photos and words by Guest Blogger Mary Grace Monton on May 22nd, 2011

Out of a busy life, pampering oneself is a luxurious choice. My option? Nature trekking.

Together with my school pals we headed off to Hinatuan Enchanted River at Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. We departed Butuan City at exactly 4 : 00 o’clock in the morning making sure to witness sunrise on our way.

We rented van services to maximize our savings but we have travel companies for bus routes operators in going to Hinatuan Enchanted River. Unless if you are a celebrity and famous you can have your own suv or a limousine bus for maximum comfort.

The trek amazed us of the picturesque view of green bushes, towering trees and wide rice paddies along the way. Adding to our excitement is the smell of the morning breeze. This is how we engrossed Caraga Destination in meeting natures along the way.

It took us three hours to reach the place that started from Butuan City. But never mind we enjoyed it anyway.

Welcoming you to Hinatuan Enchanted River as I make my entrance with this famed marker for visitors to pose for a moment.

My way down to the most awaited scene while taking my hotshot for a while.

This is what makes enchanted! The river is deep blue like an ocean. This is where the mouth of the river comes out and the source of water. The birth of the river started naturally the flow of water from the mountains. But here it is not. Water comes out in a magical way below the earth surface. And it’s amazingly deep.

Hinatuan Enchanted River turned out to be far beyond our expectations. Wow! The site is such enchanting. The blue water with fishes of different colors is truly a gift of nature. The jade-blue water is so inviting that one could wade off to water instinctly. Thank God for the life vest for rent in the area for only P10.00/hour.

We had our picture galore to the max posing at all angles with our best smiles. Say, cheese…!

I totally forgot my city life for I was so engrossed with the place seeing the divers as they splash in to the water with cheers from the people around them. Echoes of laughter are everywhere. I went up and down the stairs to get the best view of the place. There were also boats for rent so people could better explore the Hinatuan Enchanted River.

People gathered in tents savoring their food sold around. Some enjoyed eating their ‘baon’. Everyone is mesmerized by the place as shown in their happy faces.

Time flew so fast that we have to go back home at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon. It felt nostalgic to bid goodbye to Hinatuan Enchanted River that in many ways delighted our hearts of its true beauty. A truly gift of nature… A gift from God Almighty.

Wait! Memory full displayed on my cam. Never mind we brought home wonderful memories saved not only in our minds but in our hearts as well.