Published in SunStar Davao (Witerary)
By Jojie Alcantara
The last time we were in Bislig, it took a long, bumpy trail (an hour’s ride from Mangagoy through the Bagnan-Borboanan road with a scenic view of the Borboanan Reservoir lake) for us to reach the now famous Tinuy-an Falls, the city’s best tourist attraction by far. Today, one can reach it in 45 minutes, according to our guide, Ms. Lorelei Lim, the city’s tourism officer.
BISLIG, now a component city of Surigao del Sur, is at the Southeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean, 158 kilometers south of Butuan, 152 kilometers south of Tandag (Surigao del Sur Provincial Capital) and 208 kilometers northeast Davao City.
Tinuy-an Falls, or "Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines", is a spectacular three-tiered falls (there is a fourth hidden from view) about 55 meters high and a breathtaking width of 95 meters, said to be the widest in the country. Centuries old amazing giant trees, ferns and vines in a thick rainforest envelop your ride through thick forested hills that enclose the falls. Islets are on the swimming ground, with slippery logs where you can cross for a good view, plus multi-layered stones as pathways. Every morning, the area is blessed with a sprinkle of a rainbow that appears between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In 2003, Ms. Liles Pimentel and I took a raft out towards the falls, and had a good dip. This time, however, It was raining. Cottages are now beside the lake, while a function room is available right across the falls, affording a hypnotic view of the cascading beauty. Although inns and a hilltop resort are now available, the best accommodation in Bislig is Paper Country Inn, with good airconditioned rooms (P900/day) and amenities. From there you can reach the falls in 45 minutes. (In photo: Me and a couple of guests and the boys who steered the raft back in 2003, a film shot; During this time it was the El Nino so the falls didn't look so good and flourishing)
Me and the guys in the raft were a tiny speck near the falls (film shot by Rhon, 2003)
Bislig City is a good 7 hours ride from Davao City, but will take less if coming from Surigao City. Airconditioned bus ply the routes of Davao-Bislig daily at 2am and 9am (P320), while nonaircon buses travel at hourly intervals at 3pm last trip for P282. You will forget the bumpy, adventurous ride once you see one of Mindanao’s absolutely beautiful hidden treasures. And for us who just came from another hidden wonder, the Hinatuan Enchanted River, our eyes were still glazed over from one spectacular sight to another. (Photo left: rafting towards the lake by Rhonson Ng)
I took this image while Rhon (far right) was taking a shot of the falls in the rain
According to Ms. Lorelei, she will be organizing a Tinuy-an Love Cruise, a river cruise from poblacion Bislig to Borboanan Lake, and then a public vehicle ride to Tinuy-an Falls on Valentine’s Day for a picnic and some activities. The round trip fee will only cost P80 per head. This Valentine event is sponsored by the Tourism Related Industries Association of Bislig. For more information and reservations, contact Ms. Lorelei Lim, City Tourism Office, #09184538358. Special thanks to Surigao del Sur’s Provincial Administrator, Mr. Johnny Pimentel, and Ms. Lala Ambray, Provincial Tourism Officer and her staff in Tandag. (Photos by Rhonson Ng and Jojie Alcantara)
Me in FHM mode back in 2003, aargh!
My feature article in SunStar Davao, Feb.8, 2008
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(email writer at jojiealcantara@gmail.com or visit her website www.witerary.com)
very nice ate jojie :) 
