Learn everything you need to know to visit Mag-Aso Falls, a scenic waterfall in the municipality of Antequera on the island of Bohol, Philippines.
Nestled amidst lush tropical forests, this picturesque waterfall is approximately 20 meters (65 feet) high and cascades into a clear, turquoise pool that is great for swimming.
Below I’ll teach you everything you need to know to visit this waterfall, including how to get there, what to expect, and updated costs.
Overview & Things to Know
- Location: Mag-Aso Falls is located in Antequera, approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Tagbilaran City or 35 km (22 miles) from Panglao Island, taking roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
- Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee of PHP 50 per person.
- Accessibility: The falls are accessible via a short hike down a series of steps, which can be slippery when wet but a very easy walk for most.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mag-Aso Falls is during the dry season (November to May) when the water is clear, and the flow is moderate and not too powerful.
Did you know: The name "Mag-Aso" is derived from the Visayan word "aso," which means smoke, referring to the mist that rises from the falls, giving it a magical, smoky appearance.
How to Get to Mag-Aso Falls
Mag-Aso falls is located close to the small township of Antequera. The best way to get to Mag-Aso and Antequera from Panglao or Tagbilaran is to rent a moped. There are several places that would be happy to rent one to you between 300-500 PHP per day.
For those who want private transport, there are tricycle drivers in Panglao or Tagbilaran that will take you to Mag Aso Falls. Expect to pay anywhere between 300 to 600 PHP for the return trip. I recommend bartering to ensure you get a decent price.
Tip: Renting your own moped gives you the freedom to explore Bohol at your own pace and is usually the cheapest option. You can also add in additional stops like the Tarsier Conservation Area.
My Experience at Mag-Aso Falls & What to Expect
Once we arrived at the car park, we immediately noticed the small ticket hut at the entrance to the path. We paid the ticket price (currently 50 pesos) and followed the worn path down the gorge until we reached the turquoise water pool and waterfall.
The steps leading down to the waterfall are man-made out of concrete, so it is very easy but can be slippery. Overall it took us about 15 minutes to reach the waterfall from the parking lot.
Once we arrived we noticed a wide, clear pool and a double-tiered waterfall.
Swimming and jumping
The water is perfect for swimming on a hot day. On the right side of the pool you will also notice a rope that allows you to climb to a jump spot. The height for this jump is roughly 5 metres.
Climbing to the top of the waterfall
In the drier seasons, Mag-Aso Falls is a smaller and timider waterfall. If conditions are right, you can climb up the short fall and check out the view from the top.
There is also a gorge running from the waterfall with views of the epic turquoise river feeding the falls. We climbed up the side as well and tried to cliff jump. It's possible but the pool was kind of shallow. I recommend doing a depth check before trying.
I hope you've enjoyed this quick practical travel guide! For more, check out my Philippines guides below.
- Siargao Travel Guide - discover the epic island of Siargao and why there are so many more things to do than just surfing
- Cebu Island Travel Guide - my ultimate adventure travel guide to Cebu
- Siquijor Island Guide - off-beat adventures in Siquijor
- Kawasan Falls - how to visit the Philippines' most famous waterfall
- 10 Best Islands in the Philippines - a roundup of my 10 favorite islands to travel to in the Philippines
- Accommodation Guides: Plan where to stay in Siargao and find great hotels in Cebu
