Camiguin: Come Again!

Camiguin–formerly a part of Misamis Oriental–is the second-smallest island province in the Philippines, and located off the coast of Northern Mindanao. Comprised of five municipalities: Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsilaban, Sagay, and Catarman, the island of Camiguin is a treasure trove of fun, daring and chill-out adventures and activities.

Bura Soda Water Pool’s main attraction is its pools filled with natural mountain spring water that tastes like, well, soda water.

Camiguin’s gateway, Port Benoni, can be easily reached from various seaports: Jagna in Bohol, Cebu City, and–our point of entry–Port Balingoan, which is about two hours away from Cagayan de Oro City.  Traveling with the AdvenTuristas,  a group of like-minded individuals, my first visit to Camiguin was highlighted by sampling some of the island’s famed attractions: Sto.Niño Cold Spring Resort, Bura Soda Water Swimming Pools, Esperanza Ardent Hot Spring Resort; Katibawasan Falls; White Island; and the Sunken Cemetery.

White Island

Literally a stone’s throw away from Brgy. Agoho and Yumbing in Mambajao, this uninhabited piece of real estate is more sandbar  than an island. White Island–some of the ladies in my group refer to it as “Naked Island” for some reasons unknown to me; an inside joke, maybe–is a haven for beach bumming and just doing nothing… well, that is, after you get tired of swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, photographing the picturesque Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcano, and more swimming.

Double parking. More fun in White Island, Camiguin.

Where’s the bonfire?

Sand as far as the eyes can see…

At twenty pesos apiece, this sea urchin is a must-try! Tastes like balot.

The powdery white sand of the island is soothing to one’s tired feet.

This beach parasol is your only protection from the sweltering heat of the sun! Going rate: PhP150.

Katibawasan Falls

Dropping 70 meters into a rock-lined pool surrounded by lush vegetation, Katibawasan Falls is a sight to behold. Its cold water–and the refreshing mist produced by its cascades–is so inviting! The adventurer in me started to visualize myself rappelling down its majestic pillar of rushing water… next time.

Sunken Cemetery

The mere mention of Camiguin evokes drama and images of peace and quiet; AND the Sunken Cemetery–a quiet reminder that the island is as deadly as it is serene. The sunken cemetery is marked by a huge cross that serves as a monument to the swept remains of Camiguin’s dearly departed, driven underwater when Mt. Vulcan Daan (Old Volcano) erupted in the 1870s.

We found it fitting to end our island sojourn in this scenic spot to view the setting sun… and say a requiem to the locals buried underneath.

For more information about Camiguin, visit www.camiguin.gov.ph

I will surely come back to try the island’s famed dive sites. Camiguin, I’ll be coming again!