Location: Camiguin Island, Region X, Philippines
Updated as of April 23, 2020 to include the destinations I have not visited in Camiguin but must-go places
This trip is dated February 11 – 12, 2011 which is my second time to visit Camiguin de Mindanao of wherein my first time was wayback April 13 – 15, 1997. We were based in Cagayan de Oro City. Our group consisted of Alan Valenzuela (our trip sponsor), Rome Frias (CDO Host), Dr. Cesar Garcia and Benedick Manalang.
We arrived in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City at 7:35 A.M. Our CDO Host, Spouses Dodong and Gina Frias (brother and sister-in-law, respectively, of Rome Frias) picked us up at the airport and drove us straight to the CDO Seaport just timely to catch the 8:30 A.M. Paras Sea Cat trip and arrived in Benoni Port of Camiguin Island de Mindanao at 10:48 A.M. We checked-in at Agohay Villa Forte Beach Resort in Mambajao town, an hour drive from Benoni. We rested then at the resort and had our lunch.
As a background, there are two Camiguin islands in the Philippines. The first one is the pear-shaped volcanic island of Camiguin de Mindanao which is featured in this blog as it is a part of Mindanao under Region X. It is an island province. In fact, it is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Its capital is Mambajao and is formerly a part of Misamis Oriental province. The other one is Camiguin Island with Camiguin de Babuyanes volcano (an active stratovolcano) as part of the Babuyan Islands group that is located in Luzon Strait, north of the island of Luzon of the Philippines. The island is within the jurisdiction of the municipality of Calayan in the province of Cagayan Valley.
There are a lot of things you can do while enjoying a relaxing pace in the island far from the hustle and bustle life in the city. I just selected 25 which can be enjoyed by a tourist visiting Camiguin Island.
1. Enjoy fresh seafood meals and delectable local cuisine served in the comfort of your resort
You can have an option to order the food of the resort or buy fresh catch of fish from the fisher folks or the enterprising mobile fish vendors.
2. Pray while you trek along the scenic Stations of the Cross at Via Crucis
This Via Crucis is a Walkway to the Old Volcano which is 30-minute uphill trek in Bonbon towards a viewpoint overlooking the western side of Camiguin and the Sunken cemetery. Along the trail are the statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross stretched in an 8-kilometer good trail constantly uphill, but not too steep or tough.
There are also souvenir shops along the trail where tourists can buy not only souvenir items but snacks and refreshments as well. This site is good to visit during the Lenten season since it is where Panaad festival is held every holy week.
3. Visit the Sunken Cemetery where tombs can be seen underwater
After descending from the Via Crucis, we had a short drive to the Cross Marker of the Sunken Cemetery. This is in Barangay Bonbon in the town of Catarman which submerged and sinked when Mount Vulcan then had erupted in 1871.
The huge cross marker which is located approximately 50 meters offshore can be reached through a boat. There is a rope from the jump-off point to the marker where guests can hold while on board the boat. Around the marker is a concrete square where visitors can stay. The best place to stay there is during sunset. There is an entrance fee of P50.
4. Dive and snorkel to get closer with the sunken graves inhabited with colorful corals
The sunken cemetery is 20 feet underwater for around 140 years already. Thus, the graves had been inhabited already with corals and other marine life. By diving and snorkeling around the area, you will see how the school of fish and other marine creatures made the graves a part of their habitat. The shore area is lined up with stationed boats which will take you to the specific diving site. Courteous locals and even kids would offer their services to accompany you to the diving site. For the brave souls who would do this, they would get best results for their underwater shots close to the graves with corals.
5. Learn the history of the ruins of Catarman old church ruins
Not far from the Sunken cemetery jump-off point is the old church ruins, still a part of Bonbon in the town of Catarman. According to the locals, the church is made of coral stones and it was downed to be ruins after Mount Vulcan eruption in 1871.
According to our local guide, the place where the old church ruins of Gui-ob which was located in the vibrant town of Cotta Bato during the Spanish era. It was constructed in the 16th century but was devastated by the volcanic eruption after a century.
6. Relish the authentic delicious syrup "latik" coating of Kiping
Along our way to our destination was the store of Kiping. I have been eating this same kind of food when I was still a kid in our place in Baragay Malajog, Calbayog City, Samar and sometimes my mother would cooked this for us as our snacks. It is actually a thin round sheets of dried cassava from raw cassava where it is being grated forming cassava flakes.
