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Surigao del Sur is fast becoming the place to be for travelers and backpackers, with its gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, and other natural resources.
In Hinatuan, for example, you will find the Enchanted River, one of the clearest bodies of water in the Philippines.
If you find yourself visiting Enchanted, don’t rush to leave. Spend the whole day swimming, boating, and just basking in the river’s beauty.
You can go to Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig or go island hopping in Britania the next day. If you want to know where to stay in Hinatuan, just check out the options below.
The clear waters of Enchanted River in Hinatuan.
CJ’s Hometel
General Luna St.
+63.929.665.1641
The apartel-type room at CJ’s has two beds…
The best accommodation in CJ’s Hometel is their apartel type room. It’s air-conditioned, can accommodate 2-6 persons, and has its own toilet and bath. There’s also a kitchen and a fridge–making it perfect for those who want to cook their own meals. (1 room: P1,500/day)
…as well as a kitchen and ensuite bathroom.
A group can stay at this big 15-bed dorm.
CJ also has a 15-person dormitory with its own toilet and bath, for P250 per head. There’s free Wifi throughout the property as well as a common yard where you can hold videoke sessions.
Marky’s Hostel
Barangay Maharlika
+63.928.439.7785
Marky’s is getting popular with backpackers and travel bloggers. When I visited there, Tita Lumen (the owner) asked me if I knew the bloggers who had stayed there, and started naming them AND their blogs (such a memory!). I knew every single one!
The colorful façade of Marky’s Hostel.
As I looked in their rooms, I knew why my peers preferred this. Even if the rooms weren’t so big, they’re colorful and give off a homey feeling. The owners are pretty awesome too, they interact with you and can even cook on request.
Each room in Marky’s is as colorful as this one.
Marky’s is best enjoyed by groups. Rooms can accommodate five to seven persons each, are air-conditioned, and has free Wifi. The rate is P200 per head.
When I went there, their single occupancy rooms were being renovated. When you call, ask if it’s already available. They’re also expanding, so they will have other accommodation options to offer soon!
James Pensione
Barangay Aquino
+63.910.619.5112
James Pension is best for solo travelers…
…with its single rooms.
James Pensione has a lot of single rooms for P250 (fan, common CR). It’s a bit small, but if you’re only just going to sleep there anyway, it would do. There are air-conditioned rooms as well with ensuite bathrooms that are good for three persons (P600).
Maryland Lodging House
España Street
+63.907.868.9808
Maryland Lodging, pics grabbed from their page (because mine sucked).
Fan room good for 2 persons. Roomy eh?
Maryland Lodging has 15 rooms, ranging from double occupancy to one that can accommodate eight people. Their rates for fan rooms that are good for two start at P250, while air-conditioned rooms for two with ensuite bathrooms are at P650 onwards.
They said there’s no Wifi, but they have an internet cafe just outside if you need to go online.
The grand Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig.
Surigao del Sur is more than just the Enchanted River and Tinuy-an. There’s a lot more to see there, so do take time to explore the other towns and cities, especially my home town, Tandag!
Have you stayed in any of these places? What did you think of them?
Aleah Taboclaon is a location independent writer, editor, and the travel blogger behind Solitary Wanderer. She's partial to slow travel, and prefers extreme adventures like hiking and caving over sightseeing. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Follow her on Instagram and Pinterest!
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29 Comments. Leave new
Hotels are limited in Hinatuan to stay.
Unfortunately true in many small towns in the Philippines.
Do you think it’s safe for foreigners?
Hi,
I need your help. I’m planning a trip next week (after Christmas) and plan to cram Tinuy-an falls, the Enchanted river, and at least one whole day of surfing in Lanuza (or wherever you recommend) in 4 days (including early morning flight Ceb-Butuan Day 1 —> to Bislig first and Day 4 mid day flight from Lanuza to Cebu via Surigao). Is that a good for days or I’m killing myself? Are public transport (aka buses) from the three areas reliable in terms of schedules or I should hire a motorbike to travel?
Cheers,
Rusty
PS – loved this blog. used the tips when i went to EU for the first time.
I AM INTERESTED TO VISIT IN YOUR PLACE ESPECIALLY THE ENCHANTED RIVER
is CJ’s Hometel is situated at Hinatuan Town proper?
Is there any locker facility in enchanted river ?
@DC: The last time I went (this year), there was none. There are cottages yes, but since we didn’t get one, we just left our bags by the lifeguard’s chair and asked him to look after it. 😀
yay see you soon–yes the place is very safe– hinatuan i will never forget you– ginugol ko apat na taon ko sa pag aaral sa hiantuan– tapos ngayon sobrang dinadayo na ng mga turista…—
Happy homecoming soon 🙂
Hi Aleah. I’m a Hinatuanon and that James Pension you’ve included in this post is of my late grandfather’s (My Grandma’s brother)…It is now operated by my aunt. It is probably the oldest pension in town. 🙂 Thanks for this!
You’re welcome. 🙂
If we bring our own car is it safe?
Sorry for the late reply, but yes, of course!
Any room good for 5 persons? How much overnight? How far from the enchanted river?
Can you take a personal multican ton the ferry to camiguin?
I’m sorry but I have no idea. 🙁
Is there a ride going to tinuy-an falls from enchanted river? How? How much? Tnx.
hello michelle
I know a van for rent . the capacity is 17 . rate starts at 3500 for out of town tour + renters fuel .. Toyota Hi-ace commuter . for more info feel free to contact me 09078955582.. Thank you 🙂
thank you for your travel tips. I’m most of the time alone on my truck or motorbike, from Davao to Cagayan vallley. I take the 1AH26 all the way north or maharlika highway; have you any tips on Nautical Highways? Please include experience on roro that way
Sorry Aries, I have no experience with that. When I go to Surigao, I just take the plane to Butuan and then take the bus. Do share your experience here, though.
Hi! Aleah thank you sobrang helpful yung blog just came back from Caraga tour i agree very safe kahit gabi na no worries , we stayed at Casa de Babano Contacts for van rentals or habal habal Mark 09489750475 or kuya Rowel 09094185848 boatman for Britania tour Romnick 09299582345, Boatman for Bucas grande tour Kuya Raphy 09099732751 again thank you & more travel for us.
Thanks for the contacts, Sheng!
Hi Aleah, is there a van that could be hired in the airport to go directly to Hinatuan? We are group of 8 pax and my auntie is a bit worried about this trip hahaha considering it is in Mindanao 🙂
Hi Michelle. That part of Mindanao isn’t dangerous. It’s not the ARMM. Your best bet is to contact a travel agency. I don’t know any van rentals in the area. It’s a good idea to hire a van since there are 8 of you anyway. Have fun!
Hello, Aleah! Is it safe to travel alone from Butuan to Surigao? How about going around solo? 🙂
Hi Dree. Yes, of course it’s safe. Solo travel there isn’t a problem as locals are mostly friendly. Have fun!
@ Photo Cache: Probably not haha I didn’t get a chance to eat outside there, except to the barbeque place.
very reasonable pricing. how about eating spots. is that for the next post?