Explore Hinatuan Enchanted River on your next vacation. Checkout things to do, activities, places and guides on your travel to Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur.
Fresh Grilled Seafood & Local BBQ
Premier Island Spot
Anytime is the best time espec
Loading...
Sibadan Coastal Festival
Popping out in the jungle, the bewitching waters of the Hinatuan Enchanted River lures tourist around the world with its shimmering deep blues, shrouded with towering trees, dewed with endless tales of mermaids, fairies, and uncatchable mythical fishes. The 290 meters stretch of saltwater on the island of Mindanao, Philippines, flows into the Pacific Ocean at the lively municipality of Hinatuan. Fairly granted the epithet ‘enchanted’, Modesto Farolan singled out the river's majestic beauty through his poem.Adding mystery to the captivating hidden stream, no one really knows where it's famous unusual saltwater springs from. Whether it’s the underground cave system freeing the water of dirt or just a plain miracle by the Gods ushered by the locals, the unshed enigma amplifies the river’s aesthetic allure.
Anytime is the best time especially if your travel goal is to destress from life’s unending pressures. But if you want to explore the premier beauty of the Hinatuan Enchanted River and the entire municipality itself, it’s best to avoid the rainy season from May to November. The hot summer from December to April is the perfect date dalliance for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Be aware though, most people are having the same thought, expect to get social with your fellow backpackers.
Verified flight routes, ferry schedules, bus terminals, and insider transit tips.
The fastest course to get to the mystical rivers of Hinatuan is via Butuan Airport. Book a flight from Manila to Butuan City at your choice of airline, the low-cost Cebu Pacific has 3 daily flights while for the more flexible pockets, Philippines Airlines accommodates 2. Travel time is approximately an hour and 40 minutes—better get on the earliest flight so you can arrive by noon. Once you’re in Butuan’s Bancasi airport, you need to catch a van or a bus to the Hinatuan terminal.
From Bancasi, you need to hitch a ride via multicab to reach the Butuan bus terminal. The travel fare is Php 10 per passenger. Once there, you have to locate the bus line bound for Bislig. It’s imperative that you also tell the driver to drop you off at Hinatuan bus terminal for convenience. Depending on how the driver steps on that accelerator and the passengers' funfare, travel time roughly varies from 5 to 7 hours, with a budget price of Ph 200 per person.
Just a walking distance from the Bancasi departure area, the vans traveling to several cities and municipalities are easy to spot. Look for the one bound to Bislig, better yet ask the driver if the van is passing through Hinatuan terminal. With shorter time travel between 4 to 5 hours at Ph 350 per person, this mode of transportation seems to be a better fit for backpackers, who want to save time and don’t want to go through a hassle after a jetlag. Side Note: For those economical and safety -first packers, riding the bus is highly recommended. Though some are unair-conditioned, buses provide accident insurance, unlike the vans. Moreover, according to tourists, the latter also have numerous stopovers, so it’s more likely that you’ll reach your destination in the same time as the cheap -fared buses.
Once you arrive in Hinatuan Terminal, you’ll definitely get approached by ‘habal-habal’ drivers. A trip to the famous water in the jungle will cost you Ph 150 each. After a 30 minute ride in the cozy motorcycle taxi, you’ll finally get an enchanting sweep of the free-flowing wonder of the Enchanted River unlike no other.
Verified local food stands, iconic provincial specialties, and culinary favorites.
Signature DelicacyatLocal Night Market & Grills
Authentic fresh catch and grilled skewers served with garlic rice and spiced calamansi vinegar in Hinatuan Enchanted River.
Signature DelicacyatPasalubong Center of Surigao Del Sur
Regional specialties made with native coconuts, rice cakes, and seasonal tropical fruits.
Authentic traveler photography, scenic island landscapes, and local captures across Hinatuan Enchanted River.
Scenic panorama of Hinatuan Enchanted River
3-star central hotel, popular heritage restaurants, full-day city highlights tour, metered taxi or Grab rides.
Estimated Total
Per Traveler (Excl. Airfare)
Live atmospheric data for Hinatuan Enchanted River (Open-Meteo Edge Forecast)
Color, rhythm, and local heritage celebrations you won't want to miss.
Surigao del Sur festival celebrating the pristine deep-blue waters of Hinatuan River with native fishing competitions and coastal cultural dances.
Discover insider tips, side-by-side island comparisons, and curated reading for Hinatuan Enchanted River.
Planning a trip to Palawan and stuck between El Nido and Coron? Discover an honest breakdown of island hopping, beaches, diving, nightlife, costs, and which destination fits your travel style.
Boracay, an island in the province of Aklan, is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Locals and foreigners visit Boracay to enjoy its white-sand beaches, tranquility, and nightlife. The various activities in Boracay cater to people who want to relax or go on an adventure. Plan your next getaway with us as we’ll share ...
Too tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? What better way to remove the stress than a weekend getaway with nature as your buddy! Its serenity, natural beauty, and greenery are the best ways to refuel and re-energize both your mind and body. To jumpstart your planning process, here are the top 7 ...
Verified traveler experiences, tips, and photos.
Sign in to post verified ratings, insider tips, and photos.
No community reviews yet
Have you been to Hinatuan Enchanted River? Be the first to share your insider tips and help other travelers plan their trip!