In a little known rustic town in Surigao del Sur, lies a slice of paradise that swept me off my feet the moment I saw it. It is the so-called Enchanted River of Hinatuan. This is the second spot we visit after witnessing the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls
It takes 2 hours to travel from Bislig City before you can reach Hinatuan. It was called “Enchanted” as there are rumors before that this nature spot is guided by an unseen and takes the body of whoever swam on the river. But nowadays, since Enchanted River is known to be one of the best tourist spots in Surigao del Sur, the word enchanted defies its meaning. Because almost weekends and holidays, a lot of people visit this place, crowded may it seems actually.
According to the locals, the river’s depth, particularly the dark blue portion, is estimated to be around 24 meters (80 feet). Gazing for minutes at the enchanting spectacle, I felt some invisible force beckoning me to dive into the deep blue waters.
Aside from that blue lagoon, you can feed various fishes. You can clearly see the fishes in different sizes swimming along with the humans. You can also have a foot spa and enjoy the tickling feeling made by fishes that pluck your dead skin cells.
Enchanted River Rates
Entrance costs only P10 per head, and there are cottages you can rent as well if you’re planning to have a picnic. You can also take a boat ride from the river to Hinatuan Bay. You can swim, snorkel, and even scuba dive there.
How To Get There:
From Davao City, take the bus bound to Surigao del Sur and get off at Hinatuan town. From there, take the habal-habal. You can either wait for other passengers to pay Php 100 only or hire the whole motorcycle for P200-250.
Another way is to join a public tour that offers roundtrip transfer from Davao City to Surigao del Sur and vice versa.
Getting There From Manila:
Bislig City can be reached by air or sea travel from Manila or Cebu via Davao City or Butuan City or Surigao City. Commercial buses or vans for hire are available: 3 to 4 hours from Butuan City or 5 to 6 hours from Davao City. Within Mangagoy go to the Integrated Terminal and rent a jeep that will bring you to Barangay Borboanan, Bislig, Tinuy-an Falls. Single motorcycles are also available between 100-150php per head. From the national highway to Tinuy-an Falls it was around 14kms.
Contacts:
Goring Zarido – City Tourism Office
Mobile Number : +639207168379
Landline Number : (086) 853-6089; (086) 628-2112
Fax Number : (086) 628-2132
Email Address : bisligtourism@yahoo.com.ph
Mr. Almar B. Autida – Bislig Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BGEMCO)
Member, Board of Directors
Mobile Number : +639195954878
Email Address : almar_autida@yahoo.com.ph / hillside_vco@yahoo.com.ph
