Like Tinuy-an Falls, it’s my second time here in Enchanted River and it never fails to well, “enchant” me. The deep blue hue of the cold lagoon waters, the limestone walls, friendly fishes and the enigmatic underwater caves all adds to the magical pull of this enchanted river. Take a look!
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Right off the bat, let me say something that bothers me on my second time in this place. I don’t mean anything bad for this place or anyone but it’s something quite alarming. Read my previous post on Enchanted River and take a very good look at the pictures.
It’s getting too crowded with people and structures. You can hardly swim inside the lagoon without bumping at anyone, anytime.
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You can’t even stand on the edge either because people are almost shoulder to shoulder jousting for space. Insanely enough, some swimmers would jump from a diving board less ledge into a lagoon filled with people! This is disaster waiting to happen.
Hinatuan’s Enchanted River teaming with visitors even on weekdays!
Then there is the shrinking space for people up near the entrance area. Good thing the management moved the parking space far from the lagoon to prevent caving ins and ceiling collapses below. Ironically, there’s only a hand pumped well water for swimmers to rinse!
The water levels inside the lagoon dropped significantly compared to the last time I went here.
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Noticed the waterlines on the limestone walls? Also the river exit of the lagoon is getting shallow. I’m not sure whether that’s because of the long drought that hit us here or the water source, which has never been identified, has been hit by El Nino too.
I’m surprised that the there are still quite a number of friendly fish inhabitants within this lagoon. The small ones would even nimble the dead skin off your feet if you get close enough!
[box type=”info”] I’m not sure how the province should manage this problem. Moving away the parking lot is one good move. I suggest doing the same with the other man made structures in the watershed area. Also, limiting visitors via pre trip booking and scheduling would help ease out crowding in the area on peak days.[/box]Still, I’d recommend visiting Hinatuan’s Enchanted River if you’re in Surigao del Sur. The travel is all worth it. But, I also suggest you do it reasonably and try contributing less to its destruction. Go here during off peaks like July and on weekdays when it is less crowded.
Commute is via a habal habal from Hintatuan proper. There are no accommodations inside the watershed area. We did go to C sandbar and fish cages for our overnight stay.
