Hinatuan Enchanted River is one-of-a-kind in the Philippines.
OVERVIEW MAP NEED TO KNOW TIPS & HACKS GALLERY NEARBY
OVERVIEW
Tourists enjoying the river.
The Hinatuan Enchanted River is as magical as its name considering that it is the only river in the country with clear blue water. With its short length of less than 300 meters, its classification as a river is sometimes disputed. While it is short, the deepest part of the river reaches 80 feet. The river is surrounded by thick forest and flows into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean with its mouth used as a safe haven against storms and typhoons. The Hinatuan Bay, which is located at the mouth of the river, is inhabited by different species of fish and turtles.
Locals believe the river is also inhabited by natural beings protecting the river and that its waters are miraculous therefore making it more interesting to tourists.
Swimming and fish feeding are two main activities in Hinatuan Enchanted River however, some areas are prohibited to tourists in order to protect it and all the creatures that consider its water and the surroundings their home.
Fast Facts
Php 100 ($2 USD) Entrance fee (non-local)
Php 20 ($0.40) Cooking service (per kilo)
Php 15 ($0.30) Life jacket rental (per hour)
Php 160 ($3.20) River cruise (hourly rate per person)
Eat only in the areas designated for eating. There are huts and tents with tables and chairs available for picnics. Stalls near the entrance offer food and drinks as well as live seafood to choose from.
MAP
This attraction is located on Mindanao Island in Hinatuan Town.
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NEED TO KNOW
How to Get to Hinatuan Enchanted River?
By Air
There is no direct flight from any airport in the country to Bislig.
Via Davao City
Step 1
One option is to take a plane to Davao City. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have multiple direct flights to Davao from Manila and Cebu everyday. Iloilo direct to Davao is only offered by Cebu Pacific.
AirAsia, on the other hand, flies directly to Davao from Manila only.
Step 2
From Francisco Bangoy International Airport, ride a taxi to take you to Ecoland Terminal which is approximately 12 kilometers away. Fare should be around P400 ($8 USD).
Step 3
At the terminal, take a Bachelor Express Bus bound to Mangagoy in Bislig City. A bus departs Davao City every hour starting at 2:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Travel time is between five to six hours and the fare is between P300($6 USD) to P400($8 USD).
Step 4
In Mangahoy, proceed to the terminal where you can ride to Hinatuan Terminal. In Hinatuan Terminal, ride a motorcycle (locally known as habal-habal). The motorcycle accommodates three persons per trip. The fare is around P100 per person for roundtrip so if you are alone, expect to pay not less than P300 as you will be paying for the two slots.
Via Butuan
Step 1
Another way to get to Hinatuan Enchanted River is via Butuan City which is less than 200 kilometers away. Philippine Airlines has multiple flights to Butuan from Manila and only one flight from Cebu everyday. Cebu Pacific offers multiple flights daily from Manila and Cebu to Butuan City. Travel time is about one hour and 40 minutes.
Step 2
From Butuan, you can ride a multicab to City Integrated Bus Terminal where you will find vans bound for Mangayo. Travel time is about four hours and the fare is around P250($5 USD). There are also regular and air-conditioned buses plying the same route. A Bachelor Express bus departs Butuan City every 30 minutes starting at 2:30 AM until 5:30 PM. Travel time is about five to six hours.
Alternatively, you may also opt to hire a van parked just outside Butuan Airport. While it costs more than the passenger van or bus, it is more convenient and faster since it won’t pick up passengers along the way.
Step 3
In Mangahoy, proceed to the terminal where you can ride to Hinatuan Terminal. In Hinatuan Terminal, ride a motorcycle (locally known as habal-habal). The motorcycle accommodates three persons per trip. The fare is around P100 per person for roundtrip so if you are alone, expect to pay not less than P300 as you will be paying for the two slots.
By Sea
Via Nasipit Port
Step 1
There is no ferry sailing direct to Bislig City. The best option is to sail to Nasipit Port in Agusan del Norte. 2Go Travel departs Manila every Monday at 8:30 AM and arrives in Butuan at 5:00 AM Wednesday making the travel time around 45 hours. Fare is between P1,778 ($35.56 USD) and P7,772 ($155.44 USD) depending on the accommodation type and date of booking. Try booking early to avail cheaper rates.
2Go Travel also has a Cebu-Nasipit schedule every Tuesday. The ferry departs Cebu at 8:00 PM and arrives at Nasipit Port at 5:00 AM Wednesday, making the travel time around 9 hours. The rate is between P722 ($14.44 USD) and P3,990 ($79.8 USD) depending on the accommodation type and date of booking.
Cokaliong, on the other hand, sails from Cebu to Nasipit at 7:00 PM every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sun. Travel time is around 10 hours and the fare is between P1,345($26.9 USD) and P9,600($192 USD) depending on the type of accommodation.
Step 2
From Nasipit Port, ride a tricycle to the bus terminal where you will find a bus bound for Mangayo.
Step 3
In Mangahoy, proceed to the terminal where you can ride to Hinatuan Terminal. In Hinatuan Terminal, ride a motorcycle (locally known as habal-habal). The motorcycle accommodates three persons per trip. The fare is around P100 per person for roundtrip so if you are alone, expect to pay not less than P300 as you will be paying for the two slots.
The airport closest to Hinatuan Enchanted River
Bislig Airport (IATA: BPH), the airport closest to Hinatuan Enchanted River, is around 41 kilometers away. The airport hosted no commercial flight.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this attraction to avoid crowds is early in the morning usually before 10:00 AM.
Closures
This attraction is always open.
Fees
Fees require payment in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at this attraction.
Food & Drink
Food and drinks from outside the attraction are allowed at this attraction.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol is not allowed at this attraction.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at this attraction.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed at this attraction.
Trash
Please dispose of your trash properly or take it with you. Don’t Trash the Philippines!
The Philippines are beautiful islands … let’s all ensure they remain this way.
TIPS & HACKS
The following are recommended items for this experience:
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
CamelPack
I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.
Bluetooth Speaker
Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.
UV Shirt
UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.
Snorkel Gear
For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.
Adventure Camera
As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.
Aqua Shoes
When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
GALLERY
Photos
The following are some photos of this attraction.
Videos
The following is a video of this attraction.
NEARBY
The following are other points of interest nearby:
- Ligad Beach
- Tarusan Cold Spring
- Libuacan Cold Spring
- RP Botanical Park
- Hinayagan Cave
Don’t Forget …
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