Saturday, May 20, 2017

Tinuy-An Falls of Bislig


Ever wondered what Niagara Falls actually looks like? Well you don’t need to travel to Canada or to the US to see it, as here in the Philippines, we also have our own version of that falls.  Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, is a multi-tiered natural waterfall popularly known as the “Little Niagara Falls” of the Philippines.  This majestic falls is the most popular attraction in Bislig City. It is located in Brgy. Burboanan, which is about a one-hour travel from Brgy. Mangagoy.  

The name Tinuy-an came from the word Tuyo, a Visayan native word meaning "aim" or Tinuyo-an, which means "an intentional act or performance to attain an objective or goal".  Somehow, there is a legend on how it got its name.  According to it, there was a time when cruel tribesmen from Agusan enslaved the Magdiwata Mountain settlers, forcing them to do heavy labor, which included building and manning small boats called “barotos” for their masters.  One day, while rowing their masters on “barotos”, the slaves decided to put an end to their oppression by deliberately steering the “barotos” towards the end of the thundering falls.  This intentional act became the basis of the name Tinuy-an.  Another version says that the name came from the belief that a powerful being intentionally crafted the placement of the riverbed stones. 

Whatever might be the true origin of its name; one thing is for sure this magnificent waterfall really attracts many tourists from visiting.  Everyday this place is packed with tourists, as this became one of the favorite local attraction in the city.  It is considered to be the widest waterfall in the country and every morning a rainbow appears between 9 AM to 11 AM.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Tinuy-An Welcome Arc under construction
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Tinuy-An Site development plan.  The local government is doing its best 
in improving the place to attract more tourists from visiting.  Currently, 
a Php 50.00 (approx. USD 1.00) is being collected as entrance fee.  
Children below 7 yrs old is free.  Parking Fee: Php 20.00 (USD 0.40) for 
4-wheeled vehicle, Php 10.00 (USD 0.20) for 2-wheeled vehicle.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
"Madayaw na Pagkani sa Tinuy-An Falls" translated in English as
"Welcome to Tinuy-An Falls".  A roundtrip habal-habal ride to this place
will cost around Php 500.00 (USD 10.04) which could accommodate 3 pax.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Lower level of the falls, near the entrance 
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
The place is ideal for swimming, family gathering and group outing.
You can rent a life jacket for Php 30.00 (approx. USD 0.74) per hour.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
This is the second level of the falls, which is the largest area and is
ideal for swimming, rafting and boating.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
The falls measures 95 meters wide and 55 meters high and being alternately
manned and maintained by two tribes, namely the Manobo and Mamanwa tribes
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Close-up raging fresh water of the falls
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
If you opt to go near the falls, you need to rent a raft for Php 150.00 (approx. USD
3.01) and pay the guide who will man the raft for Php 50.00 (approx. USD 1.00)
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Enjoying the cool and fresh water of the falls, and it's definitely a one time
experience you need to try.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
If you want to go up to the third level of the falls, you need to climb the
stairs made of steel
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
The tribe that currently man the place will require you to hire a guide when going
to the third level.  The guide fee will depend on the tip that you will give.  In my
case, I gave Php 50.00 (approx. USD 1.00) as a tip to my guide.  The tip will not
go directly to the guide but will be added to their total income which will then be
divided equally amongst them at the end of the day.
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
This is the third and fourth level of the falls.  Visitors are allowed only up to
this area. 
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
The raging cool water of the falls will really calm your mind and body
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Indeed it is very relaxing to bathe in this falls
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
View from the fourth level of the falls
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
The pressure of the water from the falls provides a very relaxing massage
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
One perk of doing solo travel is you get to meet new people like these
group of friends from Davao City 
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Wooden bridge to cross the other side of the falls 
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Nice area to relax and pose for a picture :)
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
There are cottages and tables that can be rented within the area
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
 View of the falls from the distance
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Tinuy-An Falls, Bislig City, 2017 May
Photo-ops with Kuya Richard, a manobo driver.  It is said that the Manobo's
have this tradition of escorting their guest on their way home.


No comments:

Post a Comment