Tinuy-An Waterfalls and Enchanted River
Holy Week 2005
Tinuy-an Waterfalls (Bislig, Surigao del Sur)
Enchanted River (Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur)
March 24-26, 2005
Even the night before we were to leave for Surigao, the group actually was still not decided as to where to go for the long weekend. The choices had been Mt. Parker (South Cotabato), Mt. Dulang-dulang (Bukidnon), Mt. Apo (New Israel trail), and finally, Surigao. Also, a lot of the details already worked out the day before did not materialize. Our expected ride -- a friend's elf we are supposed to rent for the activity -- backed out. With this, the others in the group also backed out. So there were only eight of us left -- Renee, Bambie, Joan, Myself, Jay, Choy2x, Bolo and Zoe.
Actually, I understood the other's change of heart. The uncertainty of the situation is hardly encouraging for any of us. I was having second thoughts myself. But I was really glad that I decided to push through with the trip. From past experiences, I knew that despite the seeming "nothing-is-ever-clear-with-this-trip," everything will just sort itself out. After all, we are not kids anymore. The important thing is that we knew were we want to go and how to get there. Well, somewhat... hehe
Sleepless in Ecoland Terminal
By 12:00 Midnight, we had already assembled at the Ecoland Overland Terminal for the 2:00 A.M. trip to Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. We did not want to take any chances. We knew it is the Holy Week so there's bound to be a lot of passengers.
We were right. There were indeed a lot of them, it made me think half of Davao is on their way to Mangagoy. There were other buses there bound for Butuan, Ormoc, Mati, etc., etc. but most of them leave without having their doors literally bursting from having a lot of passengers taking the trip. With the Mangagoy trips, passengers had to shove, claw, push, fight their way just to be able to board the bus. So while we were there real early, we were not able to board the bus till 4:00 A.M. in the morning. So we practically spent the whole night, sleepless.
We had tried to hire a van but noone would take the risk. They informed us that the frequent rain the previous days made the roads to Mangagoy hardly passable for vans. So there we were, wanting some sleep, trying our best to board every bus that come but desperately failing (some of the passengers wisely board the bus outside of their garage in Ma-a and so the buses are practically full by the time they get to Ecoland). We just amused ourselves with looking at the moon which was at its "almost" full stage and by talking about how sleepy we were already. All of us were voicing out that had we known it, we should have just slept at home and went to the terminal before 4 A.M. I was lucky I had a book with me -- The Da Vinci Code -- so I had that to occupy my time. Nevertheless, I felt a great boredome too at having to wait for the bus.
"Almost" Full moon.Gazing at this near perfect moon at intervals helped us in whiling the time away
The Blurry Effect.Waiting for the bus. Guess this photo just reflects our mood at that time -- just about to doze off at the drop of a hat =)
Bambie:Hmm... Wala bang pwedeng matulugan dito?
Zoe:Sakay na lang kaya tayo ng bus bound for Tacloban? It's empty.
Arriving in Mangagoy
Finally, with most of the passengers already gone, we were able to board the 4:00 AM bus for Mangagoy. As there were only a few of us left, we were all able to sit quite comfortably. The instant our backsides hit the seats, we were all off to dreamland.
We were already in Mauab, Compostela Valley when I woke up. Kidney trouble rouse me from my slumber. The most unfortunate part is that we are not stopping at the terminal long enough for me to answer nature's call. So I had to endure it till we reached the next town of Nabunturan. Even then, I had to rush since the bus was intent about leaving immediately. Back at the bus, to delay our hunger, we munched on some dried mangoes and biscuits.
We arrived in Mangagoy at 9:00 in the morning. Making a mistake of not stopping at the shell station to get our ride for Tinuy-an, we had to double our way back. We hitched our ride back to the station.
Hitching a Ride. On the way to Shell Station where we are hoping to get a ride for Tinuy-an
We talked to the driver of our ride if we would agree to take us all the way to Tinuy-an Waterfalls. He agreed but later on changed his mind. So we opted to have some decent breakfast instead, then look for a jeep while the others see about buying the supplies we still need.
Waiting for our ride, munching on popsicles
Finally, breakfast! (at G-mart's)
After breakfast, Bolo and Jolo proceeded to look for a jeep we could hire that would take us to the falls. We were also hoping that the same would agree to take us all the way to Hinatuan later that afternoon. Meanwhile, Bambie, Renee and I went about buying groceries and some supplies we still needed for our food. We were not through yet with the groceries when Joan and Bolo arrived with the jeep. While we continued with our buying, the rest hauled our bags to the jeep.
All packed and ready to go.
Me: Are we all here yet?
Bolo: Why? Are we going already? Yehey!!!
On our Way to Tinuy-an!!!
We had to look for Zoe momentarily when he suddenly disappeared while we were all getting ready to go. He turned out to be buying some shampoo at G-mart's pharmacy. When he finally arrived, everyone almost cheered, obviously very eager to move on.
We made a brief stopover at the market to buy some ground beef for the spaghetti we planned of having for dinner that night. Choy2x and Bolo, however, made a quick visit to a nearby Ukay2x and came back with a very nice longsleeved Roxy sweats for me and Columbia Jacket for Renee hehe. Talk about being lucky.
Then, we were finally off to Tinuy-an. Just as its name implies -- "tinuyuan," meaning "to seek out" in Visayan -- we literally had to travel some distance to get to the falls. But it was all worth it. We passed by some interesting view -- rice fields and interesting looking trees boardering the road, a lake, and a local doing some bit of "transporting" "logs."
Rice fields and trees in the horizon
Local kids fishing at the lake
This photo below have some interesting trivia to go with it. It was too late when we spotted this interesting "scene." We had already passed by it to get a decent shot. And then, out of nowhere, another local in the same "form" can be seen approaching us. Still,it was also too late for us to take a picture. Bolo had to really run just to overtake this man and take his picture.
Station of the Cross.(Bislig style)
Ahh... the waterfalls
We suffered from a flat tire so we had to wait before our driver was able to change tire. It wasn't such a long delay but a delay just the same. Then, suddenly, there she was -- beautiful, majestic Tinuy-an waterfalls. She was pretty awesome to look at. For Joan and I, it wasn't our first time to see the falls but we were still awed by it. As for the rest, they were dumbstruck! =) I could understand. I knew by looking at their faces that all the delays we had to suffer last night and this morning were instantly forgotten.
Tinuy-an Waterfalls
The Procession. Bolo, Joan, Jay, Bambie and Renee (at the right side of the photo)making their way towards the falls.
At another angle.
Mighty Tinuy-an!See Joan, Jay and Bolo at the lower right corner of the photo, giving perspective as to the size of the waterfall
Not just "mighty" but "strong" too! The waterfalls upclose
Ahh... Breathtaking Tinuy-an...
Picture Taking!
Welcome to Tinuy-an!!!
Gary a.k.a. Choy2x
Renee
Zoe
Bolo
Asus! =)
Otro! =)
Up to the Second Floor
Not quite satisfied with just looking at the waterfalls upclose, we took the advice of the caretaker there to climb the stairs that would take us all the way up. We were glad we did since we were able to view the other drops of the falls too, upclose. (See Bolo's photo below.)
(Me)Climbing the stairs...
From the top looking down.(Phto credit: Choy2x)
Nice view at the top.
Really nice. (Photo credit: Choy2x)
Bolo at the top.
Model Renee. =)
The Edge. Nope, not the outdoor shop hehe Choy2x bravely sitting on the edge of the falls.
Kiss my ****! The guys in a playful pose. O, Jay, where's your head? =)
Bah!
The Bodies! hehehe
Now, who's macho?! =)
Going back down.
