ENCHANTED RIVER IN HINATUAN , SURIGAO DEL SUR

Hinatuan Enchanted River

HINATUAN ENCHANTED RIVER, SURIGAO DEL SUR

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Not many rivers give out a perfect hue of turquoise underneath its see-through water. Generally, if you speak of a river, you talk of color that directly reflects its environment such as dark brown, lush green, or bright blue. If it does, it has got to be the “Enchanted River” of Hinatuan.

What is the Hinatuan Enchanted River?

Tucked in between the boundaries of two barangays, Cambatong and Talisay, at 14 kilometers away from the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the Hinatuan Enchanted River is a saltwater river which directly links with the Pacific Ocean. However, with a length that shortens in comparison to other rivers, the “Enchanted River’s” moniker as a “river” is disputed.

To date, scientists are still puzzled where the waters of the Hinatuan Enchanted River are coming from and whose mystery is further fueled by the myths and legends of the river. One prominent folklore of the natives includes the idea that mermaids and other cryptids are overseers of the “river.”

A Place Worthy of Spectacle

There are plenty of ways you could describe a river: its backdrop, its physical attributes, and its unique features. If you have already encountered Hinatuan Enchanted River, I’m sure you can attest that it hits all the right angles for description.

Although the striking clarity and coloration of the Hinatuan Enchanted River is undeniably the main stunner and highlight of the place, there are also lovely things that can be said to the setting which surrounds it.

Primarily, it speaks of its location in large vegetation which covers it in most directions. But what is striking in this picture is that the most conspicuous turquoise-colored part of the river is not affected by the verdant color of the plants at all, which is somewhat ironic. However, the farther waters of the river are not as immutable given their submission to color change which depicts a coloration of green at daytime.

What to Do in the Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

It may seem like a letdown for some people, but not all areas of the river are allowed for swimming. To preserve the river and the ecosystem that thrives in it, the scientists and researchers of the place suggested that the presence of too many human activities in the water might be disrupting the life in the waters itself. The clear water of the Hinatuan Enchanted River would easily be a display to it, given the cornucopia of fishes in its water.

However, this does not mean that there are no water activities taking place in the Enchanted River—there are, like swimming and feeding of fish. But it might imply doing so quite far from the most protected part of the river where much aquatic life thrives.

If you are keen on feeding the fishes, there is a regular fish feeding session that happens in the area every noon which lasts for only 5 minutes.

On the other hand, if you are thinking of swimming in the Hinatuan Enchanted River, you will be required to wear swimming vests every time. For a river that reaches 80 feet deep, the Enchanted River is not shallow and is thus might pose a hazard to people.

How to get to Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

The fastest way to get to Hinatuan Enchanted River is through Bancasi Airport in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are both serving the said airport.

From Bancasi Airport take a multicab to get to Butuan Bus terminal.

From Butuan Bus terminal, take a bus bound for Bislig, inform the driver to drop you off to the Hinatuan Terminal. Travel time for this route is 5-7 hours and fare is approximately PHP 200/head.

From Hinatuan Terminal, take a habal-habal to bring you to the Hinatuan Enchanted River. The fare for the two-way trip would cost at around PHP 300 right for two pax. Travel time for this route would take at approximately 30 minutes.

Hinatuan Enchanted River Fees

Entrance Fee: Adult – P40 | Children 4Ft and below – P15 | Senior Citizen – P34
Environmental Fee – P10 (additional fee)
Parking Fee – P20

Cottages:

Kubo – P200 (good for 15 pax)
Nipa Hut (6pax) – P150 (good for 6 pax)
Umbrella (4pax) – P100 (good for 4 pax)

Life vest Rental – P15/hr

Where to Stay in Bislig

When visiting Hinatuan Enchanted River, you will be staying in Bislig.

For your place to stay, kindly check on these various properties by clicking on the links. You can compare prices and choose which one fits your budget. You can also directly book your room from the site.

Enchanted River Rock Island Resort, Bislig, Philippines

Paper Country Inn

Nus bnb, Bislig, Philippines

Rooftop unwind

Mt Zion Farm House Exclusive Entire Farm ALL IN

Hinatuan Enchanted River Travel Tips

There are toilets and baths at the Hinatuan Enchanted River area.
It would be best to bring your own food when visiting the Hinatuan Enchanted River.
The travel could belong, so it would be best to wear your comfy attire, and just bring a small bag for your personal needs especially if you will be traveling via habal-habal.
Sunscreen is a must.
You can ask your habal-habal driver how much it would cost you if you wish to visit the Tinuy-an Falls, another famous destination of the place.