Just last September 2009, Wayne and I decided to go surfing in Siargao, Surigao del Norte for a week. However, Surigao del Sur has always been one of Wayne’s dream destinations in the Philippines because of its “Tinuy-an Falls” in Bislig City so we decided to add this in our itinerary and ended up doing an 8-day backpacking trip around Mindanao.

Situated at the Southeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean, Surigao del Sur’s Bislig City is 158 km south of Butuan, 152 km south of Tandag City and 208 km northeast of Davao City. It may be reached via a 6-hour bus ride from Davao or a 5-hour bus ride from Butuan.

We took the Manila – Davao route as our jump off point to Surigao del Sur because our flight to Butuan has been cancelled a week before our scheduled flight. From Davao International Airport, we went to the Ecoland Bus Terminal and then took the 6-hour bus ride to Mangagoy, Bislig. We arrived at the Paper Country Inn in Bislig at around 7.00 p.m., where we spent the rest of the night after a long, tiring, half day trip.

On our second day, we woke up early, got ready for our tour and left Paper Country Inn at around 8.00 a.m. We took a multicab to Bislig Terminal and then hired a jeepney that would take us to Tinuy-an Falls and Hinatuan’s Enchanted River. From the terminal, we took a one-hour bumpy ride to Tinuy-An Falls and as we reached the place, everyone was truly amazed with what welcomed us – a stunning three-tiered waterfalls (there is actually a fourth one which is not visible from the view.)

Dubbed as the “Little Niagara of the Philippines,” Tinuy-an Falls is approximately 55 meters high and 95 meters wide so one will surely be awed by its unique and magnificent beauty. The best part for swimming and bathing is in the second level. You may also rent a bamboo raft that would take you towards the falls. There you can enjoy a refreshing shower massage under the falling waters of Tinuy-an Falls.

We were also lucky that the water level is not so deep when we visited the place so we had the chance to climb the top of the waterfalls. The hike to the top is a bit strenuous but it’s all worth it because the view of the waterfalls from the top is simply incredible. One should be extra careful though because the trail to the top is really slippery and were mostly covered with moss.

After having lunch and enjoying the thrill of playing in the waters of Tinuy-an Falls, we all packed up and then headed to our next destination – Hinatuan’s Enchanted River.

Getting There

The following airlines both have flights going to Davao and Butuan:

Cebu Pacific (CEB)
Website: http://cebupacificair.com/
Tel. No: (+63 2) 702-0888 (Manila Office) / (+63 32) 230-8888 (Cebu Office)

Philippine Airlines (PAL)
Website: http://www.philippineairlines.com/
Tel. No: (+63 2) 855-8888

Upon reaching Davao, ride a cab to Davao Ecoland Terminal. Catch Bachelor Bus for the 6-hour travel to Mangagoy. But if your coming from Butuan, you may also take the Bachelor Bus for the 5-hour travel to Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

From the jeepney terminal in Bislig, Tinuy-an Falls is accessible by a 1-hour jeepney ride.

Fees

Jeep + Guide: P3,000.00 (Includes travel to Tinuy-an Falls and Hinatuan’s Enchanted River)
Entrance: P10.00/pax
Cottage: P100.00
Raft: P50.00
Ring Buoy or Salbabida: P30.00