Mindanao was always perceived as a troubled island. With all the undesirable events in the past, uprising and civil wars that are still experienced up to this modern day and misconceptions arising from difference in religion , a lot of Filipinos refrain from visiting this heaven on Earth. But are you interested in knowing of what you could be missing for skipping an itinery in gentle Mindanao? You better start taking notes now!
Let’s start our journey with Surigao Del Sur’s Enchanted River!!!
Located in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, this deep spring river is mesmerizing to the maximum level. Like saphire and emerald dashing in my eyes, It was hard to take away my eyes from the scene. It seems like I can stay the whole day in here just enjoying its clear and cool waters. The river flows nonstop to the Philippine sea and all the way to the mighty Pacific Ocean.
The name of the place was derived from “Rio Encantado” from the poem written by Modesto Farolan.
Activities
Swimming is the main activity on this spot, but sadly, swimming in the main part of the river is no longer allowed as a mean for the local government to preserve the natural wonder.
You can also witness the fish feeding scheduled every noon. It is a sight to behold as you can see the fishes swimming in crystal clear water as they all try to chase and outswim each other for the food.
Other Details
Fees are collected by the local government for the maintenance of the place. Prices are as follows:
Entrance : PHP 40.00 per head
Parking: PHP 20.00 per vehicle
Lifevests (Required if you will go swimming): PHP 15.00 per hour. You cannot use your personal lifevest.
How to get to Enchanted River
I actually visited the two Surigao Provinces with my parents to celebrate my birthday, so I had to account for their comfort and convenience for the travel. I rented a van to pick us up from Bancasi Airport in Butuan City to avoid the hassle of huggling and looking for spot contacts for the next destination. The van rate that I got was PHP 2,500.00 per day plus gas.
It is actually advisable to rent a van for groups as the top spots are far from each other and there are ongoing road widening projects. Weather concerns should also be accounted for for Q4 tends to be rainy in the region. I just cannot imagine my parents taking habal habal with backpacks on for long hours and getting wet if it rained.
If interested on getting my contact’s details, please do not hesitate to send me a message.
Other than Butuan City, you can reach Surigao via Davao City or CDO. PAL and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to the aforementioned destinations.
Personal Insights
The Enchanted River is really a natural wonder. You will get amazed with its colors and crystal clear waters. Honestly, all I could say is “Wow” while taking pictures of this site.
However, I have to stress out that having lunch to the place is not recommendable. Meal prices are insane and Viands good for 3 to 4 persons range from PHP 100.00 to PHP 150.00 and rice for the same headcount is fixed at PHP 70.00. Now if that comes cheap for you, wait until you find out that utensils are not free and spoon, fork, plate and cup is priced PHP 5.00 each. But wait there is more! There is a designated place to dine and you have to rent a set of table and 4 chairs for PHP 150.00. Incredible isn’t it?
I suggest to just bring light snacks and find a good place to dine somewhere else. The food served in the Enchanted River is not good anyway.
Make sure to take a plunge too. I havent had the chance to swim because of time constraints of going to Tinuy-an, but by the looks of it, I just knew that the place is certainly amazing!!! One more thing, you better visit the place on an early morning and on a weekday if you do not want photobombers all over the place. This famous place can get super crowded!!! Plan ahead of time and this is gonna be amazing!
– Jiyon
jiyon the soloist 