One of the most popular travel destinations in the Philippines is none other than this stunning, mystical river called Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur! Located in Bgy. Talisay in the municipality of Hinatuan, this travel destination is the most visited among all the travel spots we have visited in the province. To tell you the truth, it is so much deserving of being so popular because of how beautiful it is!

Protecting the Enchanted River

Did you know that before 2017, tourists were allowed to swim in the whole area? Swarms of people were said to fill the river, which was actually detrimental. Imagine the amount of waste thousands of people can put in the water, aside from the erosion they can bring to the underground cave. Thankfully, the local government realized the situation had to change.

It is said that before 2017, no barricades such as this fence can be seen here at the side the river. I guess it’s for the best to conserve its beauty and prevent people from swimming and putting their waste in it.

Activities to do in Enchanted River

1. Fish Feeding Cultural Presentation

At noontime everyday, the caretakers ride the boat towards the deep blue part of the river. It is said that they do not just feed the fish, but also appease the river spirits.

This is the beginning of the cultural segment in the Enchanted River. Tourists get to be informed about a lot of things here at the start, before witnessing a great show of how the fishes are fed. Look at how bountiful the fishes are!

2. Swimming

What else is there to do in Enchanted River? Of course, swim! There’s a designated part in the river where it’s allowed to to swim, and even though this part is not that deep compared to the bluish part towards the underwater cave, visitors must wear a life vest.

TRAVEL TIP: Go further in the river where there are fewer people around. Reminder that even during weekdays, many people visit! So go to the place where you can really enjoy the river by yourself. Just look at the picture above.

3. Eating seafood for lunch

There’s a designated area for eating which is placed about a mile away from the Enchanted River. In fact, it is located at the first sign that you’re about to enter the Enchanted River area, way before the entrance of the river premises itself. I guess the LGU wanted the eateries relatively far from the river to avoid the dumping of wastes in it.

4. Visit Sibadan Fish Cage

Another option for visitors is to ride the boat and visit Sibadan Fish Cage and eat their lunch here. There’s an additional payment, though, for the two-way boat ride. We opted not to choose this option and ate in the nearby eatery instead.

5. Drink coffee in Fika House

Now staying here in this cafe wasn’t part of our itinerary. We just decided to stay here for a bit to get some coffee and pastries. Aside from the picturesque structure, their coffee is quite affordable! Plus, they have Wi-Fi!

How to go to Enchanted River

1. It should be noted that we contacted a travel guide/ habal-habal driver in Hinatuan for our trip in Surigao del Sur. We have arranged the itinerary for Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls for a single day.
2. If you’re going to come from Butuan, it’s better to stay overnight in Hinatuan or Bislig because traveling from Agusan del Norte can take about 5 hours or more. You won’t be able to enjoy the Enchanted River if you’re going to just stay here for a few hours in the afternoon.
3. It’s best to contact a guide when you go here especially when you have limited time in your travel. You can arrange with him (or her) your itinerary when you visit. You can always choose to stay in the Enchanted River for a whole day (as there are many activities you can do here), but if you’re pressed with time, you can stay here even just for a half day.
4. If you went to the province of Surigao del Sur using your car, you can easily ride in it to go here. It’s best to visit, though, before lunchtime so you can enjoy the cultural presentation/ fish-feeding activity the caretakers of the river do in a daily basis. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!