Overview

Tinuy-an Falls can be found in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Bislig City, known as the Booming City by the Bay.

The waterfall is just about 95 meters wide and 55 meters high, advertized as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines because the beauty of this waterfall is very similar to  the famous Niagara Falls.

Tinuy-An Falls is like a white water curtain that flows on different levels of the falls going to the stream. It’s very clear and clean. It is said to be the widest waterfalls in the country. Every morning, the vicinity is blessed because it makes a water spray or mist that forms a sprinkle of a rainbow. This is one wonderful phenomenon that happens in the area.

It is surrounded with lush green plants and trees. The famous flora that grow in the surrounding area of Tinuy-an Falls are dipterocarp trees, ferns, orchids, and vines.


Tinuy-an Falls has become popular not only to the local but also to the international tourists and its magnificent surroundings have been featured in many travel publications, including International Travel Magazine.

It is very amazing. You can’t even explain the majestic view of the falls. It is really one of the most unique natural formations and best waterfalls in the Philippines. The place is also a home of various species, making it a very ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seeker.


Activities

• Bird Watching
• Trekking
• Swimming
• Picnicking

The base of Tinuy-an Falls can be reached from three access points:

• Poblacion San Roque (about 36 km from the base)
• Poblacion San Isidro (about 18 km from the base)
• Poblacion Burboanan via Bislig River (requiring a boat ride)

Trivia

The name of Tinuy-an Falls is originally derived from a shortened form of tinuyoan. It is a Visayan root noun tuyo, which means "aim". It refers to an intentional act or performance to attain an objective or goal.


Legend of the Tinuy-an Falls 

Based on a folklore, there were mean and cruel tribes living in the mountains of Agusan that had imprisoned the settlers of Magdiwata Mountain. One day, the slaves were forced to do heavy works such as hunting, construction of small boats called baroto, and rowing the barotos for their masters.

On that day, while rowing the small boats with their cruel masters on board, the slaves revolted and intentionally rowed towards the boundary of the falls. The boat fell down the cliff of the falls and it resulted in the killing of their cruel masters. This is how the name of the falls created. The intended goal of the slaves to kill the masters.

Another story of the root name of Tinuy-an Falls said that its name came from the way it looks. This version maintains that the multi-tiered riverbed of the stones shows to be purposely created by an unseen hand.

Location

Tinuy-an Falls is situated in Borboanan, Bislig City. It’s just a one-hour ride from Mangagoy, center of trade and industry in the city.

How To Get There

From Manila, you can reach Bislig City by riding a plane going to Davao City, Butuan City, or Surigao City. From there, bus and public transport vehicles are available going to the Bislig City in Surigao del Sur. From Butuan City, the travel takes 3 to 4 hours. From Davao City, the travel takes 5 to 6 hours. Upon reaching Mangagoy, go to terminal and ride a jeep going to Barangay Borboanan, the location of Tinuy-an Falls. Motorcycles are also available, which can be paid 100-150 pesos per person.