CARAGA
The Caraga Administrative Region, is named after the historic CARAGA, an old territory in Northern Mindanao. The term was derived from KALAGAN, the name of people believed to be of Visayan origin. The word "Kalagan" came from two Bisayan words namely: "Kalag" and "An" which means soul or people and land, respectively.
The region is composed of four cities: Butuan, Surigao, Bislig and Tandag, and five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands.
Caraga boasts of its rich cultural heritage and vast natural attractions which offers unlimited adventure. It is a destination of never ending quest of nature.
Enchanted River
This is a 5-day adventure to explore the region and enjoy its unspoiled natural wealth. Places of interest: Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Magpupungko Tidal Pool in Pilar, 3 islands in Gen Luna, Boardwalk on Cloud 9 Surf Resort, Sohoton Cove Bucas Grande and Laswitan in Cortes.
I already made a blog of my 1st spot. Please see: (BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS). My next spot were the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-An Falls in Bislig.
ENCHANTED RIVER
With approximately 73kms or a 1-hour and 30-minute ride from San Agustin, Surigao del Sur (147kms from the south of Butuan Airport and 224kms or a 6-hour drive from the north of Davao International Airport), is the town of Hinatuan, a place where you can find one of Mindanao's natural wonder, The 80-feet deep Enchanted Blue River - known to be the Enkanto's eye-view of the outside world. There were explorations or penetration dives into the deep chamber of the River's underwater cave; an exciting newly discovered cave diving site in the Southern Philippines but no-one had ever reached its end yet. It is the tidal mouth of the river, where the tide meets the stream because it is quite salty and it's like the water texture of Coron's Twin Lagoon. The river is like a swimming pool because of its crystal clear blue water where you can see school of fish and some of it are cannot be caught through any means. Most species that can be seen here are Surgeon Fish, Angel Fish, Red Snapper and Cardinal Fish. Visit Enchanted River NOW!
HOW TO GET THERE?
Perfect spot of Sunrise and the Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin. (Heading Hinatuan)
I just came from San Agustin where the home of Britania Group of Islands is located. From there, I rode a van with the tourists I met in Hiyor Hiyoran Island and it's an easy ride for me. It is a 1 and a half hour drive from Salvacion to Enchanted River. It is found between the boundaries of Barangay Talisay and Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. If you are coming from Davao City, Tinuy-An falls in Bislig City will definitely be your 1st destination and it's 51kms away. You can hire a habal habal and take you directly to the River but that will cost you alot or ride a bus from the crossing of Salvacion and drop you to the town of Barobo then ride a van heading Bislig and advise the driver to drop you to the entry point going to Enchanted River. It's time consuming but you can save more money especially if you're going there in a budget. There are habal habal which will take you to the river from the main road. It's a rough road so take precautions. Early bird catches the early worm so you must be there around 6am for you may witness the clearest moment of the water and see (different variety) school of fish swimming in the river.
Welcome to Enchanted River!
We arrived at 7:33am. I hope this photo will help you alot.
School of Fish in Enchanted River. Though we arrived late, we still managed to see this. Luckily, we are the first. At 12noon, they are advising all the tourist to get off the river for they are feeding them. Must see it!
The River gets bluer and clearer as the sun gets higher.
Yours truly. The Philippine Wayfarer
It is not allowed to catch fish in the river. For your lunch, there's a fishing resort near the area and a 15 minute boat ride only. It's a D-I-Y fishing or just tell them to catch and cook it for you, (Boat ride is around 200 pesos round trip). The Sibadan Fish Cage where live fish and shell fish are ranging from 300-2,600 pesos per kilo. There are available rooms if you want to stay overnight. Rooms may be rented for P300.00 per pax max of 4 per room and P500.00 per pax maximum of 6 per room. You may contact them at these numbers: 09169291305 / 09273936207 / 09465634927.
Photo Credit: Sibadan Fish Cage (By: B.J.A)
TINUY-AN FALLS
The Niagara Falls of the Philippines with 98 meters wide and 55 meters high making it the widest in the country, the Tinuy-An Falls. It is a 3-level waterfall and a good place to go for a swim. Tinuy-an Falls is located in Barangay Burboanan, 54kms or a one and a half-hour ride from Enchanted River. 16kms or a forty-minute ride from the center of trade and commerce in Bislig City, via the Poblacion-San Isidro (Bagnan) route.
How to get there?
From Enchanted River to the main road is a 20peso-fare if you're going to hire a habal habal. From there, look for a bus or a van heading Barangay Mangagoy, center of Bislig City or just advise the habal habal driver to take you directly to Tinuy-An Falls. It will cost you around 600 pesos if agreed to take you back to Mangangoy. You must have the skills of bargaining for you to save money for your next trip.
Such a beautiful site, driving towards Tinuy-an Falls is a beautiful sea side. Welcome to the City of Bislig. BRING ON THE FALLS!
You may take this route as well. From Davao airport, go to Ecoland Overland Transport Terminal by a cab for around 200 pesos.
Look for a bus/van going to Mangagoy for 300-peso fare. Travel time is around 5-6 hours. At Mangagoy, hire a Habal-habal to Tinuy-an Falls. A round trip of 400 pesos.
You can rent a Balsa for around 100 - 150 pesos.
2nd and 3rd tier of the waterfalls.
For your reference.
