Eastern Mindanao-Cebu 6 Days 5 Nights Itinerary and Expenses

I'm done with all my posts for the Eastern Mindanao-Cebu trip. Now here's the actual schedule of our 6 days-5 nights trip in Eastern Mindanao (Davao Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur) and Cebu:

Bislig City Side Trip: Ocean View Park



View of the Pscific and Bislig City



As I was saying in my previous post, one good way to end your vacation in Bislig City is by visiting Ocean View Park (OVP) in Brgy. Cumawas. The same couple who owns the International Doll House (see related post here), the Willimanns had the place built so that guests coming to Bislig can enjoy good views of the Pacific Ocean and several portions of the city while dining in their simple restaurant. 



Bislig City Side Trip: International Doll House

Kimmy dolls from Japan

By the time we left Hinatuan, my friend and I had decided to visit the International Doll House in Bislig City before heading back to our accommodation in Casa de Babano. This is actually not a part of our original itinerary. I just happened to read the doll house’s signage when we were heading back to our inn the day we visited Tinuy-an Falls, and it looked intriguing.

The Hidden Beauty of Tinago Revealed

One of the first few islands you'll encounter

I’ve been to and have heard of several spots in the Philippines named Tinago, most of which were called such because of their undiscovered beauty. Filipinos are well aware that the word tinago came from the root word tago which could mean hide (as in tágo) or hidden (as in tagó). 

Snorkeling at Sibadan Fish Cages

Sibadan Fish Cages and Sand Bars Restaurant

It was Day 3 of our Eastern Mindanao Trip and I haven’t used my snorkeling gear yet. So it was a pleasant surprise that I’d get to use my snorkel in one of the attractions in Hinatuan—the Sibadan Fish Cages and Sand Bars Resort. Well, I could’ve also used my snorkeling gear in Enchanted River, but there aren’t so many fishes in there.

A Stunning View of the Pacific in Margarett Peak

Pacific Ocean

Almost anywhere in the Philippines you’ll be able to get a view of the Pacific Ocean. The rivers and seas surrounding the archipelago discharge into the world’s largest body of water. But among the places that I’ve visited that offered great views of the Pacific, I think the view in Margarett Island Peak Resort is yet the most spectacular.

Margarett Island Peak Resort is an attraction located in Pangasinan Island, off the coast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, reachable in 15 minutes by a small pump boat. It is one of the few tourist spots that can be visited in the arranged tours offered in Enchanted River. For a glimpse of other attractions in the area, please click here.

Beyond Enchanted: Paradise at the End of the River

This boat can be found at the end of the river

If you are visiting Enchanted River in Hinatuan, the enchantment doesn’t stop at enjoying the cold, blue waters. There are actually a lot of other amazing places to visit in the small town.

If you are keen enough to explore Enchanted River, you will find a number of boats further downstream. For a fee, these boats will take you to several places that Hinatuan is also proud of. Among the places you can visit are Sibadan Fish Cages and Resort, Margarett Island Peak Resort, Tinago River and Islands, Pangasinan Pacific Shore Resort, and Vanishing Island.


Captivated by Hinatuan’s Enchanted River

Bluer than blue

After our much anticipated visit of Tinuy-an falls, we had one more place to visit in Surigao del Sur. It’s Enchanted River located in the quaint town of Hinatuan. I’ve read so much about Enchanted River and got so much excited with the photos I’ve seen. Could the water really be that blue? That I had to confirm by seeing it with my own eyes.

We got up early on Friday and started our day with a complimentary breakfast from Casa de Babano. Corned beef, omelet roll, rice, and coffee – not bad for a cheap overnight fee. At around 7:30am we were already in Bachelor Express’ bus terminal. We boarded a bus for Butuan. If I am not mistaken, I’ve also seen jeepneys bound for Hinatuan the day before. We waited for about 30 minutes before the bus finally left. The fare for the 1-hour trip to Hinatuan proper is 55 pesos.

Picture - Perfect Tinuy-an Falls

I love the reflection in the still part of the water

Contented with our short yet amazing stay in Cateel, we headed to Bislig City for our much awaited visit to Tinuy-an Falls. Bislig City is about 2 hours travel from Cateel. After checking out at Oar Inn, we rode a trike going to the jeepney/bus terminal of Lyra Express.

There were no direct trips to Bislig that day. There was only one mini bus bound for Lingig, a town in Surigao del Sur which is just south of Bislig City.  While waiting for our departure, we had our lunch in a nearby eatery. At exactly 1pm, the mini bus departed for Lingig, fare was 80 pesos. The 1 hour 20 minute – travel passed by Boston which is the last town of Davao Oriental before approaching Surigao del Sur.