The Island Born of Fire (Camiguin)

An experienced worth sharin. Finally got time to put it into writings. Hope was succesfull doin it.

First Day, March 25, 2013 around 10:00 a.m. we arrived at Benini Port after two hours of Ocean Jet ride from CdO. It was a fine weather then. Calm sea and cotton candy skies in bluest. The place was stranged to me good thing locals are friendly and accommodating. A friendly driver approached offering an island tour. Since it was still early we hired the driver and enjoyed the countryside trip of the province for only 1500. The driver suggested we better enjoy the tour first then look for a place to stay. Before we started the adventure we fed first our stomach with sumptious eat all you can seafoods for only 150php from local restaurant which is located in the middle of the rice field and Mt. Hibok Hibok as the background. The place was cozy a good place to enjoy the panoramic view of the Province.

Time to start the adventure. Kuya Gerry drove us to Katibawasan Falls located five kilometers southeast of Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Timpoong in the island of Camiguin. It measures about 250 feet which cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Ice cold water provides an ideal summer splash to bathers and picnickers. The falls tumble down into a green pool, ideal for a refreshing swim. Giant ferns decorate the surrounding land, carpeting for space with huge trees and dropping vines. Rock picnic tables, seats and cookout facilities are available for use. Considered as one of the treasured gifts nature has bestowed Camiguin, the falls is maintained by the province and visitors are expected to pay 30php minimal entrance fee. (Source wikipinas). Outside locals are selling souvenirs where i bought my I love Camiguin shirt for only 150php.

After enjoying the breathtaking falls we headed to Ardent's hotspring, water is 40°C warm. It is heated by the volcanic activity of Mount Hibok-Hibok. There are several pools and a large recreation area. I didn't ever dare swimming. Place was enchanting it was enough to capture mystique moments. Stayed only for 30mins and continued our adventure.

 

Next stopped! The Old Church Ruins. Before i started exploring the place back of my mine saying, "Talaga lang ha, tourist spot to!?". Suddenly an 8 years old kid approached selling some local food and even offered to take me some pictures. The kid was jovial and tactful he instructed me where to posed. And captured wonderful piccas. The kid started talking about the history of the place. Old Church Ruins of Camiguin is one of the oldest and unique structures in the island. Old because it was built sometime in the 16th century. Unique because it is made from coral stones. It was later turned to ruins by the 1871 Vulcan eruption. While the kid is talking realized about what i said earlier, it's not about the view, but it's about the history of the place. It was a nice talked with Jerson but i need to waved goodbye to go to our next tour. Handed him 50php before leaving for taking those good piccas. And he even said "Balik balik Sir!" (Come back soon).

On our way to our next destination, Kuya Gerry stopped and instructed us to go down. Honestly was scared i was waiting for the words "Hold up to!" But i was wrong when he uttered to strike a pose. Started to look around, surprisingly the place was once again breathtaking. According to him that was the best spot to capture Mt. Hibok Hibok as background. I felt like was on the edge of the earth enjoyin the nature's gift. The ocean, trees and the mountain aaaaah sooo province!

After hugging with the fresh air at Mambajao Peak we then proceed to Sunken Cemetery where we also passed the Walkway. According to my history class The Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin Island marks the swept remains of the island’s rested locals. Driven underwater when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted in 1870’s, the large cross has served the town's people, as well as the tourists, a scenic spot to memorialize the departeds buried there. What amazed me locals were so accomadating, they even offered to take some pictures and directed me what to do to capture a good moment. One of the locals also offered me to try the buko juice, without hesitation i took it and that was just refreshing.

Before we end the day went to our last destination. The Soda Cold Spring situated in the town of Catarman which is 30 minutes away from Mambajao, the main town of Camiguin. It is named such because according to folks, it used to taste like soda. All you need to do is to add sweeteners such as caramel and sugar to taste like Coke. The locals visit and swim in the pool to refresh themselves and not to drink the soda .

The day was about to end, time for us to look for a place to stay. Kuya suggested a place. He drove us to Pabua's Cottages which is few minutes away from the White Sand bar which we scheduled to visit the next day. For only 800php you will enjoy the soo province way to unwind. The place was so homey and the owner was so accomodating. The son of the owner (if im not mistaken) arranged everything for our early visit to White Sand the next day. That was a long countryside tour and time to freshen up and take some rest for summer paradise. PS: strongly recommend the place if you're plannig for your Camiguin trip.

Early rise! Second day! Woke up 5:00 am to prepare. Might wondering why so early? Local suggested best time to go there is early in the morning like 6:00 - 9:00am where the sun perfectly shines, not scourging hot and the place is not crowded yet. Rented a boat for only 400php to crossed us to the White Sandbar which is 7 minutes away from Pabua's cottage. Spending the morning in a beautiful island surely is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Summer paradise. The White Island is a small solitary sand bar located off shore from Agoho, the northern side of Camiguin.This is best place to watch both the sunrise and sunset. The beach is a great place to take jump shots and take pictures of the rising or the setting sun because nothing is blocking its view.

Summer paradise. The White Island is a small solitary sand bar located off shore from Agoho, the northern side of Camiguin.This is best place to watch both the sunrise and sunset. The beach is a great place to take jump shots and take pictures of the rising or the setting sun because nothing is blocking its view.

The time spent in Camiguin was definitely worth it. The island offers you something different compared to the other islands as it offers you picture-perfect views of volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls and many more in just one island. But what makes Camiguin truly special are its people as they are genuinely friendly and free-spirited. We barely had enough of Camiguin when it was time to leave but the summer island paradise has become permanently etched in our memories. Its gentle waves seemed to beckon us to come back soon.