ENCHANTED RIVER

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

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.

An illustrative depthness of Enchanted River from the link Enchanted River: The Hidden Paradise!

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.

TINUY-AN WATER FALLS

A distant picture of the first level of Tinuy-an Water Falls

It was so rewarding to visit this majestic Tinuy-an Water Falls which is situated in the forest of Borboanan in the outskirts of Bislig City of the province of Surigao del Sur. This falls is approximately 95 meters wide and 55 meters high and is dubbed as the “The Little Niagara Falls” of the Philippines. Tinuy-an is one of the most visited tourist spots in Caraga region being known for its wondrous white water that curtains and flows in three different levels and is said to be one of the widest waterfalls in the country.

The second level of the water falls

From the town of Mangagoy, this can be reached through a chartered habal-habal, as the locals call a single motor bike for P250 round trip. The driver can wait for you while you are enjoying the place and it all depends if you will give additional payment. After all, they have no fixed rates for this kind of transaction as long as you provide them the food. If you are in big group, you can charter van at affordable price. You can ask some assistance from your lodging house owner. Accredited local guides are also available within the area where charging will depend on your kindness. They can take you pictures and accompany you till to the third level of the falls. If you want to ride in the raft, you will be charged for P100 per head and the environment fee is only at P20. To minimize my accommodation expenses, I stayed overnight in Saint Francis Lodging House at P100 per night in Mangagoy proper. This is my second time to be in this town.

Taken upon arrival from the main entrance

The place itself pride giant and centuries-old, mossy trees and varieties of green ferns and brown vines which enclose the water falls. This is a superb treat for bird watching enthusiasts and nature photographers. Since the falls is multi-layered, there are three natural swimming pools to swim around. The paths to these pools have already been established and getting there is never a problem at all.

A photo shot taken midpoint from the main entrance

Bislig City can be reached by air or sea travel from Manila via Davao City or Butuan City or Surigao City. The easiest way to get to Bislig City is to take the direct flight from Cebu City during Mondays and Thursdays (Yes, a commercial airline is currently offering this service). Commercial buses or vans for hire are available: 3 to 4 hours from Butuan City or 5 to 6 hours from Davao City. When in Mangagoy, head over to the Integrated Terminal and rent a jeep or van which will take you directly to Tinuy-an Falls. While I personally reach this water falls coming from Cagayan de Oro City which is 8 hours away from Butuan City.

Another shot taken on the second level of the falls

HOW TO GET THERE

BY AIR

You have the option to book with major airlines with direct daily flights from either (1) Manila to Surigao City, (2) Manila to Butuan City of Agusan del Norte or (3) Davao City. One can also have a flight from Cebu to Surigao City.

BY SEA

Inter-island vessels like the Super-ferry and Sulpicio Lines serves the Manila-Butuan or Cebu Butuan routes on regular schedules with Nasipit Port as transit point. Aircon vans are available at the port area or take a jeepney to the city terminal for the regular bus trips going to Mangagoy in Bislig City.

BY LAND

From Butuan City. Ride in a bus (non-aircon) bound to Mangagoy (Bislig City)- 5-hour travel. In Mangagoy, go to the tricycle/habal-habal terminal in the market – there you can hire a habal-habal for P250 to P350 (depending on your haggling skills) - back and forth including waiting time. Travel time is less than 1 hour.

You can also ride in an air-con bus bound to Davao City- that’s 2-hour travel, get-off at San Francisco terminal and transfer to non-air-con bus or van bound to Mangagoy. Then follow instructions above.

For group tour (minimum of 5-6 pax) better to hire an air-conditioned van from Butuan City as the cost is quite close or much cheaper, less time consuming/tiring.

From Surigao City. Ride in a bus/van bound to Butuan City- 3-hour travel. At Butuan City Bus Terminal, ride in a bus bound to Mangagoy (Bislig City). Then follow instructions above.

You may also ride in an AC or non-AC Bus in Surigao bus terminal bound to Davao City then get-off in San Francisco. Then follow instructions above.

From Davao City. There are non air-conditioned buses in Davao Ecoland Terminal directly bound to Mangagoy in Bislig City. Travel time is more or less 6 hours. Another option is you can ride in an air-con bus going to Butuan City, get-off at San Francisco Terminal and ride in a bus or van going to Mangagoy. Then follow instructions above.