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.
Fall In Love With These Gorgeous Pink Lakes
The sight of a pink lake is rare, and utterly gorgeous. Fall in love with photos of pink lakes from around the world.
In Photos: 15 Gorgeous Cities from Around the World
We have curated a collection of 15 stunning photographs that capture the essence of these cities or showcase their breathtaking sights in a single frame.
A Photographer's Dream: Photos of Lauterbrunnental Valley
A Photo Series of Lauterbrunnental Valley in Switzerland as well as a video by the photographer.
You've Got to See This Award-Winning Aerial Photography!
Have a look at some of these incredible award-winning drone photos from Dronestagram's annual contest.
One Look at These Photos & You'll Fall in Love With Seoul!
Take a close look at these photos and you'll find it very hard not to fall in love with this beautiful Korean city.
7 Gorgeous Dutch Parks We Recommend You Visit!
we have compiled a list of the top 7 national parks in Holland that should not be missed!
You Won't Believe That These Train Routes Actually Exist!
While most train journeys around the world are typically boring and uneventful, these terrifying ones more than make up for them!
Hard to Think of a Place More Lovely Than These Temples...
The island of the gods it is called, and it does seem blessed...
One Look at These Photos & You'll Fall in Love With Seoul!
Take a close look at these photos and you'll find it very hard not to fall in love with this beautiful Korean city.
9 Small American Towns that Are Prettier than a Postcard
The beauty of rural America is often overlooked, but there are some absolutely breathtaking small towns in the US.
These Photos Prove New Zealand Is the Most Beautiful Place
New Zealand has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and these photos are clear evidence of that. Here are 25 amazing photos.
Bermuda: Relax Among Shimmering Green and Blue Waters...
This is the perfect kind of video for relaxation and beauty. See the gorgeous blues and greens of Bermuda as your mind lets go and your problems blow away in the wind.
A Beauty to See: 10 Sun-Drenched, Rainbow Colored Cities
I love visiting a great city for the first time, but seeing these multi-colored rainbow cities I feel like if I went there I would never leave. See what I mean?
These Gorgeous Colorized Postcards Are Over 100 Years Old
You might think that colored photos in the early 20th Century were unheard of, but Photocrom already existed. Take a look at these stunning colorized postcards.
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful French Cities...
Prepare to immerse yourself in all that Montpellier has to offer - discover what sights are truly worth seeing and experiences worth having.
Visit the Most Remote Inhabited Islands on Earth!
These islands are hundreds, if not thousands of miles, from civilization. Take a look at 9 of the world's most remote inhabited islands.
These Rooftop Bars Around the World Have Views to Die For
Rooftop bars are great spots for some rest and relaxation, but the 20 you're about to see offer some of the best views (and drinks) in the world.
Open Your Eyes to Spain's 15 Most Cherished Hidden Towns
Spain's gorgeous little towns and villages are rendered all the more spectacular thanks to the amazing surrounding countryside...
People Say That Bruges Is THE Place to See Lace Being Made
Bruges is renowned for its traditional lace-making, with its intricate patterns and designs. This is the story behind how it came to be what it is today.
Sci Fi Tech: Only YOU Can See This Airport Flight Board!
Finally, all the time wasted on deciphering airport screen information is over! Detroit Airport recently unveiled the coolest airport invention we've seen!
Towering Architectural Marvels: World's Largest Churches!
Have you visited any of these massive churches?
Go on an Interactive Tour of Windsor Castle!
This video is no regular video, but an interactive tour of one of the most famous castles in the world - The Windsor Castle
Watch Your Step: The World's Most Treacherous Staircases
These dangerous staircases will make your stomach drop.
Come With Us as We Tour Portugal's Gorgeous Heritage Sites
In this article, we will introduce you to some of Portugal's most renowned and awe-inspiring World Heritage sites. I
The Pretty Little Himalayan Country You've Never Heard Of
Bhutan is a landlocked country high in the Himalayas. Sadly, not much is seen or heard from this beautiful land. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Bhutan.
WATCH: Visit the Stunning Old Chinese Town of Lijiang
The beautiful Old Town of Lijiang in China's Yunnan province is a truly spectacular place that allows you to step into the past. View it in full high definition
I Watched this Video and Now I’m Planning a Trip to Ghent
Sweet trappist beer, golden Belgian fries and this gorgeous skyline- what else could you ask for?
Welcome to the Coldest Town in the Whole World...
You think you know cold? For the people of Oymyakon in Russia, your idea of cold is laughable. When Amos Chappel, a photographer from New Zealand, traveled to this frozen location, he brought back incredible pictures depicting the daily lives of the
10 Famous, Gorgeous Streets We Should All Stroll Down
If you are also attracted to the 10 streets in front of you, maybe one day you will find yourself there
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.
Here Are Some of the USA's Most Stunning Train Routes
The USA is home to loads of scenic train routes that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. Here are 8 of the very best!
Discover 9 Attractions on the Wonderful Balearic Islands
Sun, sea, beaches and resort cities - for all these and much more you don't have to go to the Caribbean islands, just fly to the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain ...
The Gorgeous City of Turin, Italy Awaits You...
Turin is one of the most beautiful places to visit, and you're about to see it all...
8 of the History’s Most Epic Walls
Read on to discover some of the famous walls apart from the Great Wall of China that have left their mark on history.
Here Are the Most Important Archaeological Finds of 2023
2023 was an interesting year for archaeology.
The Most Fascinating Archaeological Finds in Recent Years
These recent archaeological discoveries left us awestruck.
When You Go to Japan, It's Like You're on Another Planet!
Japan is a country that'll surprise you so much, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you've arrived in another country. Take a look!
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!
These Maps Illustrate Little-Known Facts About America
These maps explain the United States in the most fascinating ways.
Here Are 8 New Countries That Might Exist by 2030
This video takes a look at some potential new countries that might exist by 2030.
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Croatia's Secret Eden
One of the most incredible nature reserves in the world, Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park is a wondrous place.
10 Must-See Sights in the Moroccan City of Marrakesh
To have a perfect vacation in Marrakesh, the following ten places are highly recommended.
11 Scenic American Lakes Absolutely Everyone Should See
Everyone ought to know about these magnificent American lakes that offer so much fun and countless beautiful views, we want to visit them all!
Photos Of Yesterday & Today: A Changed World
The world keeps changing around us. And these pictures of different places from the past and the present show us how much that is true.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
Tour 20 of the World's Finest Wine Regions Right Now
Where does the most delicious and refined wine in the world come from? From these 20 sensational wine regions all over the world. Take this fine wine tour.
A City of Ice: Harbin Ice Sculpture Festival on Camera
15 photos of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture festival in 2020