Surigao del Sur — Enchanted River Mystery Tour

The Hinatuan Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur is one of the most mysterious natural wonders of Mindanao, a short, impossibly blue river that emerges from underground springs and flows into the sea. Its water shifts between sapphire, turquoise and aquamarine depending on the angle of the sun, so vivid and clear that it almost looks unreal, and local lore says enchanted spirits guard its depths.

The river's most famous ritual happens at fish feeding time, when swimmers are cleared from the water, a haunting song plays over the river, and a swarm of large fish suddenly rises from the deep blue as if summoned. You can also swim in the designated bright-blue swimming area and marvel at a river so deep that divers have descended past 80 metres without finding its bottom.

A boat ride lets you explore the river mouth, nearby Hinatuan Bay and spots like the Sibadan fish cages. Compact yet utterly captivating, the Enchanted River pairs surreal beauty with an air of genuine mystery found nowhere else in the country.