The Hinatuan River is a river on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It flows into the Pacific Ocean at Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The River is also referred to as the "Enchanted River" by many locals and tourists. No expedition of divers have ever been able to reach the bottom of this river. |
Legend has it that one firefly-lit night, fairies floated above the enchanted river of Hinatuan, while elves watched from cliffs and banks. With their wands, the fairies stirred the water, toyed with sapphire and jade, and made the tones fade and meld to achieve a shade of bluish green that now paints the riverbed. |
|
Twelve kilometers from the highway junction, the Enchanted River shapes the boundary of Barangays Talisay and Cambatong in Hinatuan. Though some portions of the well-maintained dirt road are undulating. |
|
What lends credence to the river’s name? Fishermen swear to seeing various fish but couldn’t catch any no matter how they tried—not by hand, spear or net. Fishwives lay their fish traps at dusk only to find them hanging on a branch the day after. |
|
More myths include a foreigner plunges into the visible riverbed and finds it unfathomable. A father and son see two long-haired, alabaster-skinned women bathing under a plump moon then vanishing in a swirl of fireflies. Boatmen gape at sunken boulders of twisted images that are there one day and gone the next. |
|
An added attraction when visiting the Enchanted River happens at noon when the bell is rung and bathers are requested to get out of the water for about an hour. As the Hinatuan Hymn begins to play, groups of fish come out from nowhere like on cue and feed on food scraps the caretaker and tourists throw into the river. This feeding frenzy makes spinning scales and tails catch light, turning the natural pool into a liquid canvas of the magical and the fabulous. |
|
Farolan’s Enchanted River has changed over time. While the turquoise bed remains unchanging beneath a cool water sparkling like quicksilver, the environs have given way to some structures others may find incongruous with the thematic concept of nature. Where cliffs used to be, the local government has built concrete staircases to make it easy for tourists to bathe and swim. |
|
A few meters away from the bank that overlooks the river are some cottages that tourists can rent for P100. A wooden footbridge on stilts leads to a terminal of outrigger boats that ferry tourists to the nearby Vanishing Island and beach resort for P150 an hour. |
|
For nonswimmers, there are kiddie and adult pools. Stalls offer various seafood at reasonable prices outside the cordoned area, just across the main gate. |
|
Lifeguards are employed for safety precautions and life jackets are rented out at P100 each for a whole day’s use. Entrance fee is P20. |
|
Enjoy your enchanted river experience! |
Submitted by: Laura A.
16 Gorgeous Sights in Georgia Everyone Should See
Here are 16 sights that prove how beautiful Georgian nature is, and anyone thinking of visiting should definitely keep these in mind.
13 Mind-Blowing Wildlife Photographs from 2024
These are 13 rare, beautiful, stunning, and terrifying moments that will show you the hidden and true faces of nature...
15 Stunning Photos of the World's Largest Feline
15 photographs that prove once again the splendor and majesty of the Asian tiger.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
Our World is a Place of Wonder & Curiosity - 18 Photos
These photos have one common thread running through them - each one depicts poignant and fascinating moments that you wouldn’t want to miss!
You Will Be Amazed at the United Kingdom's Pure Natural Beauty
The British Isles are ancient lands, filled with history, and also places of sublime natural beauty. Come see these beautiful places close at hand, taken by talented photographers.
Take in China's Spectacular Oriental Beauty - from Above
Get ready to fly high over China's most amazing landscapes.
Harmony, Discipline, Power! What a Drumming Performance!
Watch this mesmerizing drumming performance by a Japanese drumming troupe.
Discover the Island of Capri in This Crisp 4K Video
Shot in 4K Ultra HD, this video will show you some of the most stunning sights Capri has to offer. Enjoy!
The Mesmerizing Sights and Sites of Slovakia
Slovakia is chalk full of impressive and gorgeous sights and sites!
Hard to Think of a Place More Lovely Than These Temples...
The island of the gods it is called, and it does seem blessed...
18 European Maps That Provide Fun and Fascinating Info
These cool and interesting maps will change your perception of Europe.
Come Travel in One of the Most Gorgeous Places in Thailand
One of the most recommended places in Thailand is Ko Phi Phi...
These Magnificent Ancient Ruins Make Us Gasp in Awe
These 7 ancient ruins are not as popular as the Pyramids, but they are equally beautiful and well preserved, and deserve more attention!
Towering Architectural Marvels: World's Largest Churches!
Have you visited any of these massive churches?
