April 2, 2014 Manila-Cebu-Surigao City
I got an invite to attend the wedding of a friend, a former colleague in work, in Surigao. I planned an itinerary to maximize my comeback trip to Mindanao. It had been eight months since I left the island and with that I wanted to check out Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River, both in Surigao del Sur.
The day of my flight came. I boarded an A330 plane bound to Cebu from Manila leaving at 610AM. By the time the plane landed at Mactan International Airport around 730AM, I dashed my way out of the jet bridge to catch my connecting flight to Surigao with an ETD of 840AM (boarding time 810AM). The plane from Cebu landed in Surigao City airport by 930AM.
The day of my flight came. I boarded an A330 plane bound to Cebu from Manila leaving at 610AM. By the time the plane landed at Mactan International Airport around 730AM, I dashed my way out of the jet bridge to catch my connecting flight to Surigao with an ETD of 840AM (boarding time 810AM). The plane from Cebu landed in Surigao City airport by 930AM.
With the wedding to be at 1PM, I still had the time to rest and fix my self. Not much has changed since I left the city as I surveyed from the jeepney going to the city. I stayed in Hotel Tavern for its accessibility and comfort. Besides, it is located beside the boulevard and the pier.
April 3, 2014 Surigao City to Mangagoy, Bislig City
The following day, I woke up early to prepare for my trip to Butuan City where I had a bus transfer going to Mangagoy, Bislig City. The Butuan bound bus left Surigao City around 945AM. Bus fare was still P170 for the 3hr trip. Upon arrival in Butuan City bus terminal, I searched for the bus with the sign Mangagoy and found out that it was scheduled to depart at 1230PM. I bought first some snacks for the 5hr long trip before boarding the bus. Bus fare is P252 from Butuan to Mangagoy. No one will find the bus sign of Bislig City at the terminal but only the Mangagoy sign. Mangagoy is a barangay and is the center of trade and commerce in Bislig City. Note that if you miss the bus going to Mangagoy there are vans plying the same route or take a cutting trip to San Frans and wait for the bus or van going to Mangagoy. Although the van is more comfortable for the long trip, I took the bus for sight seeing. I just had to be patient for the inconveniences.
By 530PM, the bus arrived at Mangagoy. From the terminal I rode a tricycle going to Shiela's Pension House where I spent the night for just P550. There is also the Casa de Babano as an option just in case. After checking in, I explored the city by walking. I had my dinner on a diner just nearby. There are no fast food centers in Bislig City. I found some diner/resto's like Dan's Grill house and The Rocks. After my dinner, I went back to the pension house to wash and rest.
By 530PM, the bus arrived at Mangagoy. From the terminal I rode a tricycle going to Shiela's Pension House where I spent the night for just P550. There is also the Casa de Babano as an option just in case. After checking in, I explored the city by walking. I had my dinner on a diner just nearby. There are no fast food centers in Bislig City. I found some diner/resto's like Dan's Grill house and The Rocks. After my dinner, I went back to the pension house to wash and rest.
April 4, 2014 Exploring Surigao del Sur: Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River
Rain started to pour the previous night making me worry about my trip. Occasional rain showers followed in the morning which made me think of my next plans. It was already past 8AM but dark clouds still loom nearby. I made a decision to go ahead of my trip though I was anxious at first. I said to myself it is now or never so I rode a tricycle going to the bus terminal. I asked for the bus intervals from the bus dispatcher at the terminal. My plan was should it rain the whole day, I will take the bus going to Hinatuan after I check Tinuy-an falls. Then I went to a parking bay for habal-habal (single motorcycles). I asked one driver if he can take me to Tinuy-an falls and how much is the rate. I was informed that one way is P400 since the capacity is 4 persons for P100 each. I haggled for the price and the driver agreed to it. One of the seated drivers on a bench said to his companion (my driver) if I wanted also to check Enchanted river because both places usually can be packaged for travelers like me. I had to be prudent with this trip. I checked again the weather and it was still cloudy. I took the risk. Anyway, the habal-habal got a shade so off I went to my exploration. Tinuy-an Falls/Enchanted river for P1000, it is already a good deal. Time check: 850AM.
I got engaged in a good conversation with my driver, Kuya Rey, during the trip. He was polite in answering my questions about the things I saw along the road. The road to Tinuy-an falls is partly paved. As we ventured further we were travelling on a road with covered with limestone aggregate passing through rice fields, rivers, and a lake. Soon after 30 minutes butt numbing ride, a wide white curtain of water flowing down the other end of the mountain came into view. I had a jaw dropping reaction as I gazed into the beauty of Tinuy-an falls. I immediately brought out my camera and started taking photos. At the registration area, I paid P50 for the entrance fee.
I got engaged in a good conversation with my driver, Kuya Rey, during the trip. He was polite in answering my questions about the things I saw along the road. The road to Tinuy-an falls is partly paved. As we ventured further we were travelling on a road with covered with limestone aggregate passing through rice fields, rivers, and a lake. Soon after 30 minutes butt numbing ride, a wide white curtain of water flowing down the other end of the mountain came into view. I had a jaw dropping reaction as I gazed into the beauty of Tinuy-an falls. I immediately brought out my camera and started taking photos. At the registration area, I paid P50 for the entrance fee.
