Hinatuan – a municipality located at the eastern region of Surigao del Sur, is widely known throughout the archipelago as home to the mystifying “Enchanted River”. A river where both scientific and mythical explanations of it’s sudden emergence are both still debateable and arguably confusing.
Explorations on the said river reveal an underwater cave with several tunnels that extend to more than 80 meters (and counting). Most of it is still unexplored as it’s unstable underwater current and narrow passageways present a difficult situation for even the most experienced divers. The river, despite having saltwater from the Pacific doesn’t seem too much of a burden for the eyes. This is probably because of some freshwater spring that mixes it below. Whatever the explanation – the crystal blue waters and seemingly unexplained clarity of the river is undeniable.
Despite the frightening background and the legendary creatures that guard the area, it is already a prime destination even for locals at Hinatuan. One couldn’t be blamed for plunging in and be mesmerized by it’s unique shade and it’s surreal feel. We ourselves, swam for like two straight hours just feeling the cool waters and looking at it’s jaw-dropping depth.
And if you think that’s all Hinatuan offers you, then you’re surely mistaken. Hinatuan Bay offers you a wide variety of seafood as well – from shells, crabs, local fishes, and a lot more to fill that tummy of yours! So before you guys get bored of details, hop on and rediscover Hinatuan!
HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transport
- Take a plane to Butuan City’s Bancasi airport.
- From the airport, you have the following choices
- Find a van that will go directly to Hinatuan, you could also take vans going to Bislig and tell them to drop you off at Hinatuan.
- Take a trike or minivan to Butuan City Bus Terminal. Take buses going Mangagoy (Bislig) and tell them to drop you off at Hinatuan.
- Take a trike or minivan to Butuan City Bus Terminal. Take vans from the terminal going to Hinatuan. (this is the only option when no more vans are at the airport)
- From Hinatuan, take a habal-habal going to the Enchanted River. You could also rent vans if you are in a large group.
****Take note that you could also visit nearby towns like Bislig and Britanya from Hinatuan. It’s possible to do them in a day but I recommend you take 1 day per location as you don’t want to fast track the best moments right? I’ll be blogging about “Bislig” and “Britannia” in a short while 🙂
WHERE TO STAY
Though there are lots of hotels and backpacking accommodations at Hinatuan, I’ll take the liberty to recommend Hinatuan Hometel – owned and managed by kuya Glenn. They offer cheap room rates – considering they’re fully air conditioned and have relatively new facilities as well. The best thing though? Glenn is a chef! He’ll cook you mouth-watering cuisines featuring Hinatuan’s freshly catched seafood delicacies!
Mobile: +639776944497
Facebook: @hinatuanhometel
Crabilicious!
THE BUDGET
- Habal-habal from Hinatuan proper to Enchanted River: 450php roundtrip (good for 2 pax)
- Enchanted River Entrance Fee: 30php ea
- Cottages: 100php to 200php (good for 5 to 10pax)
- Hinatuan Island Hopping: 150php per hour per boat (good from 4-6 pax)
REMINDERS
- Enchanted River opens at 5am but swimming starts at 7am.
- It is recommended to go here early especially on the weekends as it gets crowdy pretty fast 🙂
- If you aren’t a good swimmer, rent life vests. Regardless, remember to stretch those muscles!
TOURING HINATUAN
The Enchanted River
The Enchanted River is an icon of Hinatuan. Blessed with these mystic waters and natural beauty, it’s a perfect spot for fun, relaxation, and craziness in one! Take note that they do offer Island hopping to Hinatuan Bay from here as well. 🙂
The ocean blue color of the river’s central area shows it’s frightening yet enticing depth!
Diving closer to the edge takes us to another dimension of combined fear and beauty…
And daring these deep waters welcome you with upstream currents together with our fish friends!
And here’s another perspective of that jaw dropping darkness.
These clear waters are great for surreal photo shoots from time to time….
And I guess it will take a while before we stop taking them. Hahaha!
What’s up my fish buddies?
Tagging along the shallow areas where fishes enjoy the sun’s rays.
Still wonder why it’s moniker-ed “Enchanted”?
Libuacan
A great sidetrip at Hinatuan after a death-defying swim on the Enchanted River would be the Libuacan fresh water spring. It’s a popular hang-out for locals. No entrance fee needed. Just your kind donation and your extreme care will do. Special thanks to Gem Gutierrez and Katrina Katipunan for these wonderful photos! 🙂
A photo that says a thousand words. (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
A little mediation and self awareness for a change…Â (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
 
Dipping in to your (broken) hearts content. Lol. Â (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
Who would’ve thought something like this exists beyond the wilderness…Â (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
Bao-bao Falls
But wait there’s more! Scroll now and you got a chance to win special prizes! Haha! Before leaving Hinatuan, how about stopping by at a small yet chilling falls! Again my thanks to Gem Gutierrez and Katrina Katipunan for another round of great great photos! 🙂
As long as there’s a plunge pool, we’re going! (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
Time for some refreshments! (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
Gem and Chic in person! Thank you ladies for a much filled adventure. (Photo by: Gem and Chic)
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