Some of the most amazing wonders of nature are those that cannot be explained. For example, the Enchanted River in the Philippines is one such mysterious creation of mother nature. A small, only 648 meters long, transparent blue river seems to come out of nowhere.
Origin of the river
The most likely theory is that the Enchanted River in the Philippines is an underwater cave system responsible for filtering water that only a small part of it comes to the surface. It is unusually clear, and its bottom is located in a dark blue abyss at a depth of 24 m, which can confirm the theory.
Cave System Research
In the depths of one of the river lagoons, you can see passages and abysses that break into the abyss. These underwater tunnels lead down to an underground cave system that was first explored in 1999 by diver Alex Santos. In 2010, the caves were further explored by Dr. Alfonso Amores and colleagues who found numerous underwater chambers, crevasses, and tunnels.
The exploration of the caves continues at the present time, covering about 60 m in depth. It is believed that they can extend for many kilometers and be the habitat of unknown species or entire ecosystems, however, due to dangerous conditions, research has been slow to progress.
Legends of the Enchanted River
It is not surprising that the almost mystical qualities of this place have long given rise to many legends and tales among the locals. It is said that the water of the Enchanted River is cleansed by various spirits and other fabulous creatures who are the guardians of the river. Old legendaries say that the trees surrounding the river are home to gods, and nature spirits like dryads or elves who live in large trees.
Natural Mysteries of the Enchanted River in the Philippines
While tales of mermaids, fairy fairies, and spirits may be pure folklore and superstition, the Enchanted River still has quite a few real, documented natural mysteries that are still unanswered:
- Saltwater. It is believed that the source of the appearance of salt water may be ocean currents, making their way here through the underground system. The second version says that during the high tide, the waters of the Pacific Ocean, into which the Enchanted River flows, somehow make their way upstream.
- Impeccable cleanliness. One suggestion is that the water passing through the limestone bottom and underground cave network is filtered through the rock, which removes impurities and forms crystal water
Underwater Inhabitants of the Enchanted River
The fish living in the river is also a popular attraction here, especially during the daily feeding time. Every day at noon, a bell rings, which is the signal for all bathers to get out of the water. A melody called “Hymn of the Ginatuans” is then played through a loudspeaker.
She is a signal for a huge number of fish that seem to materialize out of nowhere, and rush through the azure water in search of food. This lasts about an hour. When feeding time is over, the fish simply disappears as if they were never there.
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