IN THE CRATER OF TAAL VOLCANO

Taal Volcano is the most visited volcano in the Philippines, one of the smallest in the world yet the most active. It is indeed small but incredibly terrible. I would say a dream come true for me to set foot in Taal Island and visited this famous site. Although coming here wasn't really expected but we had planned to hike that day.

We supposed to climb Mt. Pamitinan in Rizal, a twin day hike with Mt. Binacayan and a side trip to Wawa Dam. Apparently, there was a storm and continuous rain. But still I was pretty excited to go climb since I have been quiet for months. So to speak, the climb was cancelled right at the moment when I was at the meeting place. *It hurts!

I don't want to waste the day and the mindset was at rambling so I decided right at that moment to visit Taal Volcano. I've been dreaming visiting this place. And I guess that was the perfect day! I still invited them if they wish to come with me since the initial plan is already cancelled.

And when I arrived at the crater, Lo and Behold! The place is really amazing. There is a small island at the crater so somehow you call it "an island within a lake in an island within a lake in an island" or you can simply say an "islandception".

TINUY-AN FALLS OF BISLIG SURIGAO DEL SUR

Tinuy-an Falls is a pride of Bislig City, the Booming City by the Bay and it is an hour ride from Mangagoy, the centre for trade and industry. According to our guide and local tourism officer that we bumped with, this falls is the top pick tourist destination in Surigao del Sur. Enchanted River comes second. It is true enough and had no doubt, this is the widest waterfall in the Philippines that can be compared or actually dubbed as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Well as much as possible I don't feel like our own would stay under the umbrella of world's best. I believe every tourist spot has its unique characteristics and features.

I feel amazed when we arrived here right after Enchanted River. Although the water is not in full burst due to a dry season but still the pride and beauty is there. You shouldn't miss the Bamboo Rafting so you can feel how strong the blast of waters. Also, since it's a white water curtain that flows in three levels. There's a stair made of cement and steel bars with 99 steps (if I'm not mistaken) so you can visit the top view of this falls.

THE ENCHANTED RIVER OF HINATUAN SURIGAO DEL SUR

The Enchanted River is indeed enchanted. Honestly, this is the reason why I came here. I knew this place when I was in college, at first I thought it can be found somewhere around the world but not in the Philippines. And when I learned that it is actually in Mindanao then I promised myself that I should come here, if not today then at least before I die (eeesh)!. Then it was featured through a travel show that makes me really enthusiastic to visit this place. Now Enchanted River is making its name in the world. One of the top places to visit not just in Surigao del Sur but in Mindanao. 

It is situated in Brgy. Talisay in Hinatuan. There is a lot of stories about this place but whatever they are, all I know is this place is magical. A pure crystalline blue and green water that is mixed with sea water. And I heard that a lot of divers attempted to measure the depth of this magical river, even foreign divers visited this place for the probe but turned out failure. 

BISLIG CITY: THE BOOMING CITY BY THE BAY

Bislig City is situated at the easternmost part of Surigao del Sur. It is now making its name as one of the sought after destinations in the country. One of the spots that can be found here is the Tinuy-an Falls that is dubbed as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Bislig City has 24 Barangays, and Mangagoy is the biggest among others and it is the center of trade and industry. It's a "little city within a city" that's why if you are researching about this place you often read Mangagoy rather than Bislig. 

There is no really difference between the two, except Bislig is the City and Mangagoy is just one of the barangays. However, most of the inns and hostels and other establishments are situated in Mangagoy which makes this place the center for commerce. Therefore, if you are planning to visit here, you can just simply say Mangagoy instead of Bislig.