Climbing TAPP: A Budget-Friendly Escape into Bohol’s Beauty
The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP)
“From golden hills to crystal waters — another birthday adventure.”
Our main goal was simple — to finally climb Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) in Bohol, a trail we had only seen on social media. Every time we scrolled past pictures of its endless green hills and wide, open views, we couldn’t help but feel a bit envious of those who had already been there. So, we decided to make it real.
With our bags packed and trail shoes ready, we set out — not just to hike, but to finally experience the raw beauty we had only admired from our screens. And by pure coincidence, the trip landed on my birth month, making it feel even more special.
What followed was a journey full of golden trails, quiet moments, unexpected laughs, and a refreshing side trip to Can-umantad Falls — a perfect cool-down after reaching the summit. This time, our hearts (and feet) led us to the serene countryside of Bohol, to climb the scenic Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP) and later cool off in the majestic Can-umantad Falls.
From Cebu to Bohol: The Journey Begins
Our trip started on a sunny morning at Hilton Port in Punta Engaño, Cebu. What made the trip even more exciting (and a bit crazy) was that we hadn’t even slept yet from our previous night shift. But that didn’t stop us. At 10:00 AM, we hopped on a ferry bound for Getafe, Bohol, and after two hours of sea breeze and ocean views, we arrived around noon. The ₱350 fare was reasonable — but bringing our motorcycle cost a jaw-dropping ₱1,000 one way! Definitely not the most budget-friendly choice, but we were happy to have our own ride.
From the port, the three of us squeezed onto the motorcycle (yes — three!) and hit the road, wind rushing past our faces. Along the way, we made a quick detour to the famous Chocolate Hills. The ride there was both exciting and a little nerve-racking, especially with all three of us on one bike and no helmets. We were lucky there were no checkpoints that day. The view from the hills was stunning — hundreds of perfectly shaped mounds stretching across the landscape like a giant’s playground. Of course, we grabbed some souvenirs to remember the stop.
As the sun started dipping lower, we rode toward Alicia. With no online bookings, we relied on luck — and it paid off. We found a cozy hostel just a few kilometers from the TAPP jump-off, only ₱400 per person. Clean rooms, friendly locals, and the perfect location made it feel like a jackpot. The owner even offered us free dinner hahaha.
A Facebook Find: Our Guide, Rowen
That night, while scrolling through Facebook for a local guide, we discovered Rowen Curan — a friendly and highly recommended local from Alicia. He quickly responded to our message and agreed to meet us early the next morning. His guide fee was ₱300, which already covered up to 5 people — great for our group of three.
Rowen was not only our guide — he turned out to be our photographer-extraordinaire! With a great eye for angles and lighting, he snapped dozens of amazing photos during the hike. We joked that he should charge a “picture-perfect fee” too!
The TAPP Experience: Two Hours of Pure Beauty
The trail to the summit of TAPP was a mix of rolling hills, narrow dirt paths, and a few steep climbs. It wasn’t too technical, but it definitely made us sweat! It took about 2 hours to reach the summit, with plenty of stops for pictures and water breaks along the way.
When we finally reached the top, it felt like we were standing on the edge of the world. The view was a breathtaking 360-degree panorama — layers of green hills stretching far into the distance, meeting a sky so wide it made you feel small in the best way. The wind was cool and strong up there, brushing our tired faces and refreshing our spirits. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely worth every step.
Side Trip to Can-umantad Falls
After the hike, our legs were tired and the sun was high — perfect timing for a swim. Rowen recommended a nearby waterfall, just 20 to 30 minutes away by motorcycle: Can-umantad Falls in Candijay.
When we arrived, we were amazed. Can-umantad Falls is the tallest waterfall in Bohol, standing around 60 feet high, cascading beautifully over limestone rocks into a clear, turquoise basin. The sound of the rushing water was loud but calming, and the air around the falls was cool and misty — like nature’s own aircon.
Surrounded by lush greenery and rice terraces, the falls felt like a hidden paradise. There were small pools for swimming, shallow enough for relaxing but deep enough for a good splash. Some locals told us you could even swim behind the falls into a small natural cave — how cool is that?
The entrance fee was just ₱20 per adult, and there were comfort rooms, changing areas, and picnic tables available. It was the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the view, and reflect on the day’s adventure.
This trip wasn’t perfect — we were running on zero sleep, squeezed on one motorcycle, and definitely not following a budget-friendly plan. But it was real. It was beautiful. And it gave us something social media never could: the feeling of actually being there.
Our pockets were budget-damaged, for sure — but we traveled home with hundreds of photos and the kind of happiness that comes only from experiencing Bohol in a totally impulsive, no-plan, just-go kind of way.
💡 Travel Tips:
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Avoid hiking late in the morning — the trail is exposed and gets very hot.
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Use Facebook to find local guides — we highly recommend Rowen Curan.
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If you're on a budget, skip bringing your own motorcycle and rent locally.
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Pack light but smart — bring water, snacks, sun protection, and extra clothes for swimming.
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Don’t miss Can-umantad Falls — it’s a refreshing reward after the hike!
Alicia’s golden hills and Can-umantad’s refreshing waters reminded us why we chase adventures — to feel alive, to see the world with new eyes, and to create memories we’ll never forget.
