How to Find Ughuban Spring, Bohol
- Natalie Tarin
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
Have you ever gone on a mission to find a place that technically didn't exist on the internet?
During my recent trip to Bohol, a local told me about a place called Ughuban Spring. I checked Google Maps, searched the forums, and found... nothing. No pin, no reviews, just locals posting about their magical spring. Naturally, I had to find it.
I've recently added the pin on Google, but if you want to follow the adventure like mine, don't check Google maps).
If you’re tired of the usual tourist circuits and want a "pre-internet era" adventure where you actually have to talk to people for directions, this is the trip for you. The Journey: From Guindulman to the Mountains
My mission started in Guindulman. I drove toward the City Hall of Garcia Hernandez to get my bearings. Once I reached the town proper, the real adventure began.
As I drove further up the mountain, my phone signal completely vanished. There’s something incredibly refreshing about navigating without a blue dot on a screen. Every few kilometers, I’d stop and ask locals, "Asa mi mo agi padung sa Ughuban Spring?" (Where do we pass to head to to Ughuban Spring?) and they’d point further up into the lush, green hills.
The Secret Navigation Guide (Save This!)
Follow these landmarks carefully:
The Anchor: Look for Cambuyo High School.
The Distance: Drive approximately 100 to 200 meters past the school.
The Visual Marker: Keep your eyes on the road for a distinctive bent-over tree. That tree is your gateway!
The View: From that spot, you’ll see rustic cottages in the distance nestled by the water.
The "Turn Back" Sign: If you reach a mini bridge, you’ve gone too far. Turn around and look for that bent tree again.
Watch the Mission! 🦊Want to see exactly what that bent tree looks like and the moment we finally found the water? [Watch the Ughuban Spring Vlog here!]
How to Get There via Public Transport (From Panglao)
Don't have a private car? You can still make the trek! Here is how to get from the beaches of Panglao to the springs of Garcia Hernandez:
Panglao to Tagbilaran: Take a tricycle or a jeepney to the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City.
Tagbilaran to Garcia Hernandez: Hop on a bus or V-Hire (van) heading East (look for buses bound for Jagna, Guindulman, or Ubay). Tell the driver/conductor to drop you off at the Garcia Hernandez Town Proper.
The Habal-Habal Mission: From the town proper, hire a Habal-Habal (motorcycle taxi). This is the most reliable way to get up the mountain. Tell the driver you are going to Ughuban Spring near Cambuyo High School. They are the local experts!
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Ughuban isn't just a spring; it’s an experience. Because it’s so deep in the mountains, the water is incredibly fresh, clear, and pure. Plus, since it’s not on the main tourist map, you’ll likely have the place to yourself or be sharing it with locals who have known about this secret for generations.
Fox Tip: Since there is zero signal up there, make sure to screenshot this guide and the directions before you head up the mountain!
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