Travel Diary #3: Camiguin (Island Born of Fire)

Camiguin is always been our dream destination since this place was dubbed by many as paradise. Though our trip here was not planned but it was all worth it, if given a chance I’d like to come back as many times as I can.

The view from the plane was already breathtaking, the island is so rich of natural resources. Their main livelihood was copras which can be seen in the whole island, coconut trees are grown everywhere. They also soon for the the tropical delicious fruit named lanzones (unluckily it wasn’t the fruits season when we went there). The place was filled with history and mystery.

When we went there my wife was not feeling well (monthly visitor - period) and decided not do any swimming activity. But once we're there, all of her plans changed. I can’t blame her, their pristine white sand and beaches is like calling you to indulge in and take a swim.

I would like to go back and have a swim in the cold spring again. But the dive to their marine sanctuary was the experience I’d like to try over and over again. I finally saw a lionfish in real life (thought that I’d only see it in National Geographic).

It’s the best place to relax after a long month of hard work. A great place to free yourself from any form of worry and destressing yourself from all the stress in the city living. Though it quite pricey but the hell I care, you can’t put amount to happiness and contentment. Another memories to treasure with my forever travel buddy, my wife.

Spending:

*Php 2,500/per head (plane ticket, two-way)

*Php 2,500/per head (inclusion: accommodation, tour package, entrance fees, service)

*Php 300 (snorkeling)

*Php 100 (Sunken Cemetery photographer tip)

*Others: Food, souvenirs

Our Camiguin tour includes the famous places below:

#1: Giant Clam

They have an area in their seashore where they grow and planted clams for visitors to see. They allow tourist to snorkel and see the clams. When we went there the tides are so high so we were advice not to go for a swim during that day. They will only allow clam seeing during if the weather is fine.

#2: Mantigue Island

We rode a small boat going to this island, the boat can only accommodate a maximum of 6 people. We arrived 15 minutes depending on the weather, it was quite cloudy during that day. The waves was so strong, dark blue sea and a bit gloomy sky. The highlight in this island is the powered sand that they have. As tiny as the face powder you can even apply the sand to your face, it’s how tiny and powdery their sand is. The crystal blue water and the stunning view was just perfect. They have food and stores in the area and table and chairs where your can seat and enjoy your meal.

#3: Katibawasan Falls

It’s very easy to get here, no need to climb high stairs or walk miles to enjoy a swim of cold running water. What I like about is bathroom is available nearby. The water is so clear and the place is so peaceful. We dive in for a quick swim before going to our next destination.

#4: Ardent Hot Spring

According to our guide Louie the water in this hot spring used to be hot like the name says. But as when the time passed by and many people came here for a swim, the water loses its hotness and turned into a cold spring. Though there is still a part of the pool that is warm but not as warm as it was originally.

#5: Philvocs

One of their main attraction is the office that monitors the movement of the volcanoes. They have the display photos of the old Camiguin. The old school photos during the last eruption of Mount Hibok-hibok that killed many residents in the area.

#6: White Island

According to the officer in Philvocs, this island emerges during the eruption of Mount Vulcan. This a C shaped sandbar that is visible during low tide. The sand here is so white and water is so clear. It’s best to go here early in the morning before the sun rises. You might want to bring your umbrella if you decide to stay here longer. They don’t allow cottages to be built in the area to restore its beauty. Then bring something to eat because your can’t see any food stand in the area as well.

#7: Old Volcano

This place is popular during Lent Season because people came here to pray the Stations of the Cross. It’s a long walkway to the old volcano so we decided to take a quick look and went to our next stop.

#8: Old Church Ruins

This historical church and the oldest church in Camiguin was destroyed during the eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok. This place has a lot of history to offer, a look back to the Spanish era. Louie, our tour guide mention that many tourist had taken a photo of the place has been seeing ghost in their photos. It was said that these ghost wore an army suit and described to a soldier during World War II.

#9: Sunken Cemetery

This graveyard sunk during the eruption of Mount Vulcan. Tourist are allowed to go snorkeling here and see the graves below the water (quite creepy, right?). One of the highlights of the tour was our photographer and the pilot of the boat (lol). He said that he was part of the movie Ouija and it was his hands who drown Rhian Ramos in the movie.

#10: Sto. Niño Cold Spring

I wouldn’t want to go home I just want to enjoy the water forever. The water here is so relaxing. Same feeling that when going to a shower for 5 hours. The coldness of the water is very consistent even if there’s a lot of people swimming. The presence of many people does not change the temperature of the water, it just so amazing. It’s so cold but not ice cold just the way I like it to be. Would like to swim here again and again.

#11: Tuasan Falls

This is not yet developed and unlike Katibawasan Falls. It’s also easy to get here no need to walk miles. It is located near the national road, the water old and inviting. Not too many people visit here.

#12: Soda Cold Spring

Residents believe that soda water can benefit the health. Usually people would come here to have a drink of the soda water. I had a drink too and it has an aftertaste, it has a bit of a taste of a soft drink (that’s why it’s called soda). When you go for a swim you feel heavy, feels like the water is pulling you down. Then after swimming you feel tired. We don’t have like this in Cebu and it's a unique experience to be able to swim in soda water.

#13: Blue Lagoon

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Indeed Camiguin is a paradise here on earth. Visit this place and you will not regret it.
@del4ver is with us during this travel

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