How to Get to ENCHANTED RIVER in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Is it real, is it real??? Yes it is! Enchanted river, one of the most famous rivers in the Philippines is located at Barangay Cambatong in the town of Hinatuan, in the province of Surigao del Sur. Only discovered in recent years, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Surigao del Sur and the rest of Mindanao. Known for its clear, shimmery and turquoise blue water, the Enchanted River provides an enchanting and somehow "out of this world" scene that keeps tourists and visitors at awe by the river's unexplainable beauty.

HOW TO GET TO ENCHANTED RIVER

Getting to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur is an adventure in itself. Yes, it's not an easy trip, you have a set ample amount for time and patience just for getting there. But trust me, it's all worth it! :)

So, if you're planning to see and swim at Hinatuan's Enchanted River, here's how to get there:

STEP 1: TRAVEL TO HINATUAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR

If you're coming from Manila, you may take a flight to Butuan or Davao City. These are the closest cities (with commercial airports) to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Via Butuan (Agusan del Norte)
From Butuan City Integrated Bus Terminal, take a non-airconditioned bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig City) and tell the bus attendant to drop you at Hinatuan Bus Terminal. Fare is around 200 pesos and travel time is roughly 5 hours. You may also take a van for around 200 pesos and travel time is also roughly 5 hours.

Via Butuan (Agusan del Norte) and San Franz (Agusan del Sur)
Another option is to take an airconditioned bus bound for Davao City and alight at San Franz Bus Terminal in Agusan del Sur (travel time is about 2 hours). From there, you may take a van or a non-aircon bus to Mangagoy which passes by the town of Hinatuan.

Via Bislig, Surigao del Sur
If you're coming from Bislig, you may take a bus going to Hinatuan. Some habal-habal drivers may also bring you directly to Hinatuan or to Enchanted River.

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. From Bislig, take a bus to Hinatuan. Alternatively, from Davao City, you may take a bus to Butuan and alight at the town of Trento and transfer to another bus or van going to Hinatuan.

STEP 2: TAKE A RIDE TO ENCHANTED RIVER FROM HINATUAN

You can find habal-habal (single motorcycles) around the town of Hinatuan that offer trips to Enchanted River. Fare is about 50.00 pesos per person per way going to the river. Take note that habal-habal won't leave until it is full. If you wish charter them, it would cost around 200 pesos per habal-habal, per way. Travel time is about 30-45 minutes.

Enjoy the cold and clear waters of Enchanted River!

For a more detailed post on Hinatuan's Enchanted River, CLICK HERE.

Where to stay?

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

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