“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein

Welcome to my blog!

Traveling with family is a great way to unwind from the stresses of city life. There are many ways to explore, whether it's going on a trek, having dinner at a fancy restaurant, or simply staying at home to relax and watch movies. Even if there may be difficulties with packing, entertaining everyone, or juggling divergent interests, the satisfaction of spending time together makes it all worthwhile and leaves everyone with memories to treasure for years to come.

In this blog, I’m sharing part 2 of our 2017 trip to Mindanao. In this post, I will introduce another beautiful destination that you should add to your bucket list. Some people may have heard of this place but have never visited it.

LET’S GO!

Located in the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippine island of Mindanao, the "Enchanted River" is one of the most well-known waterways. The river is well known for its vivid blue hue, glistening waters, and mysterious charm. Locals consider it mystical, believing that spirits live in the river. Legend has it that the river has therapeutic properties and that its beauty draws people in, making it difficult for them to leave. Its enchanted ambiance is enhanced by the verdant woodlands that envelop it. "Enchanted River" combines elements of beauty, mystery, and the supernatural, whether in the context of real rivers or those found in stories and myths.

Enchanted River in Hinatuan is a breathtakingly gorgeous freshwater that meanders among limestone rock formations and lush tropical trees. It is renowned for its glistening, somewhat dreamlike, crystal-clear waters that range in color from cobalt to turquoise. The water is so clear that schools of fish can be seen swimming all the way to the bottom.

When we enter, they provide life jackets for everyone's safety. This is because, although the river may seem shallow at first glance, it feels much deeper once you're in it. In that area of blue water, you can see a school of different fish, both small and large. The caretaker of the place told us that swimming is no longer allowed in that area due to an incident that occurred years ago, as the water is too deep.

Beside the blue water river, you will find very clear, greenish water that is quite deep. When you step on the ground, you will feel the limestone. This is the area where you can swim and bathe. Also, they don’t allow you to swim without a life jacket, even if you know how to swim. The water below is warm, while the water above is cold. They say that the Enchanted River is connected to the sea, which is why there is a part of the river where you can taste the saltiness.

The entrance fee to Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur is ₱100 for non-residents and ₱30 for locals. They don’t have any cottages beside the lagoon, but they have cottages a 5-minute walk from the shore, since the sea is located at the far end of the area. That time we went there, no food and drinks allowed since they keep the beauty and mystery of the river.

This is me enjoying the waters of the Enchanted River. I get to relax since it is quiet, and I even see fish. I also enjoy every dip I take, as the water is calm. The purity of the water in the Enchanted River is among its most enchanted features. Even though the river is becoming a more famous tourist site, locals and tourists alike frequently express amazement at how pure and pollution-free the water is.

This is us having plenty of photos when we visited the Enchanted River. We want to take pictures of every breathtaking scene, whether it's the fish swimming through the depths, the glistening blue water, or a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Every picture appears to be a dream due to the place's charm. Long-lasting memories are made when these experiences are shared with loved ones.

Enjoying yourself in the water is not the only thing to do at the Enchanted River. With its green rainforest, beautiful hills, and rocky outcrops, the area surrounding the river makes the ideal setting for those who enjoy the outdoors. There's always something lovely to see, whether you're hiking or just relaxing and taking in the scenery. The experience is made more joyful overall by the combination of water, greenery, and tranquility.

We stayed at the Enchanted River for about 1-2 hours because we enjoyed every activity we did there. We took a lot of pictures to commemorate this trip. After we visited the Enchanted River, we looked for a karinderya to eat because we were all hungry. We were also tired since we had a long day traveling from Tinuy-an Falls to the Enchanted River.

Afterwards, we headed home since it was an hour’s drive back to Agusan del Sur. We were tired and exhausted. However, I am so happy to have been part of the trip; it was a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.

I hope that one day I get to visit this place again with my future family. These are the beautiful destinations I want to share with them. I also want to experience it again so that I can compare which one is better: 2017 or now.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!

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