Tinuy-an Falls: Bislig City’s most celebrated getaway
If you are to visit one of the most underrated provinces in the island of Mindanao, you might as well pay a day or two in Bislig City – the Philippines’ easternmost city. In this city, unknown to many, is the home of one of the most celebrated works of nature – the Tinuy-an Falls in Barangay Burboanan.
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Tinuy-an Falls: Bislig City’s Wonderful Escape
Legend has it that Tinuy-an Falls comes from the story of the Magdiwata Mountain Settlers who were then enslaved by cruel tribesmen from Agusan. After being maltreated by these tribesmen, the mountain settlers devised a way how to be free from them. One day, while rowing their ‘gakit’ (bamboo raft), the magdiwatas intentionally jumped off and shoved the gakit towards the mighty waterfalls killing their cruel masters, hence, attaining freedom from them. From then on, the waterfall was named “Tinuy-an” which means “an intentional act to attain an achievement or goal” in the Surigaonon vernacular.
Dubbed the “Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines,” this multi-tiered water curtain got my attention because of its calm but powerful force of nature while blending perfectly with its environment. Its 95-meter width is considered to be the widest in the country and the waterfall system has at least 3 tiers. Luckily when we got to see the beauty of Tinuy-an, the water was calm and only a few visitors came to visit the place.
To fully experience the power of Tinuy-an Falls, we opted to rent the bamboo raft that is pulled towards the falls and have our pictures taken after. We also took the chance to see the upper tiers of the waterfall system to see it from above as it cascades down to the main, Instagram-worthy waterfall curtain. It is much better if you visit during the rainy season so you can see the falls in their full might.
The story of the bamboo raft pulling also has its own story as it is where the term “Tinuy-an” was derived. Some accounts believe that <pic of legend>. The river bed in which the waterfalls is around 7 meters deep
How to get to Tinuy-an Falls
You can hire a bao-bao going in and around Bislig City, Hinatuan, and the rest of Surigao del Sur by contacting our guide, kuya Don Don Robles (+63 926 552 9636 / +63 938 199 5953). Tell him that you were referred by Chiki from Baguio City!
From Barangay Mangagoy (the central business district of Bislig), you can reach Tinuy-an Falls in around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace.
Along the way, you will pass by Lake 77, a body of water which can also be visited before visiting the falls and is believed to be 77 hectares in total area.
Upon reaching the area, there is a welcome arch signaling you are near the waterfalls proper. There are several souvenir shops and eateries in the area. After passing the arch, you will reach the parking area within 5 minutes and walk your way to the falls’ entrance. Pay the entrance fee of ₱ 50.00. After which, you can now enjoy Tinuy-an Falls’ natural wonders.
You can also opt to ride the bamboo raft for ₱ 300.00 / 7 pax and rent a life vest for ₱ 30.00. The local guides there will also offer you to go to the upper tiers of the falls and see the calmer cascades up close.
Other Information about Tinuy-an Falls
You can also opt for an overnight stay in the area as they offer accommodations just beside Tinuy-an Falls. For walk-in guests, the park will be open as early as 0500 H. (Refer to the photo above for more information!)
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About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
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