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Hinatuan Enchanted River in Philippines

A fantastic river in this Philippine jungle seems to pop from the ground with its beautiful turquoise waters

Best time: December–April

Hinatuan Enchanted River
Hinatuan Enchanted River

This unusual saltwater river is surrounded by legends and stories. The Hinatuan Enchanted River is located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, flowing into the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean at Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan. It was called "enchanted" by a diplomat who described the river in a poem.

A local legend says that fairies added the colours of sapphire and jade to the river which made it clear and blue. Local fishermen also said that the river is home to fish that cannot be caught. Locals consider the river sacred because of the engkantos that dwell there and supernatural beings that protect its waters.

The Hinatuan Enchanted River is around 24m (80 feet) deep, and quite short. There is an underground cave system which spits the river out. The cave was explored by Alex Santos in 1999 and continued through 2014. It led to the discovery of a hidden cave opening at 30 meters in depth.

Hinatuan Bay also is a habitat of various species of turtles. Since 2017, the local government banned swimming in the main pool. However, there are some designated swimming areas for tourists near the centre of the lagoon. Daily fish feeding occurs at 3 p.m.

The place is great any time of the year except for the rainy season from May to November. Thus, the best time to explore the Enchanted River is summer from December to April, especially in the months of March and April, but be ready to see a lot of people in the area.

Practical info

Where is the Hinatuan Enchanted River located?

The Hinatuan Enchanted River is situated in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, on the island of Mindanao. Getting there can be challenging due to its remote jungle location, but visitors often take long bus or van rides to reach the site. Air travel is not an option since there are no airports nearby, and train travel is also unavailable. Show more

What is the significance of the river for the locals?

The Hinatuan Enchanted River is sacred to the locals. Many legends and stories surround the river, including claims that supernatural beings and engkantos reside there. According to lore, fairies introduced sapphire and jade hues to the river, which became a notable feature. Despite the area's mystical connections, fishermen rely on the river for their livelihood even though catching fish in the waters is difficult. Show more

When is the best time to visit the Hinatuan Enchanted River?

The Hinatuan Enchanted River is a year-round destination, except from May to November during the rainy season. Visiting in December to April is recommended, with March and April offering the best time to see the turquoise waters at their finest. Expect crowds during these months, so early mornings are the best time to visit. Visitors should avoid the rainy season as heavy rains and flooding can make travel challenging. Show more

Is swimming allowed in the main pool of the river?

While swimming in the river's main pool was allowed in the past, the local government placed a ban in 2017. However, visitors can still enjoy the river's other features, such as snorkeling and swimming in designated areas supervised by tour guides. Boating and exploring the river's underground cave system are some of the other activities visitors can look forward to. The ban on swimming helps to preserve and protect the river's diverse marine life in the main pool. Show more

What can visitors expect during the daily fish feeding at 3 p.m.?

Witness a variety of fish species during the daily 3 p.m. feeding in the Hinatuan Enchanted River. Visitors can expect sizeable groups of catfish, mullets, stingrays and other small fish competing for food. The activity is supervised and conducted by local tour guides who sprinkle small amounts of fish feed into the water. Visitors must follow tour guides' instructions to ensure animal safety and avoid disrupting the fish's habitat in any way. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin