Enchanted River, Surigao Sur: On My Pace

Waking up in a room with a window overlooking a hundred year-old trees with a breakfast served at a table was a reason enough to celebrate for yet another day. The pools were inviting but we didn't had much time then. Destination this time: Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao Sur.

Heading towards the Enchanted River, we passed by the Municipality of Hinatuan proper which was awarded as the cleanest municipality in the Philippines during the Arroyo administration. Not only were the affordable gigantic crabs and lobsters the attraction, but also the serenity of the place along the sea side. Not one trash could be seen on the road. In fact, the use of cellophane is prohibited. It was like going back to my childhood days where net bag was the substitute for cellophane. Durable and economical.

We were now headed towards the Hinatuan River where we passed by several hills which gave us occasional view of the sea from afar. Not long we arrived at the place. 

At a minimal amount for the entrance and the cottage, we went in.  The huge volume of blue pristine water was the same amazing water that has always stunned thousand of tourists. 

You could just wonder how deep the water came from. It was a combination of fresh and salt water. 
Then we headed towards the boating. We did not need to find any boat since the local government has arranged boat at a maximum of six passengers for a tour of P160 per hour. 

At the river side, you can see various sizes of big starfishes. 

We toured on the different islets of a neighboring river, the Tinago River which means 'hidden'. At the entrance of the river, we could see rolling verdant mountains. 

The river looked somewhat green and we got struck by the eerie silence. The different sizes of islands made me thank how God perfectly arranged them in a manner that make humans think of its Creator. 

We also saw several houses on stilts by the river and occasional fisherman by their boat making their catch for the day.  The water at the mouth of the river seemed to be swirling.
Then we headed towards another destination - the Holy Cave. 

Before reaching there we had a glimpse of the Sibadan Fish Cage where I could still remember my experience of swimming together with the sea turtle. We decided to drop by on our way back.

From a distance, I could already see the cave but the problem was the water was receding since it was low tide. The boat could not reach the sea shore. We have no choice but to walk through the sand under the knee-deep water. The sea grass looked as if there was trimmed garden underneath. The water is so clear that you could almost imagine that you were looking through a glass. The starfishes were visible.

As we reached the Holy cave, some locals were trying to make some improvement of the grotto of the Virgin Mary. The clay towards the cave was so slippery. we needed to take off our slippers and walked barefoot. 

As we went inside, we found remains of human bones. Could this mean that this was a graveyard many years ago. Our boatman had even brought us to the inner part of the cave, were water from stactite dropped every now and then. What glued my eyes was the small snake lurking in the water nestled on a rock. Its eyes told us, "I cold strike anytime." 

That look was enough to keep us moving on.
Then we headed to the Vanishing Island. It was now visible since it was lowtide, though the boatman said that this island is submerged in water when it's high tide. 

We enjoyed the crystal clear water. It reminded me of the White Island of Camiguin though this is not as big nor its sands as fine.

There were several boats by shore and some sold sea grass. We bought and enjoyed some. With their spicy vinegar it was like a snack of sort on the boat. 

It was a birthday of one of the boys playing in the water. His family was so kind-hearted that they shared food with us. It felt like a family after all.

It was already noon time and we have to get back to witness the fish feeding at Hinatuan River. So we decided to skip Sibadan Fishcage in our itinerary. 

Upon arrival the tourists have already waited for the feeding. Soon enough even before it, the fishes had emerged out from nowhere. Maybe these animals were already conditioned every noontime. By the way, fishing here is prohibited. We enjoyed watching the splashes of water as these fishes aimed for the food. Minutes after, they had vanished. 

It was time for lunch. We had made reservations and ordered a variety of sea foods from the nearby sari-sari store. All sort of sea foods like crabs, lobsters, and other exotic fish were available at affordable price. We you choose the manner of how it could be cooked and it will be delivered right in your cottage. What was more? Rice for less price. For just P50, we were served with one rice cooker of rice. We were so full.

After that, we rented life vest and began our exploration at the Hinatuan River. The water's so cool. we should keep on swimming against the current since the flow of water is somewhat strong. 
We left full of enchantment. it was a beauty to behold. How could this be hidden for so many years?

Before we reached the highway, we passed by a traditional house standing in what seemed like a pond whose water flows from the sea. 

The small shanty was surrounded by flowers and I can't help but stop and take pictures.
It's three PM and we're still on our way to Lianga, Surigao del Sur. we passed by Barobo again where we had a minor repair of our motorcycle. 

It took us two hours and it was already dark when we reached Kansilad Beach Resort in Lianga where we stayed for the night. The crabs during nighttime seemed to flood the beach line and we enjoyed the sight of them. 
My second day experience in Surigao made me sigh with awe as I rested through the night. God has been so gracious with His wonders.