Definitely will come again to
Camiguin!
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| Onset of Camiguin |
HOW TO GO THERE
Most jump-off point of many Northern
Mindanao destinations is in Cagayan de Oro. From Cagayan de Oro, there are many
buses and vans in Agora and Bulua Terminal plying to different tourist
destinations in Mindanao.
To reach Camiguin, ride a bus at
Agora Terminal to Balingoan Port. You can also ride a van, but bus is
recommended because it has more definite time of departure unlike vans where
they want all seats to be occupied first before leaving. It will take you at
most 2 hours to reach Balingoan Port.
Purchase tickets for the ferry in
ticket booths located outside of the waiting area in Balingoan Port. The
ferries usually leave in an hour interval. Be sure to take a seat on the left
side of the ferry to have a better capture of the whole island. Travel from
Balingoan Port to Benoni Port in Camiguin will take 1 to 1.5 hours.
My guide was already waiting outside
the port when I stepped on Camiguin. We immediately rode a motorcycle going to
Mambajao, the province’s capital and where I booked my accommodation for a
night. It took us around 25 minutes to reach my hotel. During the ride, Kuya
will already give you useful tips and trivia about touring Camiguin.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are many hotels/ homestays in
Camiguin but it is better to book at hotels near the White Island so that going
to the most popular tourist destination in Camiguin will be just ten minutes
away.
I booked a reservation at Pabua’s
Cottages for P700.00 per night. The rate is standard for most of the cottages
in the area. The room is inclusive of free wifi connection, own shower, and is
good for two persons. Other cottages nearby are Pabualan’s, Paguia, and Paras
Beach Resort.
ACTIVITIES
Since I arrived at Pabua’s cottages
around 4:30 pm, I hastily rented a motorboat to White Island to be able to
catch the sunset.
There are many boats waiting for
passengers beside Paras Beach Resort for P420.00. This rate is shareable for
six persons. There are also many vendors offering rentals of life vests,
snorkels, and fins. And the area also has stores selling souvenirs and Tshirts.
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| View of Mt. Hibok-hibok from the White Island |
White
island
White Island is one of the most
beautiful island and sandbar I’ve seen. It is a very long stretch of white,
fine, and clean sand surrounded by very clear and pristine sea water. I wasn’t
able to swim farther but they say that the views underwater farther away from
the island are spectacular and awesome.
The island also offers a picturesque view of Mt. Hibok-hibok and other
volcanoes making up Camiguin. Lying on the sand and wait for the sun to set is
the best way to end your day. Truly, it is White Island, Camiguin that will
make up to the very long and tiresome travel from Manila to the island.
Pools
and water parks
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| Ardent hot Spring |
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Soda Swimming Pool
|
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| Sto. Nino Cold Spring |
Because of the serious efforts of
the local government to promote the tourism in Camiguin, roads have already
been built leading to the different tourist spots in the island. One of the
many water parks in Camiguin is the Ardent Hot Spring. Ardent is a well
developed hot spring and worthy to be included in your Camiguin Island Day
Tour. Other swimming pools include Sto. Nino cold spring and the unique Soda
Water Park where the water tastes like carbonated water.
Falls
Hopping
There are two famous waterfalls in
Camiguin. These are Katibawasan and Tuasan Falls. Because of the unfavourable weather,
I was only able to visit the Katibawasan Falls. The road to Tuasan Falls is
still being built. My guide advised me that it will still be an hour trekking
to Tuasan Falls. Given the weather, I decided to forego visiting the Tuasan
Falls.
Katibawasan falls is a single
flowing 90ft waterfall. The walls are solid rocks and are beautifully
ornamented by vines and sturdy trees. If fortunate, you will be able to see a group
of monkeys playing with these vines and hanging trees.
Historical
Sites
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| The Sunken Cemetery |
Aside from its innate natural beauty,
Camiguin will also take you to a trip to the past with the Church ruins and the
Sunken Cemetery. Based on my guide’s story, the ruins are remains of big church
which was buried during the eruption of Mt. Hibok-hibok. The walls of the
church are still standing but the ground or floor was obviously elevated. The
height of the bell tower adjacent to the church was also significantly reduced.
Similar reason has been attributed
to formation of the Sunken Cemetery. The cemetery has already been featured in
many TV programs and movies. A fee is required to be able to swim and snorkel
around the cemetery. You can also rent a
boat to transport you to the famous cross in the sea.
GASTRONOMIZING
While in Camiguin, it is mandatory
to try the hot, freshly baked original pastel in the Vann Depp bakery. Also
their sweet and local variety of mangoes and lanzones are available along major
streets. Their version of Budbod or suman is also exceptional. Buy and try this
budbod from one of the old lady vendors strolling round Mambajao or going
around the different tourist spots in Camiguin.
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| Bidding goodbye to Camiguin: View from Balingoan Port |
