My trip to Hinatuan is one of the most memorable adventures I ever had. Experiencing the crystal clear blue water of Enchanted River in Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, Mindanao is enough to satisfy my curiosity
in that place. It was a festive day of fun-filling water activities that turned our bodies to
retire making our group wished to have a peaceful night to relax and energize for
the next morning. And the question led to 'where to stay in Hinatuan?'
In search for a cheap hotel, one of the tourism officers in Enchanted River informed us that two floating ‘fish cages’ are offering cheap overnight stay for tourists and it was just only 15-minute boat ride off coast the main land Hinatuan. Instead of having another island tour, we decided to discover this unique lodge situated in the middle of the sea.
In search for a cheap hotel, one of the tourism officers in Enchanted River informed us that two floating ‘fish cages’ are offering cheap overnight stay for tourists and it was just only 15-minute boat ride off coast the main land Hinatuan. Instead of having another island tour, we decided to discover this unique lodge situated in the middle of the sea.
We chose the Fish-C Cages & Sand Bar Resorts which was nearer compared
to Sibadan. We headed to the north side of the river where the local boat
operators await. We met Manong Arturo and we booked a boat that took us to
our destination of choice. We paid Php200.00 for the back and forth trip. (no more fees were collected on the next
day at the time we returned to the
mainland in Brgy. Talisay).

Sea Lodges Anyone?
At first, I was actually hesitant to stay in the middle of the sea, thinking what if a tsunami hits the eastern side of Mindanao or a typhoon slashes over and swept us away off the ocean -but that was just my wild imagination and my curiosity won over and empowered me to brave the area.
The facility was built at least a kilometer away from Enchanted River. The holding structures were made of drift woods, and the sawali walls resembles the stilt houses of Tausugs and Bajaos in Tawi Tawi. The roof was covered by the common nipa, shading the tougher aluminum
roof to protect it against the harsh and corrosive salty atmospheric
environment.
There were more or less 8 rooms available during our visits. Two common comfort rooms with sewage system were also functional. Water tanks were rain fed connected to the faucets of the rest rooms and of the common sink.
There were more or less 8 rooms available during our visits. Two common comfort rooms with sewage system were also functional. Water tanks were rain fed connected to the faucets of the rest rooms and of the common sink.
Sing It and Beat It !
Videoke King-cover your ears |
The place has an ample supply of electricity via a long cable installed across the shore. This made our night complete after we had a bountiful dinner with cooked fresh caught seafood served on the table.
I even tried some of my master pieces that gave me 100% score. Yes Love Mindanao has a hidden talent in singing that those who hear my angelic voice wish that my talent be hidden forever.
According to the manager of the
resort, during low tide, a long sandbar appears beneath to which the resort was built at. So we waited for 12 midnight but it was this animal beer
(Redhorse) that knocked us off before we even saw it.
The Best Morning Ever!
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Morning reflection |
Early in the morning I was
greeted by this amazing sunrise viewed at the dock of the fish cage while
seeping a nice hot instant coffee. It reminded me of a local coffee commercial “Bakit
ka Gumigising sa Umaga?” (What makes you wake up in the morning?). And that day my answer was unusual for me- “I am thankful to God that I am blessed with another day to
witness the Lord’s beautiful creation”. It hit me hard that put me on my knees to
pray and give thanks to the Supreme Being.
Got a Freebie by Getting Up Early!
Too much for a 'close encounter' huh! |
Fish of different sizes and colors also appeared in the fish cage and rumbled on pieces of bread thrown into the water.
After a satisfying Filipino style
breakfast composed of danggit (dried fish), eggs and fried rice, we prepared to
depart the place and head back to Brgy.Talisay.
Getting there
Check my previous blog entries on Finding Your Way in Surigao del Sur: The Tri-Aqua Mindanao Adventure.
Rooms:
Single bed max 2 pax : Php 300.00
Double bed max.4 pax : Php 600.00
All rooms are non-air-conditioned.
Contact information:
Ms. Lysil M. Toledo,Manager
+639154184550/+639104303724
Daghan Salamat ug Balik Balik !
Here is another story to check on :
Abatud: Indigenous Food for Survival, the Manobo Style
The Untold Story of Bibang (Varanus cumingi)
Abatud: Indigenous Food for Survival, the Manobo Style
The Untold Story of Bibang (Varanus cumingi)
Sir, I really love your blog. Keep promoting the unseen beauty of Mindanao and at the same time keep informing the people how important it is to take care of our resources. God bless sir:D
ReplyDeletethanks for appreciating my page... it means a lot to me... especially this is all pro bono... pls. help share what you've learned from my page .. good day ahead :D
DeleteGreat post sir and more power to you. Mindanao is definitely one of the great places to go for a visit :)
DeleteThank you sir Ed Escueta ...hope to see you soon in one of your trips here in Mindanao... Bless you.
