Hinatuan (Enchanted River)

Overview

Hinatuan sits on the coast of Surigao del Sur, and its name belongs to the Enchanted River, a spring that rises from the ground and runs clear and blue through the mangroves and jungle. The river anchors a wider loop: an hour or so away, the wide curtain of Tinuy-an Falls drops through the forest, and the Britania Islands offshore offer calm coves, sandbars, and snorkeling. It suits a few unhurried days rather than a single stop.

Standout experiences

• 01 Enchanted River

  A deep, clear spring river with a daily fish-feeding ritual, best seen in the morning and at low tide.

• 02 Tinuy-an Falls

  A wide, multi-tiered waterfall near Bislig, with bamboo rafts that reach the cascade.

• 03 Britania Islands

  A group of calm islets and sandbars offshore for island-hopping and snorkeling.

• 04 Laswitan Lagoon

  A saltwater lagoon where waves crash over the rock rim into the pools at the right swell.

Getting there

Hinatuan has no commercial airport; the nearest gateways are Butuan's Bancasi Airport (BXU) and Davao's Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Buses and vans run from Butuan to Hinatuan in about four to five hours, and from Davao's Ecoland terminal to Mangagoy (Bislig) in about five to six hours. From Hinatuan town, a habal-habal or tricycle reaches the Enchanted River in about 20 minutes.

When to go

Hinatuan has no pronounced dry season. January is the wettest month, with about 833 mm of rain, and September the driest, with about 190 mm. The Enchanted River is best visited early in the morning before crowds build; the daily fish feeding is held in the afternoon. Weekdays and the September dry spell give the calmest conditions.