This was the same grater where we were using when I was still a kid. And through this we can make Kiping. It is called "Piking" or "Salbaro de Cebu" in our place in Calbayog City.
7. Find pleasure in the natural cold spring of Sto. Nino
Our next destination was the Sto. Nino Cold Spring. It is located in Sagay town which is approximately 2.4 kilometers from the national highway from Catarman town. It has naturally cold water that flows down from Mount Mambajao which is being filtered by layers of minerals from the mountain.
There are two natural pools in the resort. The first pool is for adults that covers a big area with a depth ranging from 3 to 7 feet. The other one is smaller and shallow intended for kids and comparably colder with that of the pool for adults.
There are enterprising vendors for food, snacks, souvenirs near the entrance, but there are also shops which sell the same items in the resort. In fact, there is a restaurant in the area which accepts food orders and delivers into your rented cottage. Cottages varies from those being used for overnight accommodation or those open cottages around the pool area.
8. Enjoy a relaxing fish spa massage at Sto. Nino Cold Spring
With only P10, visitors can enjoy a fish spa massage in the enclosure of Sto. Nino Cold Spring. This aside from enjoying the natural cold spring of the resort.
9. Have another cool plunge into the pool base of Katibawasan Falls
Driving back to Mambajao, we suggested to our chartered vehicle driver that we go first to Katibawasan Falls. Trekking to this destination was not difficult since we have been trailing a concrete path. As I can see, the area is indeed well-maintained despite the influx of tourists visiting it. With the aid of the local government maintaining the place, the whole area of lush forest has been converted already to Katibawasan Natural Park. Near the entrance, I have seen again locals selling the delicious kiping.
It was already late in the afternoon when we arrived but there were still a few visitors taking their bath on its nearby river and the base pool area. The area is indeed a vibrant forest of rich flora and fauna with age-old huge trees and wild orchids and ferns. The water falls even look mightier standing to a height of 70 meters. According to our guide, the water falls nestles at the foot of Mount Timpoong. Tracing, where the water flows down, you will see big boulders of rocks where a few visitors irresistibly had their pictorials. The entrance fee of P15 is worth it.
10. Capture the best of golden sunset ever in your whole life
From Katibawasan Falls, we drove fast just to be timely for the sunset fronting our resort at Agohay Villa Forte. I made it and it was a success! I took another shot without me in the photo but it turned out that the golden hue was not that sharp.
11. Rejuvenate oneself in the hot pools of Ardent Hot Spring
Just taking light snacks, we left again from our resort to Ardent Hot Spring Resort which is just around 10 minutes drive. Located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok, the resort get its source of hot and crystal clear water from this active volcano. Paying a P20 entrance is not bad for an hour or two stay.
The resort has four separate pools of four elevations wherein the topmost pool has the hottest temperature at 40 degrees centigrade. This flows down to the next pool with the biggest area at 35 degrees centigrade and this level is ideal for swimming. The two lower level pools are comparably colder.
It was such a tiring day and we had a soundly sleep in our Agohoy Villa Forte Beach Resort after taking our festive-like dinner.
12. Catch sunrise in all its splendor
The sun in Camiguin rises with all its magnificence very early in the morning. I can still hear the cockling sound of the roosters. I rose from my bed and went out from the resort with so much excitement.
When I went back to the resort, a glassful of fresh milk with rice cake (bibingka) were on the table. I saw our boatman ready for our white island adventure.
13. Explore the naked White Island
Famous for its name as the sandbar only is actually called by locals as Medan Islet. It is barely 10 minutes from our resort by a boat ride. An hour or two early in the morning is more than enough. It will be too hot to stay here if the sun rises. There is no shade structure where visitors can take refuge.
This 1.4 kilometers horseshoe shaped sandbar is actually uninhabited since it is usually submerged during high tide. Being constantly submerged with water and waves it tends to continuously resize and reshape from its exact form.
14. Dare to eat meat of live sea urchins
While at awe of the beauty of the sandbar, some vendors who are fisher folks would offer to sell live sea urchins. I haven't tried eating it but I have seen a couple of tourists, one is a Filipino and a German, who liked the taste of its meat after eating it. I have seen how the vendor crack its shell at the middle and remove some non-edible parts before pouring vinegar and handed it to these two men.
