“All aboard! Let’s go!” This started the ABS-CBN Davao Teambuilding to Surigao.
The road trip to Surigao from Davao City would be long but thanks to the Metro Shuttle bus that the company chartered, the ride was smooth. Everyone was in high spirits despite of the impending rain and the early jump-off at four in the morning.
Along the way, heads dropped off to sleep.
For those who managed to keep their eyes open, the passing scenery of green rice fields and tall trees, fog in Mawab, gray snaking concrete and the airconditioning creates a cocoon for sleeping and so this writer slowly succumbed to sleep.
When I woke up, we were already in Bislig City, just a few kilometers to Hinatuan Enchanted River. The bus turned left towards the opening to the enchanted river. I opined that our itinerary was for Tinuy-an Falls first before Enhanted River, so we made a U-turn and headed to Tinuy-an.
Ferns and tall trees grow on the walls of the road leading down to the river. We had to get down from the bus and walk because the road was not enough to accommodate a big vehicle. It was raining and the limestone road was a little slippery.
There are souvenir shops and food stalls at the entrance but your eyes would be drawn to the cascading body of water. The lowest layer of water artfully cascades from what appears to be a man-made pile of rocks. As you look up to its source, Tinuy-an, at a breath taking 180-foot plunge and width of ninety feet, makes its presence known.
As you go up the steps to better view Tinuy-an, a fine spray of mist from the falls would freshen up your tired face and you realize that the long road trip is all worth it.
WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO BRING:
· Swim in the river or go bamboo rafting to be near the cascade.
· Go to the top of the falls and take pictures. Just make sure your camera has a waterproof casing.
· Wearing aquashoes is a plus.
· Lather on sunscreen or sunblock.
· Don’t throw plastic containers anywhere. Trash receptacles are provided for.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Located in Sitio Sote, Barangay Burboanan, Bislig City, Tinuy-an Falls can be reached from Davao City through the Davao-Agusan Highway passing through the provinces of Davao del Norte, parts of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley and Agusan del Sur and Norte. It is a good six to 8 hours trip depending on your speed and road conditions.
From Bislig City, private vehicles can go straight to Tinuy-an and commuters can hire a tricycle or habal-habal to take you to the waterfalls just 30 minutes from the city proper.
FEES:
Entrance Fee: PhP50.00.
Small Cottage: PhP200.
Big Cottage: PhP300.
Function Hall PhP500
Table with 4 chairs rental: PhP100
Chair: Php10.
Umbrella Shed: PhP150
Room Rental: PhP150/person
Raft: PhP100
Boat: PhP50.
Parking Fee: PhP20
