"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion." – Leigh Hunt
Welcome to my blog!
Whenever I look back on those special family vacations, I can't help but grin at the memories we made. Every journey was a fresh experience. Those trips drew us closer, whether it was discovering undiscovered treasures in a distant location or just spending time together in a familiar environment. A tale of joy, laughing, and discovery is conveyed by every picture and memento.
Mindanao, the southernmost island of the Philippines, is home to some of the nation's most beautiful natural beauties, such as rivers and breathtaking waterfalls. These water features make Mindanao a must-visit location because of their tranquil surroundings and natural beauty. They also produce fresh fruits such as durian, pomelo and rambutan. They are often called the "Food Basket of the Philippines" because of its significant agricultural production.
In this blog, I will be sharing my entire experience from 2017 when my family visited the one of wonders of Mindanao. I will take you on a throwback of this experience, so that when the time comes, you can add this destination to your bucket list.
Before anything else, just a quick overview. We visited these places because they are slightly nearer to us. Mindanao, specifically Agusan del Sur and Bislig City, is my father’s hometown, the place where he was born and raised. We would often visit his hometown whenever his sister from the USA arrived in the Philippines. 2017 was the last year I visited the place.
LET’S GO!
Tinuy-an Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall in the Philippines specifically in Mindanao. This one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines, which is located in the town of Bislig in the province of Surigao del Sur. Tinuy-an Falls is a natural wonder that is frequently referred to as the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines" due to its remarkable grandeur and beauty. A trip from Bislig town center takes roughly half an hour. From Cebu City you need to travel via a ferry going to Cagayan de Oro or Butuan City estimated time of travel around 14-16 hours depending on the speed. Then you need to ride a bus to arrive at a certain destination.
As the water pours down, Tinuy-an has three major levels that produce a broad, curtain-like effect. The most visited level is the lowest one, where a sizable swimming pool is created by the water. Tropical trees and plants are abundant in the thick greenery that surrounds Tinuy-an Falls, contributing to the tranquil ambiance. Because the falls are located in a valley, the area feels more isolated and serene. The falls are part of the Bislig River system, which adds to the overall natural beauty of the area.
The sound of the tumbling water is enhanced by a cool mist, and the falls are encircled by a lush, tropical jungle. A stunning rainbow that forms from the mist on sunny days adds to the enchanted ambiance. Tinuy-an Falls is best visited during the dry season (December to May) because during the rainy season, while the falls are most powerful, heavy rainfall might make access more challenging. When the water flow is constant and the weather is perfect for swimming and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which is ideal for nature treks and photography, bathe in the natural pools at the base of the falls, and take a bansa (bamboo boat) for a closer look.
This is me with my cousin. At that time, I wasn’t able to bathe in the falls because I was on my period. When I arrived, I was surprised by the loud sound of the water pouring down the falls. When I dipped my feet into the water, it was very cold and relaxing at the same time. I was the one who took their pictures since I am the one who is not wet. Every corner of the falls, we have a lot of pictures. It is very peaceful and quiet, you may hear the falls and the chirping of the birds. That vacation is literally a mesmerizing experience because this is my first time going to this place. My siblings that time didn’t join us since they have school and also my mother has a superstitious belief that if you are graduating you need to stay at home to avoid any accidents.
This is my father and my uncle, who both experienced the falls and had a lot of fun. I have a video of them climbing to the top of the falls and jumping in. They also rode a bamboo boat to get closer to the falls. They keep climbing to the top of the falls because the view from above is amazing. There is actually a long staircase beside the falls that provides access to the top.
And this is my father’s side of the family, my father’s sisters, his mother, and my cousin. They were with me throughout the entire trip. By this time, I was feeling a bit jealous because I couldn't swim or bathe in the falls. We stayed at Tinuy-an Falls for about 1 to 2 hours since we still had another destination to visit. The entrance fee at that time was only ₱20-25. It may have increased by now, but I'm not sure. Then, their tables and chairs are free to access before.
Aside from the falls and the breathtaking view when you enter the area, you'll also find a stunning vantage point above the falls. From there, you can admire the extravagant rock formations and the warm water in the river.
This is my aunt, my father’s sister. She lives in Las Vegas, USA. I often see her because she used to visit the Philippines every 3 to 5 years, since the airfare is pricey. I want to thank her for allowing me to experience this trip. I also want to thank her for everything she has done for me. We’ve always seen each other like sisters because we share the same facial features. In fact, among all of my titas, she’s the closest one to me. Thank you for letting me join this trip.
As we headed home, we were all tired and hungry. We had a lot of fun and we enjoyed our quick stay at the Tinuy-an Falls. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing chance to see Tinuy-an Falls. It was a very humble experience to behold the beauty of this location. I was reminded of how small and yet interconnected we are to the natural world by the sight of the tumbling water and the serene surroundings. It was an opportunity to stop, enjoy life's small pleasures, and consider how much more there is to see and do.
I hope to experience the tranquility and quiet of Tinuy-an Falls once again and to keep learning about the beauty of nature. I will keep this experience with me till then and allow it to motivate me to continue discovering, valuing, and developing. It’s a reminder of how important it is to take time to appreciate the world around us, and to be thankful for the opportunities that come our way.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and connect with my thoughts today. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you, and I hope you found something here that resonated or sparked an idea. This blog is a space for growth, inspiration, and conversation, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or experiences in the comments. Feel free to share if something stood out to you. Here’s to many more stories, lessons, and moments of connection ahead! See you in the next post!
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Indeed nature is amazing, it's natural view truly mesmerize my sight. Thank you for sharing your experience @elyssagween.♥️
Hoping that you will add this in your bucketlist🥰
wow, I like to visit this falls😍
Add this in your bucketlist, im sure you will love it🥰
Great spot to unwind!! Maypag ni absent nalang lagi ko atong tayma, kuyog tako😭
😂😂😂😂😂
Gosh, the beauty of that Falls is seriously, impressive. It's always exciting for me talaga to discover a lot of beautiful places in the Philippines through my co Filipino blogs. Even if I can't visit it for real, but knowing that such beauty exist is already big enough. This is a perfect spot for a family gatherings or a getaway place too. Nakakatuwang ang faming magandang spot satin.
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Tinuy-an Falls looks amazing, thanks for sharing your trip and the details, @elyssagween. It’s definitely on my bucket list now 😻😻
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
!BBH
i love the falls! so mesmerizing
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Mindanao is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered💓
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Ka niceeee dinha miss oyyyy🥹🥹
add nana sa imoha bucketlist miss jean🥰🥰
Hiya, @lizanomadsoul here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Travel Digest #2397.
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Thank you so much🥰
You are very welcome @elyssagween! it was well deserved. ☀️
Keep up the great work 💪
I wonder how deep those waters will be so you can swim at your leisure 🤔😉 Without a doubt, a spectacular place and a very special family experience 😎.
Exactly😉
Your blog beautifully captures the serenity and grandeur of Tinuy-an Falls while weaving in the warmth of family memories. It’s inspiring how nature and cherished bonds blend to create such unforgettable experiences. What a heartfelt journey indeed!
Thank you🥰
Hello. Beautiful place for enjoy in family or friends. Congrats.
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definitely a must visit place😍
😍😍😍😍😍
@elyssagween! @day1001 likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @day1001. (6/20)
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It is clear that Tinuy-an Falls is truly impressive and leaves an unforgettable impression. The water flowing from such heights and those tropical plants around create a special atmosphere. Your family photos also convey the warmth of this moment, and I imagine how nice it was to just be there, enjoying nature🌱🌿
😍😍😍😍😍