Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, and Canawa Spring: A Travel Guide to Candijay, Bohol
The sun was almost touching the horizon. Its angle had caused the trees to cast stretched shadows on the surface. It radiated less heat. The alternating shade and exposure gave me a comforting mix of chill and warmth as I traversed the highlands of Candijay on a motorbike.
The setting sun seemed conducive to a long, uncovered motorcycle ride. However, despite the favorable condition, I couldn’t not rule out the possibility of running out of time. I have three destinations on my list: Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, and Canawa Cold Spring. I was afraid that I could not cover all three.
Miscalculation did cause the deviation of the plan. The late departure and arrival of the fast craft I took from Cebu, the time lost for waiting other passengers at Tagbilaran’s public transport terminal, and the influx of the crowd in various locations further caused the delay.
I also never expected for the bus to eat 3 hours of travel time. That day, all the odds were against me.
I did not raise a white flag though. I pursued my quest and accepted to the fact that I could miss one of my goals that afternoon.
Stunned at Can-umantad Falls
We arrived at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces first. I was so excited to cross the field. With my carelessness, I accidentally buried my feet in the mud. Kuya suggested to wash at the waterfalls, so we immediately headed to Can-umantad Falls and decided to return after.
The two-tier cascade and the strong downstream flow created deep, aquamarine pools that are perfect to relieve the summer heat.
Guides were provided for the safety of the guests.
Marveled at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
We returned to Cadapdapan just in time for sunset. At the golden, the real beauty of the terraces got unleashed.
Lush vegetation decorated the stunning, flat surfaces on the slopes of Cadapdapan, as if they were cut and created by the gods.
It wasn’t all about effective farming, but a showcase of artistry and agricultural engineering.
Skipped Canawa Cold Spring, For Now
We had no time for Canawa Spring, so I agreed skip it. However, I made a promise to return to Candijay to experience it.
Tour Fees and Other Expenses
The cost for the motorcycle ride is 100 pesos per head for each way. You can haggle it to 300 pesos for the round trip tour for two persons. The tour only includes Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and Can-Umantad Falls.
If you want to visit Canawa Spring, you need to add 100 pesos on top of the 300-peso package.
Candijay collects 20 pesos as entrance or environmental fee. The property owner of Cadapdapan Rice Terraces collects another 20 pesos.
How to Get There
From Manila, take a flight to Tagbilaran City. From Tagbilaran Airport, you may take the airport shuttle to get to the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) in Barangay Dao.
From Cebu, take a ferry to either Tagbilaran or Tubigon, and then take any public transport to IBT in Barangay Dao.
Ferries to Tagbilaran, Bohol are also available from Dumaguete and Siquijor.
From Tagbilaran City’s Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT), take a bus or van to Candijay or any bus that will pass Candijay, such as Ubay (via Jagna) or Alicia, and then ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Mercado Candijay. Travel time is two to three hours and may cost you up to 200 pesos, depending on the type of public transport you take.
Tips, Notes, and Reminders
- Candijay is two to three hours away from Tagbilaran. To make the most of your visit, book your stay in either Candijay town proper or any beach property in Anda.
- Nearby areas of interest are Cabagnow Cave Pool and Anda de Boracay.
- Visit Canawa Spring first, and then explore Can-Umantad Falls next. Do Cadapdapan Rice Terraces last. I suggest you wait for the sunset.
- If you still need to return to Tagbilaran, take note of the last bus trip. The last bus may pass Candijay between 6:30PM to 07:00PM. If you won’t be able to catch your ride home, then you can stay at any humble accommodations in Anda.
- There’s no cellular signal in Cadapdapan and Can-umantad.