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Enchanted River is found in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is called “enchanted” because no one has ever reached its bottom. Author2il org – Flickr.

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Hinatuan Enchanted River

The Hinatuan Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan Sacred River, is a deep spring river on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

It is found between the boundaries of Barangays of Talisay and Cambatong. It earned the moniker “Enchanted River” from the Diplomat Modesto Farolan who described the river in his poem entitled “Rio Encantado”.Let’s take a look at some of the most amazing facts about it;

1.Water from the river is free of any dirt or silt which would usually cloud such a stream

The river is spit from the cave underneath it is clean and free of any dirt or silt which would usually cloud such a stream. In fact, no one is sure exactly where the saltwater emanates from, although the prevailing theory involves an underground cave system that spits the river out. 

The clean waters from the river are a natural wonder unlike any other.The flow of the waters attracts visitors from around the world who want to experience the beautiful waters that locals have long thought to be miraculous.

2.Swimming in the main pool is prohibited at the Hinatuan Enchanted river

Swimming in the main pool is prohibited at the Hinatuan Enchanted rive. In 2017, the local government prohibited swimming in the main pool for preservation and maintenance. This was to preserve the main pool so that it can only be visited and as an attraction site by keeping its waters clean. 

At the same time, they designated a swimming area some 33 feet (10 meters) away from the pool. Travelers should keep in mind that the infrastructure by the river is close to zero, thus, there are no facilities to buy medicine or food.

3.There are several theories about the Enchanted River

Enchanted River,Hinatuan. Author P.A.V. Mahusay .

No one is knows exactly where the saltwater emanates from.

The prevailing theory involves an underground cave system that spits the river out, free of any dirt or silt which would usually cloud such a stream. Whatever the explanation, the clean waters are a natural wonder unlike any other.

There are several theories about the Enchanted river including ; One of which states that fairies added some mesmerizing colors of sapphire and jade to the river. Another legend states that the river is home to a mysterious fish that is impossible to catch.

4.Transportation to the Enchanted river is easy

Transportation to the Enchanted river is very easy. From the Butuan City Domestic Airport, you can take a van that goes straight to the town of Hinatuan.This is one of the easiest form of transportation to the Enchanted river. 

They can let you off near a signboard that Hinatuan Enchanted River where you can ride a motorcycle that passes through a dirt road and then a forested area leading to the river.You may also come in from Davao City and take a van or a bus to the same signboard to Hinatuan.

5.The fare and entrance fee are cheap and affordable

The fare for the two-way trip would cost at around PHP 300 right for two pax. Travel time for this route would take at approximately 30 minutes. Travel time for this route(From Butuan Bus terminal, take a bus bound for Bislig) is 5-7 hours and fare is approximately PHP 200/head.

The entrance fee varies for differnt sets of visitors including; Adult 鈥� P40, Children 4Ft and below 鈥� P15, Senior Citizen 鈥� P34. There is also Environmental Fee 鈥� P10 (additional fee) and Parking Fee 鈥� P20.

You can also rent various equipments including ;Kubo 鈥� P200 (good for 15 pax), Nipa Hut (6pax) 鈥� P150 (good for 6 pax),Umbrella (4pax) 鈥� P100 (good for 4 pax), Life vest Rental 鈥� P15/hr. 

6.No one has ever been able to reach the bottom of the river

A deep blue river found in Hinatuan. Author Colneri001.

Several professional divers have attempted to explore the brackish waters and the underwater compartments in the river.Many foreigners attempted to reach the bottom but until today, no one has ever reached it. 

One of the most unique features of the enchanted river is its unfathomable depth. This is why many tourist swim in the shallow part of the enchanted river area with water’s shade range from aquamarine to blue. The dark blue color in the river simply means the water is very deep.

7.The Hinatuan Bay is at the mouth of Enchanted river

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. The daily fish feeding schedule was also changed from 12 noon to 3 in the afternoon. This is done by playing the “Hymn of Hinatuan”.

This waterway, surrounded by thick jungle, vines, and orchids, was once locally known as Libwak before the 鈥淔ather of Philippine Tourism,鈥� Modesto Farolan, referred to it as the Enchanted River in his famous poem, 鈥淩io Encantado鈥�.

8.Several explorations have been done on the cave inside the enchanted river

Enchated River located in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. Author MaiaGarcia.

Several explorations have been done on the cave inside the enchanted river. The first exploration to the cave of the Hinatuan Enchanted River was made by Alex Santos in 1999.The major exploration later led to the discovery of a hidden cave opening at 30 metres (98 ft) depth

The major exploration to the cave system started eleven years later when a group of three cave divers led by Dr. Alfonso Amores with team members Bernil Gastardo and Emgee Guillermo entered the cave in February 2010. Several other explorations have since been done. 

9.There are several hotels near the Enchanted river 

There are several hotels near the Enchanted River including ; Sibadan Fish Cage which is 0.98 miles away, Enchanted River Rock Island Resort (5.92 mi), Avisha Suites (6.32 mi), Klub Safari (9.51 mi),and Villa Juanita which is 6.28 mi away. 

One can seek accommodation and other services in this hotels. There is also pretty of food and while there there are many things one can do. The fishes are large because the people are not hunting fishes, they are respecting nature. Very beautiful place and one with so many tourists. 

10.The food prepared at the nearby restaurants is cheap and very tasty

The food prepared at the nearby restaurants is cheap and very tasty. On the way you will see souvenirs shops and small restaurants who will gladly cooked and bring your choice of food to your picnic table. There is plenty of fresh fishes, seafoods and even lobsters, all fresh from the sea. 

The Enchanted river is one of the best attractions in the whole if Philippines because its nature is second to none. It is also one of the most visited places in the country. You could also easily pack your own lunches.