DeleteAwesome place, awesome pics! All the more reason to be proud of the Philippines. And by the way, I especially liked the salakot.:)
ReplyDeletethat salakot gave me special power to belt out the best voice i hid for many years ... hahahah thanks ...
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice bonding experience with the sea turtle. I sure would want to do that to.
ReplyDeleteAyyy! Panalo ang video-oke at the middle of the sea...
ReplyDeleteGotta belt a Michael Bolton song out there whenever I'll be there.
Wow, the water is so clean! I would love to sing in the middle of the sea too, mermaid lang ang peg...Ariel! hahahha
ReplyDeletei better sing in the middle of nowhere or else ... hahahahah
ReplyDeleteariel of Little Mermaid ? or Ariel Rivera? joke .. hahahaha ... sarap jan !
ReplyDeleteGo as long as you consider your safety ... they bite !
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice place to stay. And a unique one, too! I would love to belt out in the middle of the sea!
ReplyDeleteThis is a complete adventure from the scenery, the food, the accommodation, and the activities.
ReplyDeletethe river fits its name... truly enchantingly crystal clear... it seems there's a lot to do in surigao... thanks for the ideas. Yahweh bless.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are all beautiful and inspiring ... I cant wait to start sharing my travel post too ;)
ReplyDeleteBy the sea, it feels so refreshing and I think travelling at middle of the sea is something to be nervous especially when you are not used to it.
ReplyDeleteENCHANTING and worth exploring!
ReplyDeleteI want to see a big turtle and catch a fish by myself.
wer planning to go to Enchanted river this october and bring our own car. i just wanna ask if we want to go to fish cage sand bar, is there any safe parking lot for our car?
ReplyDeleteyes keetee, there are parking area beside enchanted river .. it is safe there ... happy trip .. :)
ReplyDeleteeven if we leave the car overnight? because we want to stay in fish cage also.
ReplyDeleteYes keetee. the last time i check there was a security guard on post in Enchanted river. You can request for them to secure your vehicle. or you if you are not satisfied with the security guard you can ask the nearby barangay to secure it for you . they are friendly and accommodating people :)
ReplyDeleteeven if we leave the car overnight? because we want to stay in fish cage also.
ReplyDeleteYes keetee. the last time i check there was a security guard on post in Enchanted river. You can request for them to secure your vehicle. or you if you are not satisfied with the security guard you can ask the nearby barangay to secure it for you . they are friendly and accommodating people :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the info sir!!!we'll definitely go where you went..
ReplyDeletei'll take note of this when I visit Surigao del Sur this year. Kakaibang accommodation nga. Sa Davao ko na-experience matulog sa gitna ng dagat e. Can't wait to explore the northern part of Mindanao. Hanggang sa south lang kasi ako palagi. Thanks for posting this :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is .. very nice place ... no need to haggle yourself finding a cheap accommodation back in town or in Bislig.... peaceful pa.
ReplyDeleteHi, safe ba yan tulugan if may kasamang foreigners?
ReplyDeleteHi jeth, yes the place is safe for everyone and even for foreigners.
ReplyDeletehi, tnx sa reply...bale 14 kami madami ba rooms sa c-sand fishcage? gusto ko talaga magpunta dyan eh...
ReplyDeleteyou can reserve the room . there is one that is good for 12, for 2, and for 4. just contact Lysil on her number I have posted on the article . Let her know I referred you . thanks .
ReplyDeleteHi, we're planning a trip to Hinatuan this August. Would you happen to know if they get storms there? We're particularly concerned with C-fish, is it safe from storms, strong winds, high tide etc?
ReplyDeleteHi @Suzette,
ReplyDeleteUsually in Mindanao the month of August has sunny days since it has a type II season. Rain starts usually in late September to Early November. Enjoy your vacation
Hi,
ReplyDeletemay recent contact number ka po ng other than posted above? unattended na yung #s ng manager. tnx
HI Mike. have you tried using the smart number? Globe signal is weak in their place +639104303724
ReplyDeletepwede ba tayong mag fishing outside sa inyong fish cage? just for recreation?
ReplyDeleteand are you open by Oct.31- Nov.2?
ReplyDelete