Hinatuan Enchanted River

Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Travelogue by Morella Daet

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Hinatuan is a sleepy town in the southern part of Surigao del Sur and about 50km away from Bislig City. The actual river was beautiful, and a fantastic snorkeling experience. The water is clear, and there are huge fish just out of reach looking at you. Hinatuan Bay, which is the habitat of various species of turtles, is located at its mouth. Its mouth also offers a safe anchorage against storms and typhoons.

Located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, which is the southernmost island of the country, there is a majestic river known as the Hinatuan River. Meandering 648 meters between the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, it is a mystical place, marked by its shimmering, crystal clear blue waters, that is steeped in legend and folklore, and has over the years become one of the premiere tourist destinations of the province. Here the water is so incredibly clear that it seems as if swimmers are floating in the air, and even down in the deepest parts, one can peer through the dazzlingly clear azure water all the way to the bottom, which is up to 80 feet down in some places.

WHERE TO STAY IN HINATUAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR?

CJ’S HOMETEL- General Luna St.

The best accommodation in CJ’s Hometel is their apartel type room. It’s air-conditioned, can accommodate 2-6 persons, and has its own toilet and bath. There’s also a kitchen and a fridge–making it perfect for those who want to cook their own meals. (1 room: P1,500/day)

MARKY’S HOSTEL- Barangay Maharlika

Marky’s is best enjoyed by groups. Rooms can accommodate five to seven persons each, are air-conditioned, and has free Wifi. The rate is P200 per head.

JAMES PENSIONE- Barangay Aquino

James Pensione has a lot of single rooms for P250 (fan, common CR). It’s a bit small, but if you’re only just going to sleep there anyway, it would do. There are air-conditioned rooms as well with ensuite bathrooms that are good for three persons (P600).

HOW TO GET IN THE ENCHANTED RIVER?

From Luzon and Visayas – Ride a plane to Davao or Butuan. Butuan is the nearest hub to Enchanted River.

From Davao City – Ride a bus going to Bislig City/Mangagoy. From there, ride a bus going to San Francisco and ask the driver to drop you at the Hinatuan Stop. Then ride a motorcycle (for 1-2 pax) or multicab (bigger groups) going to the river.

From Butuan City – Ride a bus going to Bislig City/ Mangagoy. Ask the driver to drop you at the Hinatuan Stop. Then ride a motorcycle (for 1-2 pax) or multicab (bigger groups) going to the river.