Pearl of Southeast Asia: 5 Reasons You Need to Visit Burma
A comprehensive travel guide to Myanmar in Southeast Asia
This Video of the Norwegian Fjords Will Leave You In Awe
This stunning time-lapse video will take you over three of Norway's mightiest fjords. What's more, it's in full HD!
Incredible Northern India Is Packed with Spectacular Sites
Filmed in high definition, this beautiful video will take you through some of the most spellbinding views of this land.
Fairytale Netherlands: 16 Pictures Too Pretty to Be Real
These gorgeous photos celebrate the beauty of the Netherlands.
For Each US State, There is a Sight You Shouldn't Miss!
If you could only tell a visitor to do one thing in your state, what would it be? Did it make our list? This is the ultimate travel guide on things to do in each state.
8 European Destinations You Should Definitely Check Out
Looking for an interesting destination to visit in Europe? Here are 8 amazing and peaceful places, which you won't believe you didn't know about before ...
11 Unique Museums to Visit in the City of Prague
we've compiled a list of the top 11 must-visit museums in Prague!
Did You Know the Dark Stories of These Popular Landmarks?
While these 8 tourist spots are extremely popular, they have lesser known eerie histories and haunting stories.
Come Visit One of the Most Sacred Places in China...
On the top of Mount Emei in the Chinese province of Sichuan, you will find one of the most beautiful and sacred sites in China...
Take a Romantic Stroll Through the French Gardens of Love...
The famous scenic Châteu de Villandry in central France is home to stunning ornamental gardens with some of the most romantic views and a beautiful love story behind it to boot.
The Mysterious Ajanta Caves are Full of Wonder...
The mysterious Ajanta Caves are full of incredible history and astonishing sights.
Touch Down in These Incredible Island Airports!
Here are some of the most fantastic island airports that you could be landing in on your next exotic vacation!
10 Caves in the US You Have To Add to Your Must Visit List
These magical caves are a must see - weather you're an extreme lover or just looking for a relaxed stroll, these natural wonders have something for anyone.
The Seven Ancient World Wonders Beautifully Reconstructed
We live in an age where technology allows us to do the impossible- check out these incredible digital reconstructions of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
The Full Beauty of Vienna is Revealed in This 8K Video
. In this breathtaking 8K video, Vienna unveils its grandeur and charm in ways that words can scarcely capture.
These Majestic Churches are Some of the World’s OLDEST
There is something special about churches, especially ancient ones. Here are 9 of the oldest and most majestic churches around the world.
10 Beautiful Castles Literally Built For Romance!
Castles seem to be a supreme statement of true love, built with great hardship and expense, to serve as a romantic home taken out of a fairy tale, and to live in it happily ever after...
The Beauty of Asia: 17 Gorgeous Travel Guides
Click on any of these to enter the article and see these exotic and stunning countries you can travel to in Asia.
This Dazzling 4K Video Shows Poland in Its Full Glory
Experience one of the most beautiful destinations in the world in stunning 4K high definition!
Photography is FORBIDDEN in These 10 Tourist Destinations
Many popular tourist destinations don't let tourists take pictures. Here are 10 extremely popular places where taking photos is forbidden
These Murals Change the Way People Look at Hospitals
Italian artist Silvio Irilli adds color to hospitals with his delightful murals.
10 Jaw-Dropping Routes You Need to Add to Your Travel List!
The world is full of scenic landscapes, and trekking along these routes is undoubtedly the best way to let them awe you!
10 Beautiful Places in Austria You Must Visit!
We invite you to join a special journey in the country, looking at 10 different sites that are simply a must.
Have You Ever Seen Japan Through the Eyes of a Cat?
These rescue cats have been all around Japan with their owner and have become Instagram stars
The 12 Most Magnificent Train Stations You Must See!
These train stations are considered architectural masterpieces and are noteworthy tourist destinations in their own right!
The Most Breathtakingly Beautiful National Parks in Japan
These Japanese national parks will delight all nature enthusiasts.
Take a Walk Among 11 of London's Greatest Sights
Join us on this virtual journey, accompanied by informative explanations, and get a taste of the wonders that London has to offer.
Take a Look at These Beautiful Chapels in Europe
Take a look at some of the most stunning chapels in Europe.
10 Reasons to Visit Southern Italy's Amalfi Coast
In the following images, you'll get to see the 10 most charming coastal villages and sites that you can find there.
Las Vegas Isn't Just About Gambling as These Places Prove
Planning a visit to Las Vegas? If so, you must really visit these stunning places.
In the Lap of Nature: 8 Historic National Park Hotels
From lovely cabins to sprawling ranch resorts, these national park hotels and lodges are the perfect way to enjoy nature.