15. Buy some native accessories from marine extracts
Still from the sand bar, there are some vendors who would sell accessories from ornamental shells, stones from underneath the sea where they call it lucky charm or to cast out bad spirits. Some black and white pearls were also sold per item or per set. I bought necklace with a white luminous stone pendant. The vendor told me that such stone was harvested underneath the sea by a diver. He said further that aside from being my lucky charm, it would also cast out bad spirits when I wear it. I bought it for P150.
From another vendor, I bought a black pearl necklace beads. It costs P1,800. It did not take long to keep this necklace because I lost it when I was going to board for a flight back to Manila at Cagayan De Oro Domestic Airport. While we were at the departure area, I removed it and placed it in my hand carry bag. When I checked it out while I was already on board the plane, it was no longer there.
16. Scale Mount Hibok-Hibok in a day climb
Mount Hibok-Hibok can almost be classified as a major climb since for a mountain to be classified into this category, it must be 5,000 feet and above. With the elevation of the mountain to 1,332 meters above sea level (MASL), when converted to feet, it is already 4,370. feet. In fact, it has a climbing difficulty of 4/9 with trail class at 3. A separate blog post can be read about this Mount Hibok-Hibok Climb
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Mount Hibok-Hibok as a stratovolcano, is just one of the 7 volcanoes in Camiguin island with 6 others, namely: Mount Mambajao, Mount Guinsiliban, Mount Timpoong, Mount Vulcan, Mount Uhay and Mount Tres Marias.
Climbing this mountain is really challenging as it took us four hours to reach its peak. Unfortunately, the skies did not open when we were at the summit. It was windy there and we tried to wait for the skies to clear but to no avail. We were amazed to see wild berries at the peak and had eaten them all. The mountain has actually a volcanic crater and with densely tropical forest trail. We needed to leap from big boulders of rock and roots as we trek on its unfriendly trails. My two companions who did not have work out climb were injured. Thus, it was already 7 P.M. when we reached the jump-off point because they can barely walk due to severe joint and muscle pains.
17. Eat this yummy pastel and buy it for pasalubong climb
I usually buy this Vjandep Pastel in Cagayan de Oro City whenever I am there. I never thought that this one has originally been a delicacy of Camiguin. The first time I had tasted it wayback in 1997, I had bought two bags (half dozen packs) of it and had eaten it with reckless abandon. Since then, I make it a point that whenever I am in CDO, I usually buy it as pasalubong. Its after taste is something that you will ask yourself if there is more to eat of it. If you look at it, it just looks an ordinary bun, but after you have eaten one, you'll definitely crave for more. It is good to eat this with hot chocolate. Why not try it for yourself.
The following are the things I wanted to do in Camiguin, but unfortunately the time I was there did not permit me to do so. These things might be of help when you want to maximize your time in this beautiful island. For you to do this, you can have a minimum of four days and three nights (4D3N). Except of course for those mountaineers who wanted to scale all the 7 volcanoes of the island.
18. Feast for the most delicious lanzones fruits but at a cheaper price
Camiguin's lanzones is hailed to be the sweetest of its kind in the Philippines. Even in Manila, if you hear that such Lanzones is from Camiguin, you will surely buy it no matter how much it is. So, you see! If you want to a huge pile of lanzones on its cheapest kilo of P20, be in Camiguin when it is in season and that is during the month of October.
As a background, Lanzones has a scientific name of Lansium parasiticum. It has a round shape slightly bigger than a grape, has a pale brown skin which is sometimes mistaken to be pallid yellow. When you open it, it appears to have a transparent and succulent flesh. It has a unique taste of its own. Its luscious taste will make you ask for more. A kilo of it is not even enough for me to devour it.
19. Witness the grandiose and colorful annual Lanzones Festival
The locals recognize lanzones as a gift of good harvest. They even call it as the food of the gods. With this, they hold an annual celebration of Lanzones Festival every third week of October. The highlight of this festival is a grand parade of street dancers wearing lanzones inspired costume. I have not witnessed yet a festival like this but we can usually see it in national TV network or newspaper and even blogs. For sure, by this time, there will be a lot also of vendors selling lanzones on a cheaper price.
20. Immerse yourself in the cool waters of Tuasan Water Falls
Tuasan Falls is a 20-meter high cascading falls located in Barangay Mainit of the municipality of Catarman. It is 2 kilometers from the main Camiguin highway. It is now accessible because there is already a new road that cuts the drive between Catarman and Mambajao. The trail going to the falls is a concrete pathway. It is hidden in high cliffs grown with a variety of towering trees and species of ornamental plants that somewhat adorn it like a paradise. An entrance fee of P50 is not bad at all enjoying to the fullest this hidden gem now being revealed for tourists pleasure.
