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ENCHANTED RIVER Location: Barangay Cambatong, Municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur Blogger Note: The Hinatuan River is a river on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It flows into the Pacific Ocean at Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The River is also referred to as the "Enchanted River" by many locals and tourists. The place identified by tourists as "Enchanted River" is 87-meter deep. (Source: Wikipedia) Its deepest point is in Jonathan's Joint at 87 meters while its largest chamber named Mayor's Chamber is at 52 meters. Beyond these points are already unknown and unexplored. The Doc's Door which is an entry point to the Mayor's Chamber is at 42 meters. | View Enchanted |
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The name Enchanted River is very much fitted to this enchanting river where it is located in Brgy. Talisay, Municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Indeed, Surigao del Sur has gems of tourist spots unparalleled in beauty and splendor.
Visiting this place is such a long travel where I came from my vacation base in Cagayan de Oro City which is 8 hours bus travel going to Butuan City and another four hours from Butuan City to Hinatuan town (Surigao del Sur). I stayed overnight in Hinatuan since I arrived there at 1am.
The following day, I rented a habal-habal for P200 where I was just the lone passenger going to Brgy. Cambatong, a kilometer ahead of Enchanted River. The road from Hinatuan going to Cambatong is not cemented though it is not that rough. However, during rainy season, the road is sticky due to its abundance with clay. The transportation going there is only habal-habal but with local arrangement for groups, one can get a van at an affordable price.
The picture above is not one of my taken photos but it has captured the other side of river that is why I grabbed it from a Facebook Account with a link at Enchanted River: The Hidden Paradise!
Having a swim in this river is really a different experience with the crystal clear water where you can have an alternative from the shallow part to the deep portion where fish of different variety come out during feeding. Feeding is done twice in a day and the one I witnessed was at 3:00 P.M. Fish of unidentified species and genus can be seen during feeding with sizes varying from small to big. Multiple divers have reached the bottom. The river is estimated to be 24 meters (81 feet) deep.
There is an entrance fee which they call park’s fee of P30 but the enjoyment one may get is priceless. The park itself has been developed to have more attractions and cottages are available. Guests can prepare barbecue and cook some food stuff. Stores are also available selling basic commodities ideal for picnic and outdoor partying.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Butuan City or Bislig City can be reached by air or sea travel from Manila or Cebu via Cagayan de Oro City or Butuan City. Commercial buses or vans for hire are available, around 4 hours from Butuan City and 6 hours from Davao City. Within Mangagoy go to integrated bus terminal and look for a jeepney that will bring you to Hinatuan Enchanted River.
Your first picture depicts of a detailed underwater shot. You must also be a good diver.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing place. There is somewhat mystery in the river with the fish coming out just during feeding time but all the time they are nowhere to be found.
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