Kuya Rey introduced me to one of the local guides for the falls. I asked the guide how much are the rates for the cottages. He said that cottages costs P300 while the make shift tents are for P200. I was led to the steep and slippery steps going up the falls. It started to drizzle again that time so I covered my camera with my shirt. Damn weather! It doesn't even want to cooperate.
It rained earlier thus that explains the volume of water flowing from the top. The stones are quite slippery and water current is a bit strong. My guide told me that we could cross towards the other end of the falls but I hesitated for my safety.
I went near the edge of the third cascade to see the view below careful not to slip. It was kinda scary considering the water flowing on my feet and the height where I am at.
I descended to lower ground when other people started to come in. Again, raindrops started to fall which made me took shelter on a tent where the other guides were. It was a hard one. When the rain subsided, I stepped into a bamboo raft to get to the other side for another vantage point. I took a lot photos and videos out there.
I wanted to spend more time in Tinuy-an but since my schedule was delayed of 2hrs, I left the area by 1030AM. Nevertheless I already had a lot of photos. I gave also a tip to the local guide and thank him. Back to the highway, I asked Kuya Rey to stop on some scenic areas for some snapshots.
Around 11AM, we were back on the highway of Bislig City. I could not contain myself on the sights along the road so I asked one one time for Kuya Rey to stop by the Bislig City baywalk park for a couple of minutes of picture taking. I had a view of Mangagoy from a far. An island can also be seen from a distance. Weather was starting to look good that time. If only it happened earlier at the falls.
Enchanting Enchanted River
By the time we arrived in Hinatuan town, I saw the Doppler Radar operated by PAG-ASA. I made a mental note that I will check it out later after Enchanted River. Enchanted River is located in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan. From Hinatuan town, it was another 14Km of bumpy ride to the river. The landscape was marked of ferns, shrubby foliage and limestone hills.
Come exactly 12 noon, we arrived at Enchanted River. There were lots of visitors that day. It is already summer that people wanted to cool down from the summer heat. I got down from the habal-habal and queued for the registration. I checked my smartphone for any messages but there was no signal for Globe. Then I heard a familiar voice calling my name. It was Joie whom I went on her wedding the other day. She told me to just join her family at one of the cottages. My entrance fee of P30 was just added to the name of Joie's family. Why not! I tagged along Kuya Rey to join us. Prior to my travel to Butuan, I sent a text message to Joie to congratulate and thank her for inviting me on her wedding. I also told her about my trip plans. She replied that we might see each other again at Enchanted River. Happy to see the newly weds at Hinatuan. It was also the only time we got to catch up. At the cottage, we were offered lunch. I learned their lunch was ordered at the market just before the entrance to the river. It was also delivered for free right to their cottage.
There was this fish feeding activity that happens from 12-1PM. A bell was rang then a background music was played. The activity drew crowds to the riverside. With people rushing to the scene, I made my way past the others to find a good spot.
There was this fish feeding activity that happens from 12-1PM. A bell was rang then a background music was played. The activity drew crowds to the riverside. With people rushing to the scene, I made my way past the others to find a good spot.
The cold water is a mixture of fresh water and saltwater from a deep underwater crevice. A deep azure color is very evident on one side. The river then flows to a clear shallow part as it exits to the Hinatuan bay.
I bade goodbye after having a group photo with my friends. Time check: 1PM. I needed to catch the next bus back to Butuan. The ride going back took us around 25 minutes. I asked Kuya Rey to drop me infront of the doppler radar station for a quick photo. Besides the bus terminal is a just few meters away. Seeing that no bus had arrived yet, I went around the plaza for more photos.
Walking towards the bus terminal, an old guy on a bike asked me if I am from the media or a tourist. I answered him by saying that I am just a tourist on their town. He must have those initial impression because he spotted me taking photos while I was just carrying a backpack. At the bus terminal I saw how the coastline is. I saw a nearby island, fishing boats and houses that line up on one side. Then the bus came by 145PM but it was full (standing capacity). I waited for the next bus instead. There was this Butuan bound van that arrived by 2PM. I boarded and paid only P170 (Hinatuan-Butuan). I would prefer the van since I got seated and is more convenient than the bus. The van arrived at San Frans terminal by 325PM. Since there were only two of us left who were Butuan bound, we were transferred to another van. It did not matter to me since I was still travelling in comfort. By 545PM, I arrived in Butuan and alighted on the corner near McDonald's. From there I made my way to Prince Hotel to spend the night. The rates range from P700-1000. It was okay for me since I was on a tight budget. Other hotels to stay in Butuan are Dottie's Place, Windsoar Hotel, Almont Hotel Inland Resort. The following day I rode a jeepney with the sign Bancasi for P20 to get to the airport and catch my 950AM flight back to Manila.
I had a great adventure trip going to Bislig City and Hinatuan. It was a nice start to enjoy my summer. Perhaps the next time I visit Mindanao it would be the western side since I haven't been there. And I tell you, Mindanao is such a great place.
I had a great adventure trip going to Bislig City and Hinatuan. It was a nice start to enjoy my summer. Perhaps the next time I visit Mindanao it would be the western side since I haven't been there. And I tell you, Mindanao is such a great place.
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. - Helen Keller