Tinuy-an Falls is dubbed as the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines" because of its three tier cascading waterfalls. Tinuy-an comes from the word "tinuyo-an" -- a native Visayan word which means "intentional". Said to be the widest falls in the country that has a majestic width of 95 meters and 55 meters (180 ft) high. It is located in Mangagoy Bislig, Surigao del Sur in the island of Mindanao.
Photo credits: Joseph Bacalso Films and Stills
There's always a story to tell in every name, every place and in every island. A story happened centuries ago and has been passed on from generation to generations. It can either be a historical event, a supernatural beings, nature or a phenomenal one that explains the origin and the existence of a certain place, thing or name.
Photo credits: TripAdvisor
Travelling to Tinuy-an wasn't a piece of cake. Left my hometown before the early morning light and took a 45 minute flight bound to Butuan City. Once disembarked, we headed to the airport's parking lot where we chartered a van that is bound to Mangagoy. You can take a habal-habal (motorcycle) ride but I would suggest get a four-wheeled vehicle for convenience sake.
Mangagoy, the downtown area often dubbed by its residents as "the little city within the city", is the center of trade and industry of Bislig
Travel time to Bislig City is more than 5 hours. Girl scout motto is applicable here -- "always ready" for a long numbbutt road trip. But that's not all, there is still a 45 minute ride on a dusty, rough and uphill road to the falls. It was tough though but with what I discerned -- it's worth the numbness!
1st Tier
(Photo credits: Joseph Bacalso Films & Stills)
Seeing the draped like frothy white water that cascades down the three tiers of the waterfalls is such a wonderful sight to behold. Witnessing firsthand the widest falls in the country with the lavish greenery that surronds the waterfalls made it more refreshing and pleasing to the eyes. And you can never feel the scorching heat of the sun because of the spray mists and the cool breeze of the vicinity specially in the first tier (photo above). Sadly, we never get the chance to witness the rainbow that can be seen around 9 in the morning.
Video Credit: MindanaoPride on Youtube
White noises can be heard as you step up to the second tier of the falls. A much higher than the first tier but a cooler atmosphere embraces you. Watching the falls from the bridge made me wonder how fortunate I am to withness one of God's beautiful creation.
2nd Tier
Photo Credits: Joseph Bacalso Films & Stills
The third tier is where the swimming ground located. You are required to wear a lifevest if you want to ride the bamboo raft and experience a natural water massage on your back. If you want, you can jump off from the raft and show your swimming skills; be very cautious with the strong current of the water. There's a local guide that will navigate the raft and would advise you when and where to jump off since he is more familiar with the area.
3rd Tier
Photo Credits: Joseph Bacalso Films & Stills
Photo Credits: The man in yellow -- Joseph Bacalso Films & Stills
Let the adventures begin once you're all set. The falling water was so hard on your back; harder than a hard massage. Get your body chilled and have your finger tips wrinkled. For an acquaphile person like me, jumping off from the raft is definitely a MUST!
Photo Credits: Joseph Bacalso Films & Stills
The local tourist guide offered us to have a glimpse of the last tier but we declined the offer because we didn't have ample time to climb up since we still have to drop by at Enchanted River and at The International Doll House on that day. After few hours of enjoying the waterfalls we then sail back to the river bank, all wet and tired from the 5 hours land trip but we still manage to enjoy and smile.
It is only upon looking deep the beauty of nature that you will learn to understand the wonder and it's pleasure. We only need to change ourselves, to listen the music of the Earth in order for us to adore the wonder of nature.
