I first heard of tourism in Surigao del Sur because of Hinatuan’s Enchanted River. Before browsing the Internet or Facebook about the place, it really came into my mind how did they come up with the name Enchanted. There must be something in that river to call it enchanted.
From those who have visited the place, they were overwhelmed how did it evolve. As they describe the place, it has crystal clear waters. There are deeper portions of the river and there are shallow ones too. What amazes them is when it’s feeding time, several groups of fish of different varieties and sizes appearing together. It’s like they know exactly the feeding time at the river. Oh well, swimming is okay in the area but come feeding time, nobody should stay on the water. Knowing these, I am always eager to witness this event.
When my friends and I plan for a road trip to Surigao, we are initially targeting the Enchanted River in Hinatuan. However, we have not decided on which day to push our trip until someone told us that Enchanted River will temporarily close from January 9 to February 4, 2017. So on January 1, quick decision to push-through with our trip in two days time in order to visit the place before closure.
Leaving Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte on January 3, 2017, we have our first stop over at Britania Island in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Early morning of January 4, a quick island hopping activity at the white islands of Britania while planning to leave early to catch the feeding time in Hinatuan.
Just a short travel from Britania to Hinatuan, we arrive at Enchanted River quite early for the feeding time. Good thing we stick to our initial plan so we can’t miss the opportunity of witnessing the unusual behaviors of the fish.
At the gate, we settled our environmental and entrance fees. When we get in, there is this single motorcycle they called “Skylab” used to ferry passengers to areas hardly reached by four-wheeled vehicles. With no hesitations, we approach the driver for a photo opportunity. Everybody finds a place at the skylab while Fernd is talking pictures on us. Oh well, to maximize the experience, we ask the driver to roll down and take us to the river. Just a short ride down the not-so-bumpy road, the experience is exciting and thrilling. By the way, the driver asks us to ride and step down together at the same time so the driver can control the balance.
In time for fish feeding at 11:30am, everybody is should stop swimming and stay away from the water. After a while, fishes bit by bit are appearing. They are swimming in groups, big or small, colorful, they all blend in the waters. We quickly look for a space for us to clearly witness the feeding. It will be nice to stay near the water so we can take good photos yet with many swimmers staying at the stairs, we can’t go down anymore and just stayed at a vacant place above. In fairness, the fish activities are still visible from above.
At 11:45am, the feeding guys are making their way near the waters. Suddenly, the music plays quietly and the guys started throwing the food at the river. The fishes are all busy catching the food, swimming here and there. It’s remarkable seeing ocean fishes at the river. It was said that a diver tries to dive at the deeper portion of the river to know where and how’s below the river. Unfortunately, the diver ran out of oxygen and still can’t see the end of the deep.
The question now is, where is the location of the end of the river? How did the fishes know its feeding time? And it’s so ironic that the river literally is only few meters from the sea, yet the fishes are coming not from the sea but from the deeper portion of the river. Maybe this explains why they are calling this Enchanted.
The feeding only took place during lunch for 15-20 minutes only. So no swimming from 11:30 am to 12:15pm at the river. The rest of the day, everybody can enjoy the cold clear water.
It’s lunchtime and we are going to the Sandbar Fish Cage for lunch. Location of the boat terminal going to the fish cage is just at the tip of the river near the sea. Only a short walk from the feeding area, several boats are waiting for visitors who want to dine at the fish cage. A fee of 300/hr for the boat service for 5 persons.
Sandbar Fish Cage experience click here.
After the sumptuous lunch at the Fish Cage, we grabbed the chance of enjoying Enchanted River’s beauty. The water is so refreshing. To taste, it’s not freshwater but a bit salty. Well, not as salty as seawater. Maybe a mix of sea and fresh water.
We really had a great time at Enchanted River. You will not bother for any sunburn after swimming since it’s nestled in a shaded area. By the way, there are life vests available for rent for those who do not know how to swim and wants to experience the deep. Lifeguards are also on duty so I may say it’s safe to swim.
For those who are coming to visit, road conditions are good should you decide to drive your own cars. Parking area is available at the entrance gate too.
If given a chance to come back, I won’t hesitate to come again. How about you?
Been here: January 4, 2017
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