Wonders of Camiguin - The Island Born of Fire

   

Camiguin Island - one of the beautiful places I have been. The island is not only famous of the sweetest lanzones but this island has been blessed with natural beauty. Indeed, a place of wonder. Though it is one of the smallest island in the Philippines but undoubtedly Camiguin island will stand out among the rest. Where can you find an island that has 7 volcanoes? I cannot imagine what will I do if all of the volcanoes erupts at the same time. Just because of these volcanoes there were a number of hot springs well. When I was there I experienced "spring-hopping". I visited 3 springs and there are still more left I haven't visited.

We went to Camiguin 3rd week of October 2011 together with 3 of my co-workers. During this week the yearly Lanzones Festival is held. By then there was no direct flight going to Camiguin. The nearest airport/seaport is Cagayan de Oro. We chose to ride a boat (Trans-Asia) because we want to experience how is it to travel by boat, to stay in a cosy cabin and to have feeling that we are riding in a cruise ship. It was almost an 8-hr trip from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro. Then from Cagayan de Oro we rode a van going to Balingoan Port. It took us an hour and 30 mins. The ride costs 130Php. From Balingoan Port we rode a Ro-Ro ferry boat to cross going to Camiguin Island. Ferry fare per person ranges from 100 to 135.

We made an early reservation because we knew that it was a peak season. We were expecting that there will be a lot of tourists who will be there to celebrate the Lanzones festival. We stayed in Paras Beach Resort in Mambajao town (Mobile: +63 9177152285). The famous White Sandbar is just a kilometer off the shore and just in front of the resort. We were fortunate that there was just 1 room left. We were welcomed by friendly staff. They gave us a necklace as a souvenir and quenched our thirst with a glass of lemonade. We stayed in an Economy room. (2,250.00/Night). The resort is one of the best in the island. The room was clean. The beds are very comfortable. While in the resort you can swim in the pool or lay your back in a pool bed while watching the waves and from a far you can see the White Island.

If you plan to roam the whole island you can rent a motorbike for 500/day.

White Island (Mt. Hibok hibok in the backdrop)

From the resort going to the White Island we rented a motorboat for 500 pesos. It was only a 10-minute ride. The place is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The water is crystal clear. Wear sunblock because there is no shade in the area though the resort provided us with a huge umbrella. You can see the view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. You should not miss the view of the sunrise and sunset

Sunset in Camiguin

Ardent Hot Spring

Sto. Niño Cold Spring

Katibawasan Falls

If you want a memorable and relaxing trip, you should consider Camiguin. It's not like a very populated Boracay. In Camiguin the atmosphere is laid-back and your closer to nature. What I miss most was the sweetness of Lanzones. I can't bring it in Cebu because as what poeple believe that if you bring with you the Lanzones when you travel it will just rot. It's like the island won't allow the unique sweetness of Lanzones brought elsewhere. More than the beautiful spots abound the area are its people. As soon as you step your foot on the island you will meet people welcoming you with their brightest smiles.