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WHERE: Enchanted River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is a unique river here in the Philippines! Its unknown depth gives it the deep sky blue color.
2. It's perfect for swimming! There are parts that become shallow during low tide and rentals of life vests are available.
FEES:
P10.00 entrance fee
BEST TIME TO GO: 12:00-1:00 pm for the fish feeding (note: no swimming allowed during fish feeding) This is when the water gets very very clear, too!
DESCRIPTION:
Enchanted River is found in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is called "enchanted" because no one has ever reached its bottom. Many people, including scuba divers, have tried reaching for the bottom but have failed, hence the legend of its bottomless pit. Moreover, locals share that NOBODY has been successful in catching the fish in this river, whether by hand or by spear.
They say its bluish color is a result of its depth and the water clarity changes throughout the day. At around 12:00 nn, the water becomes clearer and even more majestic. Once the bell is rung at noon, the people swimming get out of the water and the fish start appearing to enjoy a feast. Fish feeding is done daily and serves as entertainment most especially for the locals during weekends.
Once inaccessible by vehicle, there are roads now that lead you right at the entrance to this river. Huts, tables and chairs are available for picnic and there are souvenir shops and stalls right across the entrance.
They say its bluish color is a result of its depth and the water clarity changes throughout the day. At around 12:00 nn, the water becomes clearer and even more majestic. Once the bell is rung at noon, the people swimming get out of the water and the fish start appearing to enjoy a feast. Fish feeding is done daily and serves as entertainment most especially for the locals during weekends.
Once inaccessible by vehicle, there are roads now that lead you right at the entrance to this river. Huts, tables and chairs are available for picnic and there are souvenir shops and stalls right across the entrance.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) from Manila. From Butuan, ride a jeep/ bus going to Bislig and ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan terminal. From there, you can ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) for P35/ head/ one way going to the Enchanted River. You can also hire a van which will take you directly to the site (contact # of our driver below).
CONTACTS:Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Officer) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com
Engineer Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph
Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854
*we paid P5,000 for the van (driver & gas included) for one day (from Butuan to Surigao del Sur)
CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson):
+63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ +63 85 2259089/ caragatravel@yahoo.com
Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales St., Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)
i missed this place.. i just pass by Hinatuan, when i was traveling to Mangagoy, Bislig.. maybe next time around.
ReplyDeleteI've been traveling a lot but I have never been to any part of Mindanao yet... I'll make sure that this one is part of my list for my first Mindanao visit. Thanks for the pictures and info. :-)
ReplyDeletegoing there very soon. so excited to experience the fun and thrill there. =))
ReplyDeletei wanna go back in that place... i miss enchanted river.
ReplyDeleteI superb like it,the cool water amazed me.
ReplyDeletewhat happen after the bagyong pablo,,isa yan s iniisip q,,sayang nmn qng mwwask
ReplyDeleteI am a Bachelor of Science in Travel Management student and our major Teacher instructed as to create a project that will promote one tourist spot of our country. And I decided that the Enchanted River is the perfect tourist spot to promote. :-)
ReplyDeletewe will be there this coming Feb. 16 --wooop hoopp !!!!!!!!! so excited!!!!
ReplyDelete