Taking a Break Having some snacks and resting a bit before moving on with our journey
Tinuy-an Waterfalls (Bislig, Surigao del Sur)
Enchanted River (Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur)
March 24-26, 2005
Even the night before we were to leave for Surigao, the group actually was still not decided as to where to go for the long weekend. The choices had been Mt. Parker (South Cotabato), Mt. Dulang-dulang (Bukidnon), Mt. Apo (New Israel trail), and finally, Surigao. Also, a lot of the details already worked out the day before did not materialize. Our expected ride -- a friend's elf we are supposed to rent for the activity -- backed out. With this, the others in the group also backed out. So there were only eight of us left -- Renee, Bambie, Joan, Myself, Jay, Choy2x, Bolo and Zoe.
Actually, I understood the other's change of heart. The uncertainty of the situation is hardly encouraging for any of us. I was having second thoughts myself. But I was really glad that I decided to push through with the trip. From past experiences, I knew that despite the seeming "nothing-is-ever-clear-with-this-trip," everything will just sort itself out. After all, we are not kids anymore. The important thing is that we knew were we want to go and how to get there. Well, somewhat... hehe
Sleepless in Ecoland Terminal
By 12:00 Midnight, we had already assembled at the Ecoland Overland Terminal for the 2:00 A.M. trip to Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. We did not want to take any chances. We knew it is the Holy Week so there's bound to be a lot of passengers.
We were right. There were indeed a lot of them, it made me think half of Davao is on their way to Mangagoy. There were other buses there bound for Butuan, Ormoc, Mati, etc., etc. but most of them leave without having their doors literally bursting from having a lot of passengers taking the trip. With the Mangagoy trips, passengers had to shove, claw, push, fight their way just to be able to board the bus. So while we were there real early, we were not able to board the bus till 4:00 A.M. in the morning. So we practically spent the whole night, sleepless.
We had tried to hire a van but noone would take the risk. They informed us that the frequent rain the previous days made the roads to Mangagoy hardly passable for vans. So there we were, wanting some sleep, trying our best to board every bus that come but desperately failing (some of the passengers wisely board the bus outside of their garage in Ma-a and so the buses are practically full by the time they get to Ecoland). We just amused ourselves with looking at the moon which was at its "almost" full stage and by talking about how sleepy we were already. All of us were voicing out that had we known it, we should have just slept at home and went to the terminal before 4 A.M. I was lucky I had a book with me -- The Da Vinci Code -- so I had that to occupy my time. Nevertheless, I felt a great boredome too at having to wait for the bus.
"Almost" Full moon.Gazing at this near perfect moon at intervals helped us in whiling the time away
The Blurry Effect.Waiting for the bus. Guess this photo just reflects our mood at that time -- just about to doze off at the drop of a hat =)
Bambie:Hmm... Wala bang pwedeng matulugan dito?
Zoe:Sakay na lang kaya tayo ng bus bound for Tacloban? It's empty.
Arriving in Mangagoy
Finally, with most of the passengers already gone, we were able to board the 4:00 AM bus for Mangagoy. As there were only a few of us left, we were all able to sit quite comfortably. The instant our backsides hit the seats, we were all off to dreamland.
We were already in Mauab, Compostela Valley when I woke up. Kidney trouble rouse me from my slumber. The most unfortunate part is that we are not stopping at the terminal long enough for me to answer nature's call. So I had to endure it till we reached the next town of Nabunturan. Even then, I had to rush since the bus was intent about leaving immediately. Back at the bus, to delay our hunger, we munched on some dried mangoes and biscuits.
We arrived in Mangagoy at 9:00 in the morning. Making a mistake of not stopping at the shell station to get our ride for Tinuy-an, we had to double our way back. We hitched our ride back to the station.
Hitching a Ride. On the way to Shell Station where we are hoping to get a ride for Tinuy-an
We talked to the driver of our ride if we would agree to take us all the way to Tinuy-an Waterfalls. He agreed but later on changed his mind. So we opted to have some decent breakfast instead, then look for a jeep while the others see about buying the supplies we still need.
