The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Hinatuan, a sleepy town in Surigao del Sur  in Mindanao has risen to fame because of Enchanted River.  The area has been developed; picnic tables and cottages have been built and the once pristine river is now akin to a pool. Despite these changes, the deep blue basin remains majestic.  Since the Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur is now flocked by tourists, to better appreciate its beauty, it is advisable to go there early in the morning to avoid the crowd especially during weekends and holidays.

 

How to get to Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur:

* From Manila, you can fly to  Butuan, Surigao or Davao. Best option is Butuan since airfare is usually cheaper.

* Take note that Bus bound to Bislig have signboards showing Mangagoy and not Bislig. Mangagoy is the the commercial center of Bislig.

From Butuan, Agusan del Norte to Hinatuan/Enachanted River:

If you are coming from Butuan Integrated Bus Terminal in Butuan, Agusan del Norte, there are Bachelor buses that go directly to Mangagoy (Bislig). Ask the driver to drop you off at Hinatuan Terminal. Travel time is roughly 5 hours.

From San Franz, Agusan del Sur:

There are vans that go directly to Hinatuan.

From Mangagoy, Bislig:

Ride a bus or van bound to Hinatuan.

 From Davao City to Enchanted River Hinatuan:

At Ecoland Terminal ride a Bachelor bus bound to Mangagoy (Bislig). Ask the driver to drop you in Hinatuan Terminal; it is the last bus stop before arriving in Mangagoy, Bislig. Travel time is roughly 5 hours.

From Hinatuan to Enchanted River:

At Hinatuan town, there are habal-habal  (motorcycle) for hire. Usual rate is Php 100 per person (roundtrip). The motorcycle can accommodate up to 3 persons. So if you are alone, expect to pay the pakyaw rate of Php 300-Php400. Some drivers would usually add Php 100 for the waiting time, so don’t be surprise if you’ll be asked to pay Php 400. The road to Enchanted River is not yet cemented, it is going to be a bumpy ride (the scariest habal-habal ride I ever took in Mindanao). There is no helmet so please be careful, hold on tight to the driver or to your travel buddies.

If you are in groups, you can also hire a multi-cab; inquire at Hinatuan Tourism office for more details.

Gemma Millan – Hinatuan Tourism Officer (+63)919-460-0855

Enchanted River Fees:

Entrance fee is: Php 30 per person

Life Jacket fee: Php 15 per hour

Picnic Table with Umbrella: Php 100

Cottages: My apologies forgot to ask the rate but you may inquire at:

Hinatuan River Management: (+63)920-259-5554

Boat for Island Hopping : Php 160 per hour ( maximum 4 persons) , the boats are located at the mouth of the river.

Eating at Enchanted River in Hinatuan :

Hinatuan is known for its delicious seafood.  A few meters away from the entrance of the Enchanted River, there are locals selling fresh seafood at affordable prices.  For an extra fee of Php 60, they will cook it for you and deliver to your picnic tables.

Enchanted River, Hinatuan Accommodations:

If you need to stay overnight in Surigao del Sur, do it in Hinatuan instead of Bislig. Hinatuan has cheaper hostels or inn.

Marky’s Hostel – This is my recommended Enchanted River inn or hostel in Hinatuan because of its clean and affordable rooms and kind owner. Just take a padjak to take you there. Fan room and air-conditioned rooms are available (see room rates below). You can buy fresh seafood in the market and the kind owner usually offers to have them cooked for you.

Marky’s Hostel contact number : 09284397785

Marky’s Hostel Room Rates:

Double Deck; 2 persons with Electric Fan       – Php 300

Single Bed; 2 persons with Electric Fan           – Php 350

Air-conditioned Family Room                            - Php 850

Air-conditioned Double Deck; for 7 persons – Php 1225 /Php75 per person

Air-conditioned Double Deck; 6 persons        - Php 900/Php 150 per person

There are also available accommodations at the islands near Enchanted River but you have to pay for a boat for Php 100-Php 160 to take you there.

*Travel Tip: If you have limited time, you can actually do Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig and Enchanted River in 1 day just start early in the morning.

 

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Related Post:

Tinuy-an Falls Bislig Travel Guide

*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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