee and guide tip – they’re local folks who help maintain the trails and keep the area clean.

I always tell people to respect the place – pack out what you pack in, stick to marked trails, and listen to your guide’s advice about safe swimming areas. The locals have done an amazing job keeping this place pristine, and we should help keep it that way.

If you’re into photography, morning light creates the best conditions for capturing the falls. The sun position then helps avoid harsh shadows, and you might even catch some morning mist adding a magical touch to your shots.

And here’s a pro tip: bring some local snacks to share with your guide – it’s not necessary, but it’s a friendly gesture that’s always appreciated. When I did this last time, my guide ended up showing me this amazing secret spot for photos that most tourists never get to see!

For families visiting with kids, keep a close eye on them near the water. While there are shallow areas perfect for children to play in, some pools can be quite deep. The rocks can also be slippery, so holding hands with little ones is a good idea.

Remember to give yourself enough time to really enjoy the place – rushing through would be such a shame. I’d recommend planning for at least 2-3 hours at the falls themselves. That way, you can swim, take photos, have a snack, and just soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this incredible natural wonder.

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

Places to Stay Near Pahungaw Falls

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