Surigao Gems: Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, Britania Islands
So we've just finished another #WonderfulMindanao trip! This time, we went out exploring a couple more hidden Philippine gems around Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur is a province in the Philippines located along the northeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean. It is home to the famous Enchanted River (Hinatuan River)—a river so mysterious, no one knows how deep it is, Tinuy-an Falls—tagged as the "Little Niagara of the Philippines", and Britania Group of Islands—a group of islets that boasts of powdery white sand and beautiful sand bars.
If you plan on doing the same trip, which I strongly suggest you do, you may check out our detailed itinerary at the end of this post.
Britania Group of Islands
I have never imagined white sands, peaceful beaches, and a relaxing swim under the sun when I said yes to this trip. Who would have thought Surigao del Sur has this piece of paradise, most people only think they'll find in Boracay or Palawan?
Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin boasts of 24 beautiful islets scattered all throughout the island complex as if some nature fairy landscaped it. And yes, these islands are surrounded by creamy white sands!
Enchanted River
Located at the town of Hinatuan is a majestic river that attracts tourists from all over, not only because of its breath-taking beauty that will leave you speechless, but also of some unexplained mysteries. Aside from the fact that no diver has ever reached the bottom of the Enchanted River, nobody has ever caught a fish in this river even though the schools of huge and fat fish you see swimming around look calm and gentle. Enchanted indeed!
Tinuy-an Falls
Another popular tourist destination in Surigao del Sur lies at the town of Bislig. Tinuy-an Falls, known as the "Niagara Falls" of the Philippines, is a 4-level white water curtain about 55 meters high. It holds the record as the widest waterfalls in the Philippines.
More photos here.
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Detailed Itinerary:
Saturday (Manila – Butuan) – NAIA Terminal 3
Departure: 12:00 PM Arrival: 1:30 PM
Tuesday (Butuan – Manila) – Bancasi Airport
Departure: 3:30 PM Arrival: 4:55 PM
Day 0 Saturday
Manila – Butuan – 12:00 PM
ETA Butuan Bancasi Airport – 1:30 PM
ETD Van to San Agustin (McArthur’s Place) – 2:30 PM
ETA McArthurs Place – 6:30 PM
Dinner
Free time
Lights Out
Day 1 Sunday
Breakfast - Free
Britania Group of Islands Tour Whole Day
Lunch
Dinner
Free time
Lights Out
Day 2 Monday
Breakfast - Free
Enchanted River & Tinuy-an Falls
International Doll Museum
Lunch - Ocean View Park Restaurant
ETA – McArthurs Place - 8:30 PM
Dinner
Day 3 Tuesday
Breakfast - Free
Back to Manila
ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR 8 PAX: Non-inclusive of Lunch, Dinner, & Entrance Fees etc.
P15,000 – Van Rental to all Tours
P2,000 – 1st night accommodation with breakfast
P1,500 – Boat rental with tour
P2,000 – 2nd night accommodation with breakfast
P2,000 – 3rd night accommodation with breakfast
Total: P22,500 / 8 = P2,812.50 per pax