Kan-Untol Falls in Amlan was such an unexpected surprise! We’d never even heard of this waterfall, and were on our way to Pasalan Falls when we stumbled across this beauty. Along the same river as Pasalan Falls, Kan-Untol Falls is tucked around a corner, not 5 minutes from where you park and begin the hike. If you think the hike to Pasalan Falls might be a bit too hectic for you, Kan-Untol Falls is a great alternative. Keep reading on for everything you need to know about this awesome little waterfall in Amlan.
READ: 23 EPIC WATERFALLS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
HOW TO GET TO KAN-UNTOL FALLS
Kan-Untol Falls is hidden away in the mountains of Amlan, a little town just outside of Dumaguete City. Amlan proper is only around 30 minutes from downtown Dumaguete, however Kan-Untol Falls is another 45 minutes to an hour from the main highway. The road to this waterfall is one of the worst we’ve driven, and should only be attempted by confident drivers. You’ll need a motorbike to reach the falls, not a car, and if there’s two of you on one bike it’ll need to have more power than an XRM.
Google Maps has a habit of leading people astray to Kan-Untol Falls, so we recommend putting in directions for Cantalina Falls. Instead of turning right off the main road to Cantalina Falls, just follow the road straight until it goes from cement to rocks, dirt and potholes. Lots of potholes. This road will take you all the way to the power plant.
To reach Kan-Untol Falls, you’ll need to pass through the private property of the Amlan Hydroelectric Power Plant. After a long and bumpy ride, we reached the guarded entrance of the power plant and told the guard we were just passing through to get to the waterfalls. We’re pretty sure as long as you state your purpose, they’ll let you in, but it might be worthwhile checking with Amlan Tourism before you drive all the way there.
After reaching the power plant entrance, it was still another 10 minutes of painstaking driving before we were able to park and start the hike. The first challenge is making it over the wall, but after that it’s pretty much a straight shot upriver to Kan-Untol Falls.
You’ll have to trek upriver and over some boulders for about 5 – 10 minutes before you the falls. It’s a stunning hike and there are heaps of little swimming holes along the way. The rocks are orange thanks to the sulphuric properties in the water, so we don’t recommend drinking it but its perfectly safe (and supposedly beneficial) to swim in.
OUR EXPERIENCE AT KAN-UNTOL FALLS
Like we mentioned earlier, we really weren’t expecting to see Kan-Untol Falls. We were there for Pasalan Falls, and our local friends didn’t mention there was another waterfall on the way there. So when Kan-Untol Falls appeared out of no where, we were pleasantly surprised. If Pasalan Falls wasn’t so damn humongous, Kan-Untol would be plenty big enough to be the main attraction.
We didn’t stop here for very long, as we were on a mission to find Pasalan Falls. Kan-Untol Falls may not be the main drawcard, but it was definitely a huge plus. After 10 minutes here, we continued our trek upriver to Pasalan Falls. If you wan’t to read about that crazy adventure, you can check it out here.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR KAN-UNTOL FALLS
Most people who visit Negros Oriental are told to stay in Dumaguete, but what they really mean by that is stay around Dumaguete. True, Dumaguete City has plenty of tourist inns and budget hotels, but it’s the surrounding towns of Dauin and Zamboanguita that offer the best spots to stay. There’s not a whole lot to do in the city itself, so when you stay in the nearby municipalities there’s plenty of nature to explore whilst still being nice and close to Dumaguete City. Check out our top picks for accommodation near Dumaguete City.
LUXURY: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Dauin
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin is the resort to stay at if you’ve got a big budget and fancy the finer things in life. Atmosphere has hosted its fair share of local celebrities and deep pocketed divers looking for the best beachfront luxury in Dauin.
MIDSCALE: Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort, Dauin
If you want to stay by the ocean without breaking the bank, Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort in Dauin is a comfortable midscale accommodation option perfect for diving enthusiasts. If you’ve never dived before, you can get your certification at Mike’s, and divers of all skill sets can enjoy the abundance of macro diving opportunities in and around Dauin.
BUDGET: Bongo Bongo Divers, Dauin
Bongo Bongo Divers is one of the most popular hostels in Dauin for backpackers looking for cheap accommodation in a convenient location. The rooms are simple, without any glitz and glam, but the vibe is fun and welcoming. They have a variety of room styles to choose from, ranging from couples rooms to AC or fan only dorms.
AIRBNB: Villa Amani, Zamboanguita
Villa Amani in Zamboanguita is the perfect holiday home for small families or groups of friends looking for privacy that a traditional resort or hotel can’t offer. The main house sleeps 4 with additional space for 2 in the guest house, or you can book the guest house separately if it’s just the 2 of you and you’re on a budget. The property has a swimming pool, an unbeatable view of Apo Island and kayaks to use whenever you want.
MORE NEGROS ORIENTAL GUIDES:
Pasalan Falls, Amlan
Cantalina Falls, Amlan
Naparil Waterfall, Amlan
Palaypay Falls, Pamplona
Bin Bin Falls, Bayawan
Niludhan Falls, Bayawan
Casaroro Falls, Valencia
