Jump to: About Tinuy‑an Falls | How to Get There | What to Expect | Fees & Facilities | Sample Itinerary | Travel Tips | FAQs
About Tinuy‑an Falls
Tinuy‑an Falls is a majestic multi‑tiered cascade located in Barangay Burboanan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. Known as the “Little Niagara of the Philippines,” it spans 95 m wide and drops about 55 m across its four tiers.
How to Get There
- From Manila: Fly to Davao or Butuan → bus/van to Mangagoy (Bislig) → habal-habal or van to the waterfalls (~45 min).
- From Davao City: Night bus to Mangagoy (5–6 h) → habal-habal (₱250–₱300) to Burboanan.
- Road access: Rough but navigable; shared vans are also available from the Mangagoy terminal.
What to Expect
- ✔️ Wide curtain of water—95 m across, with natural pools perfect for swimming.
- 🚣 Bamboo raft ride (gakit) to the falls—great for a “water massage.”
- 🏞️ Rainbow spectacle between 9 AM–11 AM on sunny days.
- ⛰️ Access to upper tiers via metal steps (~200 stairs), with smaller cascades and viewpoints.
Fees & Facilities
- Entrance: ₱50 (children under 7 are free).
- Cottage: ₱200 (small) – ₱300 (large).
- Raft: ₱300 for up to 7 persons; life vest ₱30.
- Parking: ₱20–₱50 per vehicle; habal-habal ⟷ falls about ₱250–₱500 roundtrip.
- Camping: ₱100 (per tent) available for overnight stays.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
5:00 AM – Depart Mangagoy via habal-habal 6:00 AM – Arrive, settle, explore lower falls 7:00 AM – Ride bamboo raft & swim 8:00 AM – Climb steps to upper tiers (~200 steps) 9–11 AM – Look for rainbow, take photos 11:30 AM – Lunch at food stalls 12:30 PM – Return to Mangagoy. Don't forget to experience riding on a "skylab" - a motorcycle built with a carrier that can carry 10 people at once.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early (5–6 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy peace.
- Bring water shoes—rocks and pools can be slippery.
- Pack snacks and sunscreen—minimal stalls on site.
- Wear or rent a life vest for the raft ride and swimming.
- Best time to visit: November–January for fuller falls.
- 🏨 View Bislig Hotels via Agoda
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee? Yes, ₱50 per adult; kids under 7 are free.
Can we swim? Yes—wear a life vest for safety in the deepest pools.
Is a guide required? A guide isn’t mandatory, but helpful for upper tiers.
Can we stay overnight? Yes, overnight camping is allowed (₱100 per tent).
Final Thoughts
Tinuy‑an Falls is a must-visit natural wonder—majestic, immersive, and family-friendly. Whether you're drawn by its scale or serenity, it truly lives up to its “Little Niagara” nickname. Also read: Britania Group of Islands: Beach & Camping Guide
Sun-kissed mist: Tinuy‑an Falls experience
Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
