The blue pool
Very clear turquoise water.
Colneri001 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · P.A.V. Mahusay — CC0 · Kapgomez — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Froirivera — CC BY-SA 4.0 · MaiaGarcia — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Enchanted River is a deep spring river in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, on the east coast of Mindanao. It is only about 270 metres long, but its intense turquoise blue among rocks and dense forest makes it one of the most striking sights in the Philippines. It flows into the Philippine Sea. Its nickname comes from a poem called Rio Encantado by the diplomat Modesto Farolan. Local legends tell of fairies who gave it the colours of sapphire and jade, and of fish that cannot be caught. Exploration of its underwater cave began in 1999, and later diving expeditions found an opening at 30 metres and passages down to 82 metres. A stair drops to extremely clear water, and the dark blue mouth of the spring is visible from above. Forest hangs over the banks, and small boats wait at the edge. Every day at 15:00 the fish are fed after the Hymn of Hinatuan is played, and they gather in the water. There are small stalls and cottages to sit in near the entrance. The river is 10 km in a straight line north of Hinatuan town. The local government has banned swimming in the main pool since 2017, with a swimming area 10 metres away, so follow the rules. Wear a life vest, as the water is deep. British advice is against all but essential travel to this part of Mindanao, so check your government's advice before going.
Very clear turquoise water.
Fish gather after the hymn.
Dense green over the banks.
Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur province
Not in the main pool since 2017, but there is a set area nearby, so follow the rules.
British advice is against all but essential travel to this part of Mindanao, so check your government's advice.