On the other hand, there are two pools in this area, the first pool is filled by the strong flow of cascading water from the falls which then flows down into the second pool. The rock pools seem to have been excavated along the edges making them wider to accommodate visitors.
21. Complete your beach experience in the remote Mantigue Island Park
Mantigue tourist spot is 6-hectare island which is a part of the municipality of Mahinog, one of the five municipalities that compose the province of Camiguin Island. The other four municipalities are: Mambajao, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman.
It is 3.5 kilometers off the coast of the main island, that is why you need to board another boat in going there for 30-minutes travel. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty, the government declared it as a marine protected area. Hence, it earned the name of Mantigue Island Nature Park. Though it has lush vegetation, its beach coast is really hot during the day. But mind you, this place is good for snorkel as compared to the mainland's beaches with coral gardens. LGU which maintains the island charges P30 environmental fee.
22. Immerse yourself in a peaceful and less crowded beach experience
Kabila White Beach in Barangay Cantaan of Guinsiliban municipality is a hidden gem among the league of its white beaches in Camiguin Island. You can feel tranquility because it is not crowded. With an entrance fee of P25, you can enjoy a leisurely swim and simply idle as a form of delightful relaxation. At the same time, you can enjoy photography without so much photo bombers. The Local NGO operator here chargers a rental of P50 for snorkel set and floaters are charged at P20. Group of visitors can enjoy, too, picnic under the shady trees. The giant clams conservation and ocean nursery is also found in this area.
23. Swim over giant clams on its conservation and ocean nursery in Kabila Beach
This is owned and operated by a local NGO in an effort to conserve the 2,600 clams that thrive on the area. As per record, there are 9 different species of clams that thrive in our planet and 7 of which are found here. It is located in Barangay Cantaan in Guinsiliban. The entrance fee of P25 you paid for the beach allows you to have an educational tour of the clam sanctuary. This specific tour is just around a man-made pool where some clams are cultured. Guests have the option to view the clams in their natural habitat with an additional fee of P150. There is a guide who will assist where you will be allowed to pick up this giant clam for a closer look. However, your guide will remind you to be careful in handling the clams, so that they will not be damaged or severely disturb in their habitat. After all, these giant clams are endangered species.
24. Visit and support a livelihood project of sea glass jewelry of Treasures Camiguin
This showroom has sea glass jewelry products as a livelihood project in Camiguin. In 2017 KsB in partnership with CBE (Coalition for Better Education) and the German Embassy of the Philippines conducted a livelihood and environmental awareness project based on sea glass jewelry. From this small beginning the project has grown into one of the premier products of the island and its new showcase showroom and training center - “Treasures Camiguin”. This showroom features handmade and bespoke silver and sea glass jewelry and a range of other sea glass inspired products. It has available stocks of hand embroidered linens; hand made bags from recycled materials; and Nito woven baskets and mats made by the artisans of Mainit. It is also the exclusive retailer of “Onda” beach and resort wear and Camiguin made handicrafts and food products. It designs and develops new products so there is always something new to discover. You can contact them through their Facebook page at Treasures Camiguin
25. Make a difference by having a tattoo services at Camiguin Isla Tattoo
Camiguin Isla Tattoo is owned and operated by Mr. Lance Abendano and his shop is located along Jacot Street, Poblacion, Catarman. He can be contacted at +639958826701 and you can a drop a message to him on his Facebook Page at Camiguin Isla Tattoo. It is a permanent tattoo and the rate will depend on the desired design of the client.
HOW TO GO THERE
Take any daily flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City. There are also flights coming from Cebu City to Cagayan de Oro City as an alternative route.
From Cagayan de Oro, there are two options. First, take from CDO Seaport the Paras Sea Cat trip for 2 hours to Benoni Port of Camiguin. Take another vehicle from Benoni to Mambajao (if your accommodation is booked here) for 1 hour drive. Secondly, take a bus from CDO to Balingoan for an hour road travel of 74 kilometers. From Balingoan, take a ferry to Benoni Port. Then from Benoni to Mambajao, board a vehicle, same with option 1.
In touring around the island, it is wise to charter a scooter or habal-habal to save time. It will take time for a scooter or habal-habal to be filled up by the maximum capacity of passengers so easily. Use your haggling skills to get a good rate.
