Bislig: Tinuy-an Falls

Tinuy an Falls (Fuji Xe1+ 12 mm)

This falls is probably the most photographed waterfalls in Mindanao. According to my credible source Wikipedia, Tinuy-an falls is the widest waterfalls in the Philippines. The popularity of this place started, I think, during the boom of the Friendster era.

In 2006, my friend's friend said we have to go to this waterfalls because its magnificent! Amazing! Breathtaking! "I saw a photo of it in a newspaper!" (Ouch I'm getting old). 

We went there even though we heard rumors about the area swarming with NPA (New People's Army) rebels. We also had no clue where it was other than it was in Bislig. Most of the people we asked in Bislig have no idea that a falls even exist near their place. Still, we forged on, we persevered (actually our driver did), and we held on to the belief that it's going to be worth it. 

Eventually, after enduring the rough roads and uncertainty, we managed to reach the right location. Or so we thought. It was a disappointment. At first, we saw a small falls and we thought- this was it? We eventually found the real waterfalls and it was what we expected. (Thank goodness).

Waterfalls hunting wasn't a thing back then. The idea of being tourists in our own country didn't become a way of life for most of us. PGMA (Pres. Arroyo) changed all that with her admin's promotion of taking long holidays during weekends, and most of all it happened because of Friendster. Once we uploaded our video to youtube and our photos to the site, it seemed like everyone wanted to go there too! Photos of this place turned up everywhere. (Nowadays every city is finding ways to promote tourism). If you go to Bislig now, you bet everyone knows where Tinuy-an is, unlike before.

That's why Tinuy-an Falls is close to my heart (even if it's very far from Butuan). It became a contrast to the before social media and after social media, to me.

This photo was taken recently, last August 2017 when my aunt and cousin came for a visit. I hoped you enjoyed your Tinuy-an Waterfalls trip Stephanie! Next time we'll go to Bega falls when you come visit again hehe!

How to go to Tinuy-an Falls: According to Google, takes about 3 h 21 min (156.9 km) via Bayugan - Canitlan - Tandag Rd. From the highway to Tinuy-an take about another couple of minutes. Don't  worry the road is a lot better than before. If you want, check out this blog for more specific info: Senyorlakwatsero.

Thank you to my unofficial proofreader/Editor/Idea Generator: Em. If there are remaining mistakes or typos, it's all her fault. :D