THE ENCHANTED RIVER

HOW TO GET THERE (From Hinatuan town proper--> Enchanted River) travel time approx. 2 hours.

At the town proper, there are many motorcycles or "habal-habal" that you can ride for 100php/person (two-way), some would ask for another 100php for waiting. However, if you're travelling alone, you have to "pakyaw" or pay all seats the motorcycle could accommodate (300php total). Luckily for us, we didn't get to spend anything during our trip since a good friend of mine from Mangagoy offered to take us there by car. 

The river opens at 6am and closes at 5pm.
Fees:
Entrance fee:  php30 for adults and php 5 for children 4ft below
Life Jacket: 15php/hour
Table with umbrella: 100php
Cottages: forgot to ask

Nothing worth having comes easy. Truly, that has become the motto in this journey. As we went forth this adventure, we faced the challenge of a jarring and jolting path into the mountains with twists and turns that seemed so endless.

But we tried not to complain, because we believed everything will be worth it. Note that it wasn't an enchanting journey but the end --- THIS RIVER was truly ENCHANTING!!!


And why is it called "Enchanted"?

One, because it never runs out of fishes (despite the number of people leisurely swimming in their habitat). Don't worry these fishes don't bite.

Fish feeding at 12 nn and 4pm, and it is done with background music! :)

Two, because nobody can figure out the source of this water. "It just miraculously flows", they said. There's a cave opening, but stories tell that whoever went in there, never got out. Good thing, the river current is away from the cave, not towards it!

the clear blue waters of the Enchanted river

Three, nobody knows the exact depth of the river. People said all diving expeditions have been all in vain. There must be a secret down there. Ha-ha!

there! the schools of fish!

see how clear the water is! (photo by Epoi)

Lastly, because legend has it that this river has been taken cared of by spiritual beings locals call "engkantos" that's why it is completely squeaky clean. And that is why, nobody is allowed to swim after 5pm. 

TIPS:

1. Bring your own snorkel (or life jacket even!). It is very difficult to swim in brackish water. (I almost sank but I lost a lot of calories that time!)

2. Go there early or during non-peak seasons, and you'll have the river all by yourself! (have fun with the engkantos though. Haha kidding!)

3. Experience the water at its finest. Because we had to go to Tinuy-an falls after this attraction, we took a dip for just an hour. I suggest you put this in your itinerary as a whole day trip. Enjoy!

We had our lunch taken cared of by my friend, RJ and his dad. But if you don't have any, don't fret. Seafoods are sold there which they can cook for a minimum fee.

For breakdown of expenses and more attractions, see full itinerary.

Travels that satisfy the heart 

and fill the brain with cherished memories. 

This is TRAVEL-licious.