Waiting for our ride, munching on popsicles
Finally, breakfast! (at G-mart's)
After breakfast, Bolo and Jolo proceeded to look for a jeep we could hire that would take us to the falls. We were also hoping that the same would agree to take us all the way to Hinatuan later that afternoon. Meanwhile, Bambie, Renee and I went about buying groceries and some supplies we still needed for our food. We were not through yet with the groceries when Joan and Bolo arrived with the jeep. While we continued with our buying, the rest hauled our bags to the jeep.
All packed and ready to go.
Me: Are we all here yet?
Bolo: Why? Are we going already? Yehey!!!
On our Way to Tinuy-an!!!
We had to look for Zoe momentarily when he suddenly disappeared while we were all getting ready to go. He turned out to be buying some shampoo at G-mart's pharmacy. When he finally arrived, everyone almost cheered, obviously very eager to move on.
We made a brief stopover at the market to buy some ground beef for the spaghetti we planned of having for dinner that night. Choy2x and Bolo, however, made a quick visit to a nearby Ukay2x and came back with a very nice longsleeved Roxy sweats for me and Columbia Jacket for Renee hehe. Talk about being lucky.
Then, we were finally off to Tinuy-an. Just as its name implies -- "tinuyuan," meaning "to seek out" in Visayan -- we literally had to travel some distance to get to the falls. But it was all worth it. We passed by some interesting view -- rice fields and interesting looking trees boardering the road, a lake, and a local doing some bit of "transporting" "logs."
Rice fields and trees in the horizon
Local kids fishing at the lake
This photo below have some interesting trivia to go with it. It was too late when we spotted this interesting "scene." We had already passed by it to get a decent shot. And then, out of nowhere, another local in the same "form" can be seen approaching us. Still,it was also too late for us to take a picture. Bolo had to really run just to overtake this man and take his picture.
Station of the Cross.(Bislig style)
Ahh... the waterfalls
We suffered from a flat tire so we had to wait before our driver was able to change tire. It wasn't such a long delay but a delay just the same. Then, suddenly, there she was -- beautiful, majestic Tinuy-an waterfalls. She was pretty awesome to look at. For Joan and I, it wasn't our first time to see the falls but we were still awed by it. As for the rest, they were dumbstruck! =) I could understand. I knew by looking at their faces that all the delays we had to suffer last night and this morning were instantly forgotten.
Tinuy-an Waterfalls
The Procession. Bolo, Joan, Jay, Bambie and Renee (at the right side of the photo)making their way towards the falls.
At another angle.
Mighty Tinuy-an!See Joan, Jay and Bolo at the lower right corner of the photo, giving perspective as to the size of the waterfall
Not just "mighty" but "strong" too! The waterfalls upclose
Ahh... Breathtaking Tinuy-an...
Picture Taking!
Welcome to Tinuy-an!!!
Gary a.k.a. Choy2x
Renee
Zoe
Bolo
Asus! =)
Otro! =)
Up to the Second Floor
Not quite satisfied with just looking at the waterfalls upclose, we took the advice of the caretaker there to climb the stairs that would take us all the way up. We were glad we did since we were able to view the other drops of the falls too, upclose. (See Bolo's photo below.)
(Me)Climbing the stairs...
From the top looking down.(Phto credit: Choy2x)
Nice view at the top.
Really nice. (Photo credit: Choy2x)
Bolo at the top.
Model Renee. =)
The Edge. Nope, not the outdoor shop hehe Choy2x bravely sitting on the edge of the falls.
Kiss my ****! The guys in a playful pose. O, Jay, where's your head? =)
Bah!
The Bodies! hehehe
Now, who's macho?! =)
Going back down.
Taking a Break Having some snacks and resting a bit before moving on with our journey
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mariel
alberta, canada
- Daniel