[2025 Hinatuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Enchanted River (Updated Jul)

Enchanted River also called the Hinatuan Sacred River is a hidden gem on the east coast of Mindanao, Philippines. Getting There - it’s a long travel from Davao City but it’s super worth the trip 💯 we were on the road for about 6 hours 😅 Attractions - the blue river nonetheless!! as soon as you set your eyes on this magical body of water, you can’t help but feel charmed! truly fascinating 😍 They conduct a daily fish feeding around noon time where different types of fish gather as the “Hymn of Hinatuan” plays in the background. Food & Restaurants - there are local vendors and food stalls qs well as a covered area for dining #enchantedriver #surigao #roadtrip #travel #mindanao #river #swimming

Have you heard about the Hinatuan Enchanted River located on the island of Mindanao, Philippines? If not yet, you may want to continue reading. :) This river is one of the the wonders of Mindanao and even the Philippines not just because of its clear and crystal waters but also because this place is preserving the folklore in the country. As per the locals, some sort of supernatural beings are protecting the river allowing it to be a home to many fishes and for the waters to continue to glow and be as luminescent even today. And we, as the visitors of the place should respect this story. Just like in any tourist destination, before we head over to the river itself, we had a short briefing of the dos and dont’s for everyone’s safety. Please pay attention to the briefing personnel. Trivia: One of the big No-No is being too loud. We had to almost whisper when talking there to respect nature and everything that comes with it. And yes! There is a portion of the river where you are allowed to swim. Didn’t had a photo cause we were too overwhelmed and very careful. 📍Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur 🇵🇭 ✈️ Nearest Airport: Surigao Airport (Domestic) You should tick this off your list soon ✅ #grouptravel #philippines #river

#summervacay Hidden in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the Enchanted River stuns with its deep blue waters and mysterious charm. Locals say spirits guard its depths and standing beside it, you just might believe it. The crystal-clear water shifts in shades of blue, and at noon, fish appear like magic to the sound of music. It’s not just a river; it’s a place that feels alive calm, sacred, and quietly unforgettable. You don’t just visit. You listen, you watch, and you feel. The Enchanted River isn’t just a destination; it’s a reminder that some places are meant to be felt more than understood.

#philippinestrip A Magical Dip into the Enchanted River of Hinatuan Tucked away in the lush forests of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur lies a surreal body of water that seems almost too beautiful to be real—the Enchanted River. As its name suggests, this natural wonder exudes an otherworldly charm, with its striking sapphire and jade hues glimmering under the Mindanao sun. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the serene hum of nature, broken only by the gentle flow of the river and the occasional splash of fish darting beneath the crystal-clear surface. The Enchanted River isn’t just a visual marvel; it’s a deeply spiritual and cultural site, believed by locals to be protected by spirits. Stories of unexplained depths and mythical guardians add to its mystique. The experience begins with a short trek through a shaded trail, leading you to the river’s edge. As you stand there, the water’s clarity reveals the limestone floor beneath, creating a vivid gradient of blues. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas for preservation, but the thrill of floating in water that seems lit from within is unforgettable. At noon, visitors are treated to a special ritual—the fish feeding ceremony. A bell rings, swimming is paused, and park rangers drop food into the river. Suddenly, schools of large fish emerge from the deep, seemingly from nowhere. It’s a magical moment that highlights the untouched, almost sacred nature of this site. For those wanting more, nearby attractions such as the Hinatuan Bay, Tinuy-an Falls, and the Britannia Islands make for excellent additions to your Surigao del Sur adventure. The Enchanted River isn’t just a destination—it’s a reminder of how nature, culture, and local belief can intertwine to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, this hidden gem in Mindanao is bound to leave you enchanted.

broom broooom

Fresh coid water taste salty Deep river w/ many sea creatures

Enchanted River!!

🗺️🗺️ [Itinerary] Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: 📍📍 [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Mt. Apo cold weather beautiful view of greens and falls at twin mountain resort with live band on Saturday 2. Aliwagwag falls is very beautiful falls, great for pictures and videos and you can shower here to the spot with less current 100+ km from Davao City 3. Enchanted river is pretty river for taking pictures and videos and you can also swim here 200+ km from Davao City 4. Tinuy an falls is another great falls you can also shower here 200+ km from Davao City 5. Samal Island a very fast ferry ride from Davao City. this is where the beach located many beautiful resort. 🥘🥘 [Must-Try Food] food here is cheap tuna restaurant where all the dishes are tuna, goat restaurant as well. you can also find some exotic food to try 🏠🏠 [Accommodation ] 1.Hotel Uno location is ok. price is a bit cheap but bed and pillows for me is not good and no bidet and sound proof is no good but their food is good. 📷📷 [Photo Spots] Aliwagwag falls, Tinuy An falls, Enchanted river, Mt. Apo 📣📣 [Tips] my advice is to visit during summer (April) If you are going to visit enchanted river rent a car then leave early in the morning so that you can visit all other falls along the way and bring attire for swimming. you can visit Enchanted river, Aliwagwag falls and Tinuy an falls in 1 day if you rent a car and leave eary in the morning in Davao if your vacation days are limited or you can stay in Bislig then when you go back to Davao take the road near the sea. #naturalwonders #falls-ling #roadtrip

Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines, located in the southern part of the Philippines. In the village of Hinatuan in the remote province of Surigao del Sur, located in the northeastern part of the island, there is a miraculous river called the Enchanted River. That is, it is usually a normal river with a slightly dull transparency, as shown in the second image, but as the sun rises from 10:00 a.m., the transparency gradually increases. Around 11:00 a.m., a huge underground cave that looks like it might be sucked in appears, as if the floodgates had suddenly opened. Before 2017, you could swim directly above this cave, but now swimming is prohibited for environmental reasons. Instead, twice a day, a show is held in which staff feed fish in small boats accompanied by loud music. As the day approaches, the transparency of the cave becomes duller, as if the doors have been closed. It is a mysterious spot that truly lives up to the name Enchanted = "magic river". When you exit the river into the sea, it becomes a resort island, and you can enjoy island hopping and island resort activities. Photo on Apr 5 2019 This is the Enchanted River, also called the Hinatuan Sacred River, is a deep spring river in Hinatuan village, Surigao de Sur on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. We can see such a super natural phenomenon of appearing an subterranean cave after 10:30am around gradually like opening the door to the underwater, especially in sunny day. I think the peak of clearness becomes between 11am and 12pm, then started to appear an unscable deep undergrand cave. We used to be allowed to swim or shorkeling over the cave, but now no swimming allowed because of the environmental perspective by the local government. Instead of that, the fishing show on the boat will be held at full blast of the music everyday. Anyway it's super amazing! #tripoverseastravel #scenicview #islandtrip #unexploredarea #Philippines

The Enchanted River, located in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, is a stunning natural wonder that's earned its name for good reason. It's famous for its crystal-clear, deep blue waters, which seem almost otherworldly. The river is relatively short, emerging from a spring and flowing directly into the Philippine Sea. **What makes it special?** The water is so clear that you can see fish swimming in it, almost as if they're floating in mid-air. The color of the water is an incredible mix of blue and green hues, especially striking under sunlight. The river's depth and the clarity create an illusion of an enchanted, bottomless pit, which adds to the mystical vibe of the place. The river also has a daily "feeding ritual," where the fish come out in droves, adding to the magical atmosphere. **Pros:** - **Scenic Beauty:** The river is breathtaking, and the surrounding lush greenery only adds to the serene ambiance. - **Unique Experience:** It's not every day you get to swim in such a pristine, vividly colored natural pool. - **Cultural Aspect:** The feeding ritual of the fish is a unique tradition and is interesting to watch. **Cons:** - **Crowds:** The place can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season, which might detract from the experience. - **Limited Activities:** Aside from swimming and watching the fish feeding, there isn't much else to do in the immediate vicinity. - **Remote Location:** Getting there can be a bit challenging. The journey involves long drives on less-than-ideal roads, which might be a downside for some. **Overall:** The Enchanted River is definitely worth a visit if you're in the Philippines and are looking for something off the beaten path. It's a place that lives up to its name, offering a unique and magical experience. However, plan your visit during off-peak times to fully appreciate the serene beauty without the crowd.#enchantingplace #clearwater

#SouthEastAsiaTravel Visiting the Enchanted River in Henatuan was one of my most beautiful experiences! 🌊💧The river amazes everyone with its clear water that reflects the colors of the sky, and you can clearly see the river. 🏞️✨ The scenery surrounding the river with lush forests and small waterfalls adds a magical feeling to the experience. 🌿🌺 I had a great time swimming and exploring the refreshing and calming water. The birds flying over the river added to the beauty of the place and made the experience even more magical.😌💦 🦜🌟 If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, the Enchanted River is the perfect destination. 🌴🛶

I was enchanted to meet you Hinatuan.

#freehotelstay Getting There - from butuan airport ride a taxi to bus station and head to hinatuan surigao del sur, you can ride a tricycle going to enchanted river Attractions - enchantrd river, sibadan fish cage Hotels - ComfortZone Inn Hinatuan, Kamayo Hostel, isabelle tourist and rock island resort Food & Restaurants - enchanted river dining Shopping - enchanted river souvenir shops

#perfectspot #foreveryone

It's a shame I couldn't cannonball into this paradise. 😕 Enchanted River's crystal-clear blue waters and vibrant green surroundings created a magical atmosphere that was impossible to resist. As I stood at its edge, the desire to take the plunge was overwhelming. Though I couldn't make a splash, just being in the presence of such natural beauty was a gift in itself. Enchanted River is a hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression, and the memories made here will forever be cherished. So let the beauty of Enchanted River inspire you, even from the sidelines. 💙

The 8-hour road trip to reach Enchanted River was more than worth it. 🙌🏼 As we arrived, we were greeted by a mesmerizing sight that took our breath away. The sapphire-blue waters shimmered under the sunlight, inviting us to dive into its depths. Though we couldn't cannonball into this enchanting river, we savored the serenity and stunning beauty that surrounded us. Enchanted River is a hidden gem that holds the power to captivate and leave you in awe. So venture off the beaten path, embrace the journey, and let Enchanted River steal your heart. 👌🏼💦

Address - hinatuan, surigao del sur Ambiance/Facilities - 👌👌👌 Highlights - THE ENCHANTED RIVER Avg. Price per Person - 100 Rating - 100#summervacation #2023travelwish

so beautiful place you can see the water is blue and nice place to unwind # #travel #vacation

@enchanted river#mytripvlog #travel

water us blue, it's cold and refreshing, locals are very friendly, foods is ok. #skiadventure #staycation #beachlife

One of the unique features of the Enchanted River is its unfathomable depth. There have been a number of diving expeditions which aimed to uncover this mystery, but have unfortunately failed. It was said that these professional divers experienced different roadblocks such as strong current and blocked passageways. I have read that the farthest they were able to go was 200 feet. I was more than contented with the feeling of joy and wonder upon seeing lovely place. It was really mesmerizing and captivated my heart! (big words!) I really pray that come hundreds of years, Enchanted River will still remain to be as clean and beautiful as I first saw it. #urbanexplorer #summervacation #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

The natire beauty of Enchanted blue and green river at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur..So much fun❤️❤️❤️ #wintergetaway