Island Hopping in Enchanted River

Aside from the blue waters of the  Enchanted River, Hinatuan also offers some island hopping.

waiting for our boat

We rented a boat not that big though, for a per hour basis. Each boat will just carry 5 passengers and 2 boat men.

Our first stop, is the island of Pangasinan, which is just few minutes away from the river, but going there is just so thrilling since we saw big waves from afar. 【ツ】 We just made some picture taking in the island, then were off the next destination; which is the cave.

At the cave, you will see a big statue of Mama Mary.

From the cave, we went for some river cruise and pass-by some fish cages.

It took us almost 2 hours for that island hopping. ✰ ✰ ✰

☞ Boat Rental: Php 150/ hour (good for 5 persons)

Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Our third and last stop on our Surigao del sur Trip: Enchanted River of Hinatuan.

After we had our breakfast in Bislig City, we headed to Hinatuan which is almost two-hours away. The time that we went there, there are lots of road constructions and road to enchanted river is not yet developed so make sure that your car is in good condition. (^_^)

Hinatuan Enchanted River is one of the tourist destination in Surigao del sur. As we arrived there, there were already lots of tourist. Cottages are almost occupied and thankfully, we already had a reserved cottages. Upon the gate, entrance fee is already collected and the cottage fee.

Just Outside the gate is a stretch of food stores. You'll just order fresh seafoods and they will cook it for you. Crabs are just the best there.

Enchanted River is really is enchanting; with its deep blue waters you really be tempted to get wet. on the deepest part of the river the water is so blue and alongside its greenish blue color.

The water its so cold and the current of the river is so fast, but it didn't bother us. Instead, the coldness of the water relaxed our tiresome body.  ☆ ☆

People are flocking when its feeding time for the beautiful fishes. They say, no one had ever caught a fish in the river that's maybe why its called enchanted.  ㋡

Enchanted River also offers island hopping. You'll get to visit the nearby islands, cave and fish cages. ---(see on my next post)

☞ Entrance Fee: Php 20.00
☞ Parking Fee: Php 10.00
☞ Cottage Fee: Depends on the size

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls, the cascading waterfalls.








From the Island Hopping in Barobo, we went straight to Bislig City which is almost an hour travel. Second stop on our Eastern Mindanao Roadtrip; Tinuy-an Falls.

welcoming view from the entrance

☼ With the sun up so high, reflecting sun rays on the flowing water with rainbows... wholla!!! its a great picturesque.

Tinuy-an Falls, as they say its "the little Niagara of the Philippines" is one of the tourist destination in Bislig City.

The Falls is surrounded with a vast rainforest with big green trees around. There's a stairs going up the falls for a greater view of the falls.

view on the way up

From above there's another 3 levels of waterfall, where we have the chance to soak in our salty body.  ☀ ☁

view above the falls

 ... a magnificent haven in Bislig City despite the long journey its worth traveling. ❧❧❧

Barobo, Surigao del Sur: A hidden Paradise

A beautiful sunshine welcomed our sleepy heads and tired body. But despite everything, everyone is in high spirit to explore the beauty of Surigao.

 

At 6 am, we started our day visiting the Bogac Spring in Barobo, Surigao del sur.

Bogac Spring

Then, at 8 am were off for some island hopping.

From Barobo boat terminal which is located at the back of the public market, we are heading to Cabgan Island which is 30 minutes boat ride.

Since we are a big group, we rented two boats and divided the group based on the boats capacity.

Sailing was so exhilarating. Waves were just everywhere, though not that big but still it gives us jitters and it all made us laugh the whole trip.

Cabgan Island

Then after a while, we landed in Cabgan Island. But that wasn’t easy; we had a hard time docking because of the big waves on island.

long stretch white sand

We stayed on the island for about 2 hours; waiting for the Vanishing Island to come out.

While waiting, we enjoyed the white sand, the beach, the waves and the overlooking Turtle Island.

Our guide told us, that we can’t go to turtle island because there is already a native community living in the island and we might disturb them.

At last, at past 10am the vanishing island comes out.

From Cabgan Island, Vanishing island is just a 15-minutes boat ride.

…. And Vanishing island is just superb!!! ✰✰✰✰✰

A portion only of the island comes out at that time and turtle island is just a walk away from the island.

Vanishing Island has a turquoise clear waters and fine white sand.

At past 11 am, we left the beautiful vanishing island and were cruising back to the Barobo port.

….. And we had lunch at Barobo port.

2nd leg: Roadtrip Mindanao

As a thanksgiving celebration for our team, we decided to visit tourists’ attraction in Surigao del Sur. And it is also our chance (my friends and I) to continue our Mindanao road trip experience. ❀ ❀ ❀

From General Santos City, we drove up north. Passes through Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Agusan del Sur province. It is an 8-hour of land travel. ❧ ❧ ❧

firts stop: Davao City

We left Gensan at 7pm and arrived Davao City at 9pm. Stopped at a gasoline station for some dinner and c.r. break. ☺

After some dinner on the road, we are now bound to Surigao del sur.

And so the journey begins…… ✯ ✯ ✯

✄ ✄ ✄ Traveling at night is such a challenge. Challenge of not sleeping the whole trip.

The darkness of the night and some rainfall on some towns we pass through didn’t worry us a bit, but it gives our trip some flavor; fun and laughter along the way… 
Everyone is speeding so fast, and without knowing we are already in CARAGA Region.

While our drivers took some rest, we also had midnight snack and coffee break in Trento, Agusan del Sur.

And at 3 a.m. we are already in Barobo, Surigao del Sur. Since, it’s too early we just parked at a gasoline station along the highway and wait for the beautiful sunshine to come out.

After 8 hours on the road; from General Santos City - Davao City – Tagum, Davao del Norte – Nabunturan, Comval – Trento, Agusan Del Sur – Barobo, Surigao del Sur


And it’s time to rest…..

At 6 a.m., wide awake and its breakfast time on the road and in the gasoline station… 
After a while, we are off to the island tour……. ☞ (follow it on the next blog..)