Surigao Del Sur’s Enchanted River: Unravel the Mysteries from a Safe Place

This is the first of my Surigao del Sur series.

 Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

 

Hidden within towering mountains of Surigao del Sur near the Pacific Ocean, the Enchanted River got its name from the endless tales of mysteries as told by the locals. The list ranges from encounters of enchanted fishes that can’t be caught to swimmers being pulled down the abyss, never to be found again.

 Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

Accessible only through a dirt road, it is a question whether the Enchanted River is worth the many kilometers of rough travel.

Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

 Believe me: you will quickly have the answer as soon as you enter the gate. Apart from the many legends, the view will certainly speak about its name on its own.

 

Deep Blue Hole

Surrounded by diverse plants and trees, this river cuts through the mountains and has a narrow opening going to the sea.

 Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

 

The Enchanted River is brackish since the saltwater from the sea mixes with the fresh water that oozes from its deep blue hole, which is said to be at least 80 feet deep. At the bottom is a narrow opening – so narrow that it can only accommodate one diver at a time.

 Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

Surigao Del Sur Enchanted River

 

That opening leads to a cave, which is said to be the size of two basketball courts. Apart from these places, much of the river in Surigao del Sur remains unexplored. One professional diver died trying to unravel these mysteries.