Enchanted in more ways than one: Mystery of the idyllic Filipino river

Enchanted in more ways than one: Mystery of the idyllic Filipino river that appears to have no source Hinatuan River, which runs on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, appears to have no source. The idyll – nicknamed the Enchanted River because of its unknown beginnings – starts from a 50ft-deep spring

The stretch of salt water then flows to the sea and into the Pacific Ocean at Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philipines.

With its tranquil blue waters, palm trees and rock pools, this idyllic river in the Philippines is nothing short of paradise. But the Hinatuan River, which runs on the island of Mindanao – the second largest and southernmost in the region – is no ordinary hideaway. Because the salt water river seems to have no source.

Hidden in the Philippine jungle is a short stretch of river that seems to pop up out the ground just to send its miraculously clear, blue water out to sea.

The Hinatuan Enchanted River in Mindanao, Philippines, is a flawless saltwater river that flows into the Pacific Ocean. It is only around 50-feet deep, and just barely long enough to be considered a river, yet the flow attracts visitors from around the world who want to experience the beautiful waters that locals have long thought to be miraculous.

The exact source of the beautiful paradise – nicknamed the Enchanted River because of its unknown beginnings – is surrounded in mystery and has never been determined.

In fact, no one is sure exactly where the saltwater emanates from, although the prevailing theory involves an underground cave system which spits the river out, free of any dirt or silt which would usually cloud such a stream. Whatever the explanation, the clean waters are a natural wonder unlike any other.

Idyll: The 50ft deep waters are popular with sunbathers, swimmers and those who wish to practice their diving skills

Due to its close proximity to the sea, some believe the idyll was created when seawater flowed through long tunnels and caverns deep below the ground, finally resurfacing at the spring – which is 50ft deep in areas. But others offer slightly different solutions – including one urban legend that suggests the river was created by fairies and pixies.

The river, considered one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the Philippines flows straight into the Pacific Ocean at Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The area’s deep waters and boulders to dive from see tourists travel from miles around to bathe in its virtually clear waters. With numerous fishes and other creatures living in its deep waters, the area is popular with snorkelers as well as divers and explorers. And if swimming is not your thing, the area can be viewed from dry land on the metres of ricekerty woodern viewing bridges that surround the water’s edge.

Enchanted in more ways than one: Mystery of the idyllic Filipino river