About Arnie: 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.

Well, thank goodness I have witnessed this beautiful place right before my eyes. I couldn't give you enough words to express how I felt when I was here. This place should be on your bucket list.

The entrance fee to the river is 50 PHP and you can also rent cottages starting at 50 PHP. This place is packed with fresh sea food for lunch which you can ask any kind of cook you want, just like dampa. However, I suggest to visit Sibadan Fish Cage (soon to be posted here).

HOW TO GET HERE:

The initial point is at Mangagoy, ride tricycle and tell them to bring you to bus or van terminal. Then ride bus or van bound to Butuan, tell the conductor to drop you off at Hinatuan particularly at Enchanted River. I would say all drivers know where is this place so they should be able to drop you at exact place. Then from there, you surely find habal-habal that would bring you to this river.

Otherwise, if you are looking for a real adventure like we did. We have hired a habal-habal at Mangagoy at 1,200 PHP and it's already a package of both Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls. It's fare deal, if you chose with commuting you will save 200 PHP. And that's what I thought, we grabbed this long motorcycle for a hassle free of waiting for the van to depart and arrive plus the adventure.

If you have chosen with taking habal-habal you can contact Kuya Loloy at 0948-575-0496. He is a great and safe driver. Ask him and he has the answer. Let him know what time you will be picked up at the hotel and he is on time.

These pictures are all taken with an SJCAM4000 action-packed camera. I usually bring DSLR for better photos, but this time I am only armed with this tiny camera. Sadly I can't afford with GoPro so I hope this is enough to bring you good photos.