Candijay is a peaceful town situated along the eastern coast of Bohol. It is a good place for eco-tours. Aside from the majestic Can-umantad falls, its vast mangrove forest plays host to a steady stream of visitors. The Candijay Mangrove Forest is in Barangay Panadtaran whose mangrove area extends to 1,472 hectares. It is the most diverse in the country and boast of at least 36 mangrove species; the oldest trees being centuries old.

Candijay is located at the eastern side of Bohol about 92.2 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, a two-hour ride away. The name of the town is said to have been derived from Kang Dihay, which means belonging to Dihay, a strong man with many followers. In time, the name was changed to Candijay. The town was organized during the Spanish regime and was then one of the 34 towns in the province in 1879.

The town faces Cogtong Bay which has the most diverse mangrove ecosystem in Bohol. The Bay is home to 32 of the Philippines’ 47 species of mangroves and associates.

Candijay has a vast array of natural resources. One is the Can-umantad Falls, located at barrio Can-umantad, Candijay, Bohol, a tourist destination in the Philippine archipelago. The falls lies 10 kilometers from the town’s main road. The trek to the falls, known as the Can-umantad Trail, is long and tricky. One walks for through a tangle of trails, cross river beds, scramble up boulders, climb hills and more. The trek is strenuous, especially to the inexperienced, yet very challenging and rewarding at the same time.

 

Other tourist attractions are the Tunigongan Rice Terraces and the Candijay Mangrove Forests in Panadtaran. The Candijay Mangrove Adventure Tour is another option available to visitors who want to experience Bohol’s rich and varied terrain. The thick mangrove forests partnered with trips thru the emerald winding rivers own a big slice in the tourism pie. The boardwalk enables one to observe the marine and wildlife habitat up close.

Aside from the bakauans (mangroves), the tour will take you to the thick Nipa palm groves. The fruit of the nipa palm is processed and made into the delicious “kaong” which is a delicious addition to the tropical fruit salad.

River cruises are also offered on Candijay’s rivers Cabadian, Matulid and Sagomay while being serenaded by the community’s best musicians. While on tour, the tour guides impart information about the mangroves: their uses, the different species and their scientific names, and the varied marine and wildlife that they shelter. Along the river, one will encounter the locals in their inherent search for food by the gathering of clams and crabs, and fishing. The trip is really an eye-opener; a true “eco-tour” where one will observe how life goes on in the Panadtaran area and how the locals co-exist with their environment.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

Bohol Philippines Travel Guide