BE ENCHANTED: The Blue River in Surigao del Sur by John Achileeus M. Benonguil

BE ENCHANTED: The Blue River in Surigao del Sur

           

    If you want to be enchanted, charmed, enthralled, captivated and bewitched, the only place that exhibits the magnificence of nature is located in the province of Surigao del Sur. It was not new to anyone when they heard the descriptors that run as follows: “fascinated with the beauty of crystal lucid, unfathomable blue waters that soothes the blistering and burning soul because of its pacifying strength”. A great portrayal that describes the place. A river that flows from edge to edge- ENCHANTED RIVER!

    It is important to trace the history and foundation of the river. Starting with the name itself. Why it was named enchanted? Like the primitive and modern people answers, their basis is local myths. According to the residents, it was named enchanted because of a story- “two spiritual creatures, a lady covered by greenish like aura and a white like aura of a man that safeguards the river long before”. But if you will visit the river, local myth basis will be exterminated because the nature itself suggests, it was really enchanted!

           

    In early morning, the crystal blue water of Enchanted River at sunrise, touted to be 30 meters deep. The river turns aquamarine green when assembled by the sun rays’ reflection to the surface of water showing brilliance (at noon). The river runs to the coastline is approximately 600 meters.

            Beneath the river are some unfounded caves. It is evenly undiscovered what’s inside the caves because no one ever succeeded in a multiple trials of attempting to examine the cave. This is due to the strong water current.

            

     There are cottages of which visitors can rent. This cost only Php 100. For non-swimmers, there are kiddy and adult pools. Lifeguards are employed for safety precautions and life jackets are rented out at P100 each for a whole day’s use. Stalls offer various seafood at reasonable prices outside the cordoned area, just across the main gate. Tourists can also visit other places aside from the river. Like they can go to the nearby Vanishing Islands.

            Another added attraction to the majestic river ensues 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 began to play, fishes nowhere comes and was fed by the thrower. This splendid appeal adds more beauty and fabulousness.

           Enchanted River opens at 6:00 am until 5:00 pm and the entrance cost is only P10.00 because it is maneuvered by their local government. Visitors, sightseers and tourists are permitted to bring foods and drinks but if you want to eat spanking new sea foods, you can demand people in the area to grill fish. Inside the area, there are several cottages ready for visitors.

            

    The most important thing when you are travelling is your destination. If you want to go to a certain place, you should know where you will be going. Likewise, when you are planning to spot the Enchanted River, you must know the location of going to places. You can reach Hinatuan from Davao City via San Francisco (6 hours) or from Butuan City to Mangagoy, Bislig by bus (4 hours).  From Mangagoy, seek assistance in the bus terminal for vehicle rentals, van or jeepneys that will take you to Hinatuan River.  The more adventurous can try the habal-habal (modified motorcycles) from Barangay Talisay going to the river.  Don’t leave Hinatuan without sampling its delicious crabs in the pier restaurant. Twelve kilometers from the highway junction, the Enchanted River shapes the boundary of Barangays Talisay and Cambatong in Hinatuan. Though some scraps of the well-looked-after dirty road are undulating. Enchanted River is 14.5 km from Hinatuan town proper, mostly on old logging roads. It is 10.3 km away on a straight line.

            

   Currently, the Enchanted River is the most visited spot of both the local and foreign tourists. This only proves that nature must be preserved for it is only the people who can benefit and utilize the rich natural resources of the world. The fascinating river was constantly administered and advanced. In fact, they held mass scheduled every first Wednesday of the month.