If you are looking for a place to Visit, other than the crowded and over rated places like
Boracay, this will be the best place!
Camiguin Island is a pear-shaped volcanic island in Bohol sea. It is about 90 kilometers north or Cagayan de oro city. So to get there from Manila, You can take a plane going to Cagayan de Oro Airport via Cebu Pacific or Air Phlippines. There are cabs around the airport so you can ask them to take you to Agora bus station then take the bus going to Bilangoan. It will probably take about an hour going to the port of Mambajao.
From there you can take the ferry going to the island of Camiguin. There will be a lot of kids around the area when you throw a coin in the the water, they will dive to get it. It is somewhat fun watching them.
Option 2: You can take the supercat from the city or Cagayan de Oro(I just don't know where because we took the long route) which is faster.
Keep this map, so you have an idea which places to visit
during your stay in the wonderful Island of Camiguin.
Most of the goods in Camiguin are expensive, since they
are transported form the mainland. So make sure to be wise with your money. To travel around you can rent a Motorcycle, or a Personalized Tricycle(for big groups). A motorcycle rent for one day costs around 350-500 pesos.
LODGING:
We stayed in a hostel called ENIGMATA TREE HOUSE. The reason why we picked this place is because of its artistic and "nature feel." Not to mention the rent is really cheap.
They have rooms for couples and for groups. The rooms are on a big tree made of bamboo, painted glass bottles, tree branches etc.
The room we rented is like the suite of the place, it is very spacious, has a balcony, a hammock, own toilet where the walls have murals.
Everymorning they play this ethnic music to start your mood. The food is great (although somewhat expensive.) Other than that, I really enjoyed this place because I am an artist myself.
Check this video:
VISIT:
If you will check again the map i posted, you will find the spots you can visit in Camiguin Island.
But the Most famous ones are:
THE SUNKEN CEMETERY
Located in Bonbon, Catarman a huge cross marker has been installed by the Provincial government to mark the community cemetery that sunk during the 1871 volcanic holocaust. Years ago, gravestones were visible during low tide. Today, it is an interesting diving site.
MANTIGUE ISLAND
Three kilometers off the shore from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog is an island four hectares of evergreen forest fringed with sandy beach. The boat ride to Mantigue is quite exciting, as one has to contend with strong diverging currents due to the open sea. One side of the island is Ideal for swimming as it is shallow and has few corals. The opposite side is a deep drop off ideal for snorkeling and diving.ARDENT HOT SPRING
The local hot spa is a natural pool of about 40 degrees centigrade springing from depths of Mount Hibok-Hibok. The Municipality of Mambajao has provided cottages, restaurant and dormitory facilities that cater to local and foreign tourists. It has picnic huts, cookout facilities and restrooms for visitors.It is ideal for night swimming, a place to rejuvenate both mind and body.WHITE ISLAND
Two kilometers off the coast of Agoho, Mambajao is the Camiguin's popular sand bar. At times it is in the shape of the letter C, sometimes the letter I, depending on the ocean tide. It has the picturesque Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.credits to: http://www.camiguin.redbearnet.com/index.html
SPECIAL FEAST:
Lanzones Festival is an annual thanksgiving celebration for Camiguin's bountiful harvest. The town of mambajao holds the feast during the third week of October, in time for the season of the tropical fruit lanzones.
credits to:http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Lanzones_Festival
So if you are convinced enough to visit this amazing Island, better bring your camera!
Unfortunately for me, I didn't and my phone was messing up that time. My partner brought one but didn't have the battery with it! :(
But of course, I will remember clearly how wondeful the experience was. and next time i'm going to visit Camiguin, I will definitely take some pictures!
