Jingkoy's Travel Escapade...: The Enchanted River

Our travel time started early dawn at exactly 1:00 AM as we depart from Cagayan de Oro City in a private van that we commissioned for our trip. After almost 6 hours road travel, we arrived at Hinatuan around 7:00 AM. It is 328 kilometer distance from Cagayan de Oro to the Municipality of Hinatuan where our first stop is located; the Enchanted Hinatuan River.

A little background of the place, history would tell us that this was privately owned and was later sold to the local government for eco-tourism development. The river flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. And yes indeed, the enchanted river is fascinating as it will surely captivate your mood with its mesmerizing blue waters that will enchant you all the way. This is perfect description of the river that captures the true essence to its name. Photographers and enthusiast marveled over the blue river as their focal subject of picture-perfect affection.

More than just its physical wonders as nature’s masterpiece of creation… the river also has interesting urban legend and folklore. Locals would fondly tell tourists stories that amidst the school of fish that is abundantly found in the river, no one has ever caught one. No divers ever reach the bottom of the river as they try to explore its depth. A more intriguing story is that the river was created by fairies and pixies that once live or is still living in abundance and is protecting this natural wonder. Whatever the story may be, time will determine if these mystery and folklore were true.

What is known about this place is that because of its close proximity to the sea, some marine researcher believes that it was created when the seawater flowed through long tunnels and caverns deep below the ground, finally resurfacing at the spring, which is approximately 50feet deep. The rivers water is composed of salt sea water and fresh spring water that gives a unique experience to its patrons. Many tourist and travel bloggers considered “Enchanted River” as one of the most beautiful tourism attraction site in the Philippines!

Aside from exploring the river, you can also do other things here. One of their amenities here is a boat package that will lead you to 3-4 boating destinations along the way. The fee is minimal, Php 160 for every hour per boat. The small boat can accommodate 4-5 people. The entire boat ride roughly consumes 2 hours, so in total your group will spend Php 320 that can be divided within your group (KKB, kanya-kanyang bayad). Additional charges (entrance-environmental fee) are collected as you enter the areas. But these minimal also Php 5-10 only.

First Stop: Sibadan Fish Cage (Php 10 Entrance Fee). You can feed the fish here, swim with them, catch, cook and eat them if you want. You can also buy souvenirs here.

Second Stop: Sarsoza’s Grotto (Php 10 Entrance Fee). You can explore the cave where the grotto is located. Crawl and discover a Japanese shine inside the cave (additional payment is required for the guide and protective gears). Souvenirs are also available here.

Third Stop: (Php 5 Entrance Fee) C-Sand Bar and Pangasinan White Island. If the tide is right, you’ll be avail to stop at C-Sand Bar…which our group unfortunately came at the wrong tide. Although, we were greeted in awe at Pangasinan White Island. A pebble walkway made of nipa huts welcomes you to the island. As you walk around 200 meters you’ll see mangroves and coconut trees that accentuate this beautiful island. Fresh fishermen catch can be bought here as well as few souvenirs.

Travel Tips:

Be early at the Enchanted River so as to assure cottage accommodation. Reserve cottages ahead of time since during peak season, it can be crowded with tourist. If your guide has good local connections, they can arrange your breakfast ahead of time (ordered a day before your arrival). You can eat your breakfast here, local serve your orders when you arrive. After taking you breakfast, I suggest taking the boat tour to near-by islets, it is fun and beautiful. The boatmen are friendly and honest too, but don’t forget to order your lunch before you leave so that after the tiring island hoping, your lunch food is just waiting for you.

The Hinatuan Enchanted River Management established a general entrance fee of Php 30. Cottage fee ranges from 100-500 pesos. Life jackets for rentals are worth Php 20 per piece, they require ID upon renting. It opens daily from 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. only