Enchanted River - A Photo Essay

It has been raining on and off the past few days but we've agreed that no matter what, rain or shine, we're going. So at around 5 in the morning, with the sky all dark, moonless and starless, we set out to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Hinatuan, on the northeastern part of Mindanao, is a second class municipality with about 40,000 people. It's divided into 24 barangays and includes barangay Talisay where this amazingly awesome wonder of nature is located.

The Enchanted River.

'Abu Sayaf'

Plastic-less Hinatuan

Tanguige (with the pointed snout) makes such yummy "kinilaw"

I've first heard about this place a few years back from some friends. And ever since, I've been wanting to go. Unfortunately for me however, I wasn't able to. Not before most of my friends and my friends' friends, and their friends from places much further away got to see the place for themselves. Hah! How unfair was that!  Hailing from Agusan del Sur, Hinatuan is quite pretty near. So every time someone asks me about it, or merely mentions it in a conversation, I kinda flip out!

Well, not anymore.. ☺

The steps leading up.. from below.

It's low tide.

The place wasn't that huge but it was definitely awesome. You can see fishes swimming. Too bad I din't have a better camera to show you how you can clearly see them. Nor did I bring any snorkel and fins. :(

It's pretty deep. Especially with my five foot something stature. But I was able to summon enough bravery to swim across and around the river... without the life vests or any floaters of course! Though my imagination almost kept me from doing so. Haha..

This leads down to the bamboo footbridge. 

Kinilaw. Sinugbang (grilled) dahon-dahon (fish). Sinugbang baboy (pork). (cc from top) 

Walk to the bangka!

Pose before the bangka ride.

Out to sea.

All aboard!

First fish-cage stop. These steps are pretty slippery.

Seafood. ☻

Crabby!

It was once again raining as we arrived at the Lamon fish cage. After feeding the fishes and turtles and a short chat with the caretaker, we set off to the next stop. But, we posed for the camera first and asked one of the young taga-bangka to take it. "Ayos. Okay na!" That's what he said, giving us a thumbs up sign. And this is what we found...

Ayos!

Second stop.

The three little...

Getting up close and personal with some pawikan.

Pangasinan island.

The shanties along the shore in barangay Talisay.

Docking.

On to the footbridge again.

Where's the lifeguard?

It was almost four in the afternoon when we decided to head home. The place was filling up with people from near and far. It's a bit exaggerated but I was indeed deliriously happy! Finally got to see this place for real. And I'm definitely going back again. Soon.



Ever been to Surigao? Visit the Enchanted River in Hinatuan!


Bachelor express has routes to Mangaggoy everyday from Butuan city as well as Davao city. Travel time fro Butuan usually takes 3 to 4 hours while from Davao, about 5 to six hours. Getting off in Hinatuan, you can hire motorcycles or "habal-habal" to take you to the place. Although, renting a car either from Butuan or Davao or wherever you are is way more convenient!