AdventuRoj Surigao del Sur Adventure

Yet another outdated post of mine. Back when I wasn’t still a blogger, not even in possession of my baby Nikon D3000 DSLR. So  pardon me if my shots here aren’t as great. But anyway an adventure is an adventure no matter what, so here goes my Surigao adventure.

The Plan

I had always wanted to visit Surigao del Sur but with no one to accompany me, this hadn’t been realized. Not until last year when my roomate and friend invited me over to their company’s outdoor trip. The trip was scheduled on August 28-29, 2011. Destination is at Surigao del Sur, with the Enchanted River and Hinatuan Falls as the main courses.

What tempted me even more to come was that because the trip will be on a budget one. My friend, along with her co workers (of which I know no one. Oops. I haven’t thought of that) do know someone from Surigao who will host them (or us). That alone could already be big savings! Plus the vehicle that will be used will also belong to one of their other co worker who also lives at Surigao. Talk about cost cutting huh? 🙂 Continue reading

Surigao Tinuy-An Falls: Philippines’ Little Niagara

Adventuroj in TInuy-an Falls

Wonders of Bislig

Situated at the Southeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean, Surigao del Sur’s Bislig City is 158 km south of Butuan, 152 km south of Tandag City and 208 km northeast of Davao City. It may be reached via a 6-hour bus ride from Davao or a 5-hour bus ride from Butuan.

Little Niagara Falls

Dubbed as the “Little Niagara of the Philippines,” Tinuy-an Falls is a spectacular three-tiered falls (there is a fourth hidden from view) about 55 meters high and a breathtaking width of 95 meters, said to be the widest in the country. Centuries old amazing giant trees, ferns and vines in a thick rainforest envelop your ride through thick forested hills that enclose the falls. Islets are on the swimming ground, with slippery logs where you can cross for a good view, plus multi-layered stones as pathways. Continue reading

The Hidden Tinago River, Surigao del Sur

Aside from the magnificent Enchanted River of the Municipality of Hinatuan, another river that is concealed for many is the Tinago River.

Tinago River

Tinago is a Cebuano word, which means hidden.  The water is not blue but the reflections of the lush forest on some portions of the river stretch paints the water color a shade of green, which makes it more pleasing and relaxing to the eyes.

The river has a wide mouth opening as it passes to the sea. Since the place is hidden, expect it also that the boat ride will be serene and relaxing.  Truly Surigao Del Sur is blessed with amazing tourist spots.  So what are you waiting for schedule a trip and grab your backpacks now. Continue reading

Sibadan Fish & Turtle Cage, Surigao del Sur

Third Stop:

Our third stop involves a fish farm with a “huge” aquarium where they catch and place small fishes in it. When their fish give birth, their fry can actually get out of the “aquarium nets” and out to “the real world” since their holes are big. I give a thumbs up to this give and take process!

Sibadan means “eating place” and “fish” thus the name of this house slash huge aquarium in the middle of the sea. Just a few minutes from Enchanted River, Sibadan Fish Cage is a popular stopover for visitors in the area. Situated in the middle of the sea, pumpboats are hired to reach this place where you can catch, cook and eat fresh seafood. Several kinds of fish (all sizes) and other seafood (like crabs and lobsters) are found here. You may opt to buy fresh fish and have it cooked or you can try fishing yourself for P200/ kilo. Sibadan also offers rooms for those who would like to stay for the night.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.ferdzdecena.com

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A Cave at Surigao del Sur (An Untitled One)

I actually do not know the name of this cave. Since the trip happened almost a year ago already, the memory of such name may have already been buried deep into my subconscious. I’ve also tried asking Google for it but found nothing. All the caves that I’m seeing, the images whenever I searched “Surigao Caves” are not the same with the one that we went to.

But anyway, all I have with me are these pictures and the memories that lingers with them.

Surigao Cave Entrance

The Enchanted Girls

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Vanishing Island at Surigao del Sur

While on the Enchanted River, one could also visit the Vanishing Island by renting a pump boat. The boat ride usually costs 160-200php for one hour. And the tour includes a visit to the Vanishing Island (Banising as mentioned by the bangkero), HInatuan Cave, Sibadan Fish Cage (‘Piskids’ as what kuya bangkero said), and the Tinago River.

First Stop: The Vanishing Island

Photo Courtesy of http://2.bp.blogspot.com

Surigao also has its own version of a vanishing island, and though it’s quite small but it’s one of my favorites. I just love the bluish green and turquoise crystal clear water, the powdery sand, and the perfectly shaped clouds that floats from afar the time that we got there.  It just so happened that during our visit the weather was calm. Thank you Lord.

Photo Courtesy of http://2.bp.blogspot.com

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Crystal Clear Enchanted River, HInatuan, Surigao del Sur

The Arrival

Enchanted River opens at 6:00 and the entrance fee is only P10.00 because it is operated by the local government. Visitors are allowed to bring foods and drinks but if you want to eat fresh sea foods, you can request people in the area to grill fish. Inside the area, there are several cottages ready for visitors.

Enchanting Smiles for an Enchanting River

Enchanting Enchanted Day

Hinatuan is one of the two municipalities in Surigao del sur, aside from San Miguel, that situated in the most secluded part of the province, almost located in the middle of the rainforest of Surigao del sur. Aside from its location, the road leading to Enchanted River is very rough, however despite the long and exhausting journey, both on wheels and on foot, the view when we arrived painted smiles on our faces. It was very much worth it.

The Blue Waters of Enchanted River

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