SuriVao Escape: Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig Surigao del Sur

After visiting the Enchanted River of Hinatuan, we proceeded to Tinuy-an Falls, touted as Niagara Falls of the Philippines. This beauty is located in Burboanan, Bislig City, one hour ride from Mangagoy (where I was born) and a good 45 minutes if coming from Hinatuan. For those planning to do a DIY trip here, there are habal-habal available although be extra cautious because the road here is not yet paved. A minimal fee is required upon entrance. Life jackets are also being rented but is not required.

 

The site of cascading falls welcomed us although I noticed that the water is not as strong like on my first visit. This, however, did not stop us from exploring and enjoying the area.

Here is a photo of Tinuy-an when we went there and my first thought was "Where is the water?".

Photo when I first went here in December 2013, see what I mean?

Yes guys anong ganap?

Aside from the "main" falls, there are also mini falls at the top so if your feeling adventurous, this is also a great activity.  However, one activity that you shouldn't miss (at least for me) when visiting Tinuy-an is riding the balsa (raft) and shower in the falls. The pressure is really strong and its like getting a hard massage. Again, be extra cautious, the water is somewhat murky and the rocks are slippery.

The day before our visit was the celebration of Adlaw ng Tinuy-an (Tinuy-an Day), that's why a stage was set up here. Of course, this spot is perfect for my barkada's jump shot :)

 

SuriVao Escape: Enchanted River, Hinatuan Surigao del Sur

On with my SuriVao Escape Series, so for our Day 2, our first stop is the Enchanted River of Hinatuan. Since we spent the night at my parents house in Cateel, we left early in the morning because its a good 2 hours travel going there. We arrived at around 9AM and the place is already packed. Pay first for the entrance fee and cottage rent.

So you might be wondering why its called "Enchanted River"? Well, legend has it that the place is dwelled by engkantos and that fairies added the color of sapphire and jade to the river. Some local fishermen also claim that there are fishes here that cannot be caught by any means. Another mystery of this river is that the water here is salty. Yes, you've read it right, SALTY.

Photo grabbed online.

 

Nothing but clear water...simply enchanting :)

Well, folklore aside, the sight of the river is indeed breathtaking. Try googling for the image of Enchanted River and that's exactly how you will see it IRL. And if being a mermaid was one of your childhood dream, well you're in luck, because you get to swim with the fishes in this river. At least, part of that mermaid dream came true :)

At exactly 12noon, the caretakers encouraged everyone to get out of the water. Lunchbreak? YES, but not for the humans but for the fishes. The caretakers play the Hinatuan Hymn and as if on cue, various kinds of fish emerged in the water. You'll be amazed at the number of fishes present. After feeding, swimming is allowed again.

 Seeing the Enchanted River, the beauty of it and all, the place and the even fishes exudes an aura of creepiness (well, that's how I felt). I guess that's just how you will normally feel after witnessing something enchanting.

 

"Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday." - A.A. Milne

 

  



SuriVao Escape: Ocean View Park & International Doll House

After enjoying the Enchanted River of Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls, we decided to cap the day by having dinner at Ocean View Park. This restaurant is owned by Mrs. Ruelaine and Mr. Werner Willimann and is famous among locals and travelers because of the following:

• Affordable and good food (yey!)
• As the name of the place suggests, the wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean because it's situated on a hill top.
• Their International Doll House - a massive doll collection of Mrs. Ruelaine

I first visited this place way back in college, but I didn't have the chance to see the doll collection. This time, I'm definitely going to see it.  

At the entrance of OVP.



The dining area..simple, cozy and nice music.

OVP's owner Mr. Werner cooking our orders!

While waiting for our food, we decided to explore the International Doll House. A nice tour guide from OVP gladly went with us. By the way, kindly take off your shoes before getting inside the "doll house". Upon entering, you will see this 3D wallpaper of a garden. We really enjoyed this that we took a lot of photos haha

"Familia at ang Hacienda"

So that's why its called International Doll House, because it houses dolls from all over the world! From Barbie dolls to traditional dolls, they have it! It was really fascinating and you could just imagine how much is this collection and the effort in maintaining them.

The most life-like doll in the collection.

Cuddly teddy bears are also present!





I never had a Barbie doll so this collection is looovveee!!! <3

 

"Get your sparkle on. Show this world where you belong." - Barbie

 

SuriVao Escape- Aliwagwag Falls

My mothers' hometown is a little charming place called Cateel (in Davao Oriental). Although we always travel there during Christmas and summer vacation, I've never really explored the exotic and amazing Aliwagwag Falls. So for our SuriVao Escape, this falls is definitely part of our itinerary!

According to my mother, back then it was difficult to visit the falls which is in Barangay Aliwagwag due to unpaved roads and you have to ride a habal habal to get there. Today, it is much easier to visit the area since the construction of Cateel-Compostela Road.



As soon as we reached the place, we can't help but utter words of praise for this majestic falls. We all rushed towards it and go gaga over taking pictures here and there! Seriously, the place is truly breathtaking that not taking pictures will be a major crime!

Aliwagwag Falls is actually composed of mutiple tiers and runs down to a river. If I can describe the falls, it's like a stairway to heaven. You can't help but want to climb the top tier :) 

Be careful! The rocks there are slippery.

He's obviously loving the water :)

As of writing, they are already developing the area (building cottages and cemented stairs) perhaps to attract more tourist. I just hope that they don't alter much the area since its already beautiful as it is. 
And hopefully, they will be able to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of Aliwagwag Falls so that future generations will still be able to marvel at this majestic body of water.

Another epic jumpshot from Fred! Hehe..



One last groupshot before we left the area :)