Wide-eyed at Tinuy-an Falls

Travel date: May 12, 2014

Living in the Philippines is like living in paradise. Most of us just don’t know it. Our country has over 7,107 islands and you should have at least visited a few of it and explored its beauty.  There are so many majestic waterfalls, river, lakes, caves, and many other types of scenery worth exploring. One of the many amazing places I have visited is Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur.

I have never heard of it before but I heard about it from my aunt while I was visiting her in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. It was not part of our itinerary but since we were already in the area we did not hesitate to go there. Me and my friend Tweety decided to commute going there but thankfully my aunt and uncle offered to drive us there. So, we drove from Cabadbaran City all the way to Bislig for around three hours. Our trip there was an adventure in itself because we took the uphill road. We left Cabadbaran at exactly 5:00 am. The mountain roads were beautifully blanketed with fog that came with rays of the sun.

We finally reached Bislig at 8:00 am and had breakfast there. From the city proper, the falls is still one hour away and we had to drive through rough roads all the way to the falls entrance. When we got there we paid a 50 Php entrance fee. There were many tourists and at least twenty tourists came every five minutes. At first glance I immediately concluded that it was truly  majestic. It was the widest falls I have seen. There are four waterfalls in all making it look like a short staircase from afar. On the right river bank there are cottages and picnic tables and chairs that can be rented at 200 to 300 Php depending on the size. You can also rent rafts at 180 Php per 15 minutes (which is quite expensive if you ask me) if you want to feel the fall’s water pounding at your back and if you want to go behind the curtain of water.

Moreover, you can also climb up the falls through an uphill path. The path is a bit slippery and steep so make sure to be careful at all times.

*For most tourists in the area, it is customary to also visit the Enchanted River. [details shall be in next blog].

Transportation by Plane:

If you are from Manila or Cebu you can book direct flights to Butuan. Just recently Cebu Pacific flies to Tandag, Surigao del Sur. Most probably you can book a flight there and take a bus to Bislig.

Transportation by bus/van: (from Butuan)

If you decide to take the bus going to Bislig you can go to Butuan City Integrated Bus terminal.   You can catch a bus there. Travel time to Bislig is around 5 hours. 

Possible fees: 

Bus ride from Butuan – around 250 Php

Van from Butuan – 200 Php

Habal-habal fmo the hi-way to the falls – 250-300 per head

Entrance fee – 50 Php