There are so many descriptions that are
coming into my mind right now, that I could not get at least one to describe
the Enchanted River. Not a single review that I read ever told that this place
was not at all fascinating. From the name itself, anyone would probably save
some pennies to get their selves on a trip to this charmed river.
Enchanted River nestles in Barangay
Hinatuan. It is a 48 kilometer barrio from the national highway which is
Mangagoy, Surigao Del Sur. It was in this place where the movie “Spirits” was
filmed. Enchanted River is mostly visited because of its tranquility and
majestic ambiance that any tourists would feel when they are around the place. Far
from the overcrowded place in the beaches, here you will really feel that you
are indeed in a vacation. As you approach this magical river, you would
definitely feel the ambiance that there is a mystery behind.It’s like you’re
standing and lurking around in another dimension. Enchanting, indeed!
Facts and Mystery
This river is near to the Philippine
Deep. In fact, it is a mixture of a saltwater and a freshwater that is why this
river may be quite salty but not too much. As you will see, there are parts of
the river where it is shallow (where you can be sure that you won’t be
drowned), and the part where it is deep (blue water part, of course).
The river is 80 meters deep. There are
only certain areas in the river that tourists are allowed to swim.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t be too complacent. Mystery tells that there are
only certain people that are allowed to swim in the area that means there are
instances when someone will be drowned. There are also beliefs that nobody
dared to swim in the river after dark because of the spirits guarding the
place.
There were risky divers who tried to
explore the cave below but they stopped at 200 feet because of the overpowering
of the current.
At noontime, tourists are requested to
leave the river because they will have to feed the fishes. As they are feeding
the fishes, you would see them swimming up to the surface for foods, and these
fishes are either small or big, even so, enchanted river is a home to marine
life. Mystery tells that despite of its abundance of fishes, no one has ever
caught any fish from the enchanted river, not even in the many ways of
catching.
There will be an available cruise to
take you on a trip to fish cages. In there you will see variety of fishes which
you would seldom see and Pawikans. They will also take you on a trip to the
vanishing island where you could see beautiful huge starfishes surfacing around
the tiny island.
Getting
There
You may take the air route or sea route
whichever you prefer in going to any of these starting points: Davao City or
Butuan City. From Davao City, you may take a bus or van for hire and you will
have to hurdle a 5-6 hours travel to Bislig City. From Butuan City,buses and
vans are also available and it would take you 2 -3 hours travel to Bislig City
Terminal. Enchanted River is located at Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. Therfore
from Bislig City Terminal; you may take a jeepney ride going to Hinatuan
Terminal. From the terminal you will have to ride single motorcycles or habal-habal to lead you directly to the
Hinatuan Enchanted River. It would probably take you about 30 minutes – 45
minutes travel time.
