After 3 years of social media discovery of the Enchanted
River (according to staff there), we’ve
finally set foot on the said pristine river. Perfect weather even permitted us to explore what
Hinatuan place has to offer. Hinatuan is
situated in the eastern part of Mindanao, about 133km which
can be traveled roughly 3 hrs and 20min from Butuan City via van. The place is best known for its
enchanting Enchanted River which nestled in Brgy. Talisay.
I never believed in the
saying that goes “the road of life is full of ups and downs” until I traveled the
12-km bumpy roadway from the junction for about 20minutes. Just kidding! Literally, it’s true but when you reach the place, you’ll probably say “it’s
worth the long adrenaline-rush travel!” 
You are 8mins closer to Enchanted River when you see or pass this wooden bridge. Habal-habal is primarily the mode of transportation among
the local dwellers there. But for me, I do not advice everyone to use it
because it’s too risky. 4-wheeled vehicle is still preferable.  |
| entrance gate |
At the entrance, we paid 30 pesos per head (as of February 2013).
It’s Sunday and we are lucky enough to arrived at earlier time, thus, we had the chance to rent a convenient cottage. Many tourists both foreign and local visit this place on weekend so it is suggested to book the cottage ahead of time.
 |
| 100 pesos rental |
 |
| 150 pesos rental |
Cottage rent ranges from P100-150.00. Right side cottage costs 150 which can accommodate more than 10persons while those rows of nipa huts in umbrella style cost 100.00 which ideally can accommodate up to 8 persons.
All people who visit
this place never failed to take picture in this signpost and I am not an
exemption to that of course.
Just like other beaches
or resorts, everyone is also allowed to cook their food there. It’s a zero waste
place so everyone is reminded to clean their mess. In fact, we are also advised
to bring our biodegradable waste material to our home.
As seen in picture below, the bluish color of the water is
not equally distributed. Some part is really blue and some part is bluish green
in color. As I’ve noticed, the color varies from the deepness of the river. The
darker, the deeper. No one on earth has ever discovered how the dead end of the
tunnel looks like and even until now, it remains mysterious. Many have tried
(foreign & domestic professional divers) but none succeeded. Do you have the
nerves to break the record? Go….die exploring! hehehe
At 12 o’clock noon, bell rings. Everyone gets out of the
water. Diverse fish from tunnel (?)show up to amuse people. Then staffs feed them.
To keep the place tidy, no one is allowed to drink/eat within
the river. So I am here quenching my thirst with emperador light outside the fence
while watching those people enjoying the superb water.
We spent our last hour discovering the other side of
Hinatuan. Island hopping as what they called it. We rented a boat which costs
160/hr for 5persons. We had a short glimpse of the fish cage then the boat took
its u-turn then finally docked at Pangasinan White Island.
This bluer than blue lagoon unsurprisingly turned my
complexion to darker than black.. awwss..
Before calling it a day, I profusely thank Sir
Benson and Sir Jun for allowing me to join with them.
