WordVomit:: The WHERE: Enchanted River

The Enchanted River

Fall in love with the hauntingly beautiful sights and sounds of Hinatuan's world renowned Enchanted River. Let its crystal clear waters, pristine surroundings charm you as it did the millions of visitors whose hearts seem to fall effortlessly to its natural beauty. The pride of Surigao Del Sur, it is truly a sight to behold.

A year ago, I stumbled upon this picturesque place while browsing the net and I swear it was love at first glance. I can't explain it. It felt as if the place called to me. There was something about its unsettling beauty that intrigued me and made me want to really see it for myself. Fast-forward a year later and here I am in-front of what could definitely be one of God's and nature's most magnificent creation. No photo or video could ever hope match the intensity and breathtaking view of this place.

Taking no less than an hour maximum from the place where we were staying, we took a ride via habalhabal, a native form of transport commonly used to get there. For the price of php350, its already a back and forth trip to the destination. The road to get there is a challenge but definitely well worth the time and effort. As described by the driver, it actually did feel as if we were on a roller coaster ride while getting there. A lot of ups and downs along the way, It seems that nature would really test you out before yielding its hidden glory.

Arriving there, for the entrance fee of php30, You are free to enjoy the place from as early as 6am to 5pm maximum. Cottages and tables are available ranging from php150-500. Swimming/diving gear and life vests can also be rented.

We opted to get there the earliest time possible so we can enjoy the place before it gets crowded by on-goers. I would advise you to do the same especially for those who wants to take a lot of pictures and sink into the view while walking around leisurely.

Check out the fishes! Awesome!

Crystal clear water changes from green to blue as the day passes.

That's 80 feet deep!!

View from the deck.

Swimming can be a little challenging especially with the continuous flow of the water current coupled with the rise and fall of the tide. Don't let the crystal clear waters fool you because its a deep fall amounting to 80feet max. Renting life vests are a good investment not only for safety but so you can also enjoy the activity completely. There is a lifeguard station on one side though with atleast 2 lifeguards on duty at a time.

You can also choose to bring your own food or have some of the locals cook for you with the selection of fresh seafood available. We had adobong pusit, calamares and spicy shrimp for lunch. The prices are reasonable enough and food really is delicious. People there are courteous and friendly not to mention beautiful like our cook for the day from stall D2.

We swam the waters and even dared to go without life jackets on. I love the freedom of the swimming. I used to swim for my college back then so I really wanted to test if I could still do it. I swam over the 80 feet hole despite my sisters reluctance without any safety devices or any assistive swimming gear and made it all the way from one side to the other! it was exhilarating! but not for anyone without training of-course. :)

Watch out because at 12 noon something magical takes place, schools of fishes in varying kinds and sizes come out and play as they are fed by the locals. This apparently being a tradition since the place was discovered. There were no training the fishes or whatsoever prior to that but for some unknown reason they just do. Its one of those once in a lifetime must see experiences. The river seems to come alive with flurry of fishes that jump and dive around as food gets distributed.

Looking at it for the first time, there was something about the Enchanted River that left me a bit teary-eyed in the process. Something surreal that makes you wanna believe that if fairies, mermaids, or mythical beings did exist, They would be found there. True to its name, it truly is an "enchanted" river.

Hidden Treasure Indeed

Achie

PS. I'd like to thank both my sister and her boyfriend without whom this trip wouldn't have been possible. Photo credits belong to both me and my Kuya Vince who was also there. Although most of the good ones are really his. haha Thanks bro! :)

PPS My sister hasn't uploaded pictures yet on her end and as soon as she does I'll put some here also. Including that of our beautiful cook. Ate bilisan mo sa upload LOL.Underwater shots and videos are with her and Kuya too. :P

Updates: *More pictures!!