Camiguin
-October, 2010-
We left Willshire Inn early even before having breakfast. We went to the bus station near Limketkai Mall and was supposed to ride a bus heading for Balingoan for our boat transfer to Camiguin. During our search a van offered us a P100/head fare heading the same direction. We accepted since it was P30 cheaper than the bus and it would be more comfortable for our group. It took a 1 1/2 hour drive from CDO to Balingoan port. At the Balingoan port we bought tickets for the ferry heading for Benoni Port in Camiguin at P135/ head. While waiting for the ferry to board, we had breakfast at their local eatery. It took less than an hour for us to get to our destination.
We left Willshire Inn early even before having breakfast. We went to the bus station near Limketkai Mall and was supposed to ride a bus heading for Balingoan for our boat transfer to Camiguin. During our search a van offered us a P100/head fare heading the same direction. We accepted since it was P30 cheaper than the bus and it would be more comfortable for our group. It took a 1 1/2 hour drive from CDO to Balingoan port. At the Balingoan port we bought tickets for the ferry heading for Benoni Port in Camiguin at P135/ head. While waiting for the ferry to board, we had breakfast at their local eatery. It took less than an hour for us to get to our destination.
Once we landed at Benoni Port in Camiguin, our ride was already waiting for us c/o our hotel, the Enigmata. Enigmata was screaming of artistry from their furniture to the general design of the lodge. We checked in and settled our balance since I already pre-booked the hotel at P900/night for the whole group or about P150/head. We had the whole tree house to ourselves with three bunk beds, a bathroom and a spacious sala area, only, it was devoid of an airconditioner. I have to say that the lodge was close to nature.
After a few minutes of rest we started our tour. As arranged by our lodge it cost around P1,200 for the whole day tour or P200/ head. The first stop was Katibwasan Falls. It was a 250-feet falls which cascaded to a rock pool surrounded by greens and boulders. It had freezing water as expected from falls but perfect for a sunny weather.
From cold we went hot. Next stop was the Ardent Hot Spring. It was a natural hot pool of about 40 degrees centigrade springing from depths of Mount Hibok-Hibok. Surprisingly it was not as hot as I expected. We bought our lunch there before leaving for our next destination.
The sun was high as we reached the Cross Marker and the Sunken Cemetery and because of that we ditched the idea of crossing the waters or we'd burn. We just looked at the site from a terrace. The Cross Marker was 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.
We then went to the Guiob Church Ruins (also known as the Catarman Church Ruins). It is the site of the remains of an Old Spanish church built during the 16th century, which a volcanic eruption during the 18th century, wiped out. Now, only the ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent remain.
After a little light on the Camiguin's Spanish Era was shed, we then cooled off at the Sto. Nino Cold Springs. It has a pool measuring 25 meters by 40 meters. It is 2 meters deep of cold spring water sprouting from the sandy bottom. It was quite slippery due to moss.
My favorite part came next, the visit to the White Island. Its Camiguin's popular sand bar. At times it took the shape of the letter C, sometimes the letter I, depending on the ocean tide (but during the time we went there it was a definite "C"). It has the picturesque Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop. Its perfect for swimming and snorkeling due to its pristine white sand and clear waters. Although devoid of a shade, it was a great hang out spot for beach bums like me. During our stay there a seller of sea urchins dropped by, everyone tried but I didn't. I couldn't stomach raw.
We left the White Island during sunset, cleaned ourselves back at the lodge and had dinner at Vandep. Good food and very affordable.
<<< back
<<< back
Other 2010 Travels:
> Hong Kong
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Peak Tower
- HK Night Life
> Macau, China
> Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
- CDO
- CDO Night Life
- Bigby's Cafe
> Bukidnon, Mindanao
> Batanes
- Northern Batan
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- Southern Batan
- Basco
> Bohol
- City Tour
- Island Hop
- Panglao
> Tree Top Adventure, Subic
> Singapore
- SG at Night
- City Tour
- Chijmes
- Singapore Zoo
- Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Sentosa
> Bali, Indonesia
- Cultural Visits
- Temples
- Tourist Spot
- Menjangan Island
- Menduk Waterfall
> Tagaytay, South Luzon
> Pueblo Por la Playa, Pagbilao Quezon
- The Wedding
- Morning After
> Hundred Islands
- Islands
- Maxine's Restaurant
> Anawagin Cove, Zambales
> Cebu
- Shangri-La, Mactan
- The City
> Hong Kong
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Peak Tower
- HK Night Life
> Macau, China
> Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
- CDO
- CDO Night Life
- Bigby's Cafe
> Bukidnon, Mindanao
> Batanes
- Northern Batan
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- Southern Batan
- Basco
> Bohol
- City Tour
- Island Hop
- Panglao
> Tree Top Adventure, Subic
> Singapore
- SG at Night
- City Tour
- Chijmes
- Singapore Zoo
- Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Sentosa
> Bali, Indonesia
- Cultural Visits
- Temples
- Tourist Spot
- Menjangan Island
- Menduk Waterfall
> Tagaytay, South Luzon
> Pueblo Por la Playa, Pagbilao Quezon
- The Wedding
- Morning After
> Hundred Islands
- Islands
- Maxine's Restaurant
> Anawagin Cove, Zambales
> Cebu
- Shangri-La, Mactan
- The City