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 50 feet 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
Exploring the Province of Surigao del Sur: Series 2
Keep posted on my next blog on “Hinuy-an Falls” the Niagara Falls of the Philippines.
- AMDG -
