TRAVEL GUIDE: Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls is one of the most visited tourist spots and attractions in Surigao del Sur. Located at Barangay Borboanan in Bislig City, the waterfalls spans at 95 meters wide with a 55 meters plunge from its three cascading falls. The water that drapes and cascades through the three waterfalls features a curtain of white froth that makes Tinuy-an Falls worth the long travel. Aside from this, the whole area is teeming with lush vegetation and tall trees that makes the waterfalls more appealing.

Going to the falls is not easy. It took us a 45-minute habal-habal (single motorcycle) ride from Bislig City proper to get to this waterfalls. It's a but numbing ride through rough, uphill and dusty roads, but it's all worth it.

The unmatched beauty and natural splendor of the Tinuy-an Falls kept me at awe for such a long time upon seeing how grand the falls is. It made me forget the long habal-habal ride just to get here. Tinuy-an is really awesome! It's the widest falls I've ever been to.

According to the locals, a rainbow appears between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We were lucky to see a rainbow at one side of the waterfalls which is a result of the reflection of the sunlight through the mist. Ang ganda!!! This is the closest I've seen a rainbow. It feels magical! :) But where's the pot of gold? Hahaha!

If you wish to get closer to the falls, you can ride the bamboo raft which allows more daring tourists to go right under the waterfalls.

The upper part of the falls should not also be missed. So, after taking photos and appreciating the marvelous cascades of the main falls, we went up to the upper level through a steep trail to reach the upper tier of the falls. The upper level is equally beautiful! It is also wide with a shorter plunge.

Compared to the main falls, there were lesser people here. I quickly changed into my swimming shorts and enjoyed the cool waters of the falls. Very refreshing and quite relaxing!

The view and the power of Tinuy-an falls is just really breathtaking! The loud sound and the refreshing mist from the waterfalls is astonishingly relaxing. Let us be grateful for this wonderful creation!

TIPS, REMINDERS AND BASIC INFO

• Entrance fee is 50 pesos each, children are free.
• Be there as early as possible to have ample time to explore the place.
• Picnic tables are on a first come first serve basis.
• There are some stores and cottages but no major developments in the area, don't expect a resort-like amenities here.
• If you wish to explore the upper waterfalls, you may get a guide or just explore it for yourself.
• Don't go on a weekend or on a holiday, to avoid the huge number of tourists.
• Be sure to ask your habal-habal driver to wait for you so you will have transportation back to Bislig City proper.
• Always practice "leave no trace" principle.

WHERE TO STAY?

[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF HOTELS IN BISLIG CITY ]

HOW TO GET TO BISLIG, SURIGAO DEL SUR

If coming from Manila, you may take a flight to Butuan or Davao City. These are the closest jump-off to Bislig City.

Via Butuan
From Butuan City Integrated Bus Terminal, there are non-airconditioned buses bound for Mangagoy in Bislig City. Fare is around 250 pesos and travel time is about 5-6 hours. You may also take a van for around 200 pesos and travel time is also roughly 5 hours. Another option is to take a bus bound for Davao City and alight at San Franz in Agusan del Sur (2 hours). From there, you may take a van or a non-airconditioned bus to Mangagoy in Bislig City.

Via Davao City
From Davao's Ecoland Bus Terminal, take a Bachelor bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig City), Surigao del Sur. Fare is around 250 pesos and travel time is roughly 6 hours. First trip is at 2:30 AM with intervals of 1-2 hours. Last trip is at 6:00 PM going to Bislig.

HOW TO GET TO TINUY-AN FALLS FROM BISLIG CITY

You can find habal-habal (single motorcycle) around the city proper that offers trips to Tinuy-an Falls. Charter them for about 250-300 pesos per person going to the falls and back to Bislig proper.

This is part of my Surigao del Sur Adventure that happened on August 19-21, 2012. Surigao del Sur is the 76th province on my list.

• The Grandeur of Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig
• The Enchanted River of Hinatuan
• Where to Stay in Bislig City: Sleep Inn
• TRAVEL GUIDE: Bislig and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.