Friday, April 13, 2012

Camiguin Island: My Private Sanctuary





Cloud affair: Arrival at the Port of Benoni


Born of fire and magma spewed out from volcanic eruptions is an island province abound with diverse ecological resources. Cradled at the bosom of the Bohol sea, Camiguin is the second smallest province in the Philippines. Far from the extensive arms of greedy commercialism, it remains to be among the few vacation destinations that has unspoilt natural charm and unadulterated scenery.  


Camiguin: Island of Fire
Mt.Hibok-hibok is covered by the white clouds

The usual traffic

The usual street-side view


Clear green waters to Mantigue Island and Sanctuary


Five hours away from my hometown, I have been to this Island a couple of times since I was young. Being an Island province, it’s a given that this small dot on our map is teeming with a lot of nature’s wonders. Life here is unsophisticated and uncomplicated yet just like the island itself, the people also beams with charm. From the the allure of old, antique houses lining the sides of clean streets to the smell of fresh provincial air down to its beaches, waterfalls, springs and even food is both a sight and an experience to behold. The island’s mysticism even ante’s up its rustic appeal. I hope that every wee bit of how and what Camiguin is, is preserved for years and unfazed from the damaging effects of an overgrowing and uncontrollable population. 


Almost sunset at Mantigue Island
(Php 550/5 pax boat ride to the island plus Php 20 environmental  fee upon arrival)


The usual architecture


The famous landmark: the 20 ft cross at the Sunken Cemetery
(Php 20/per head boat ride that takes you across the sea to the kiosk  below the cross)
When Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted in 1870's, it claimed almost one-thousand lives and buried some parts of the island. This marker is a reminder of that tragedy and to memorialize the lost lives. 


The trees have outgrown the old walls. 

The old Gui-ob church ruins in Catarman was also devastated during the eruption. 

A chapel built in the 50's inside the walls of the old church ruins.
Horizon highway

Boardwalk at a mangrove plantation on the way from the old church ruins

New church
Darn the ambulance


Faucet-like Katibawasan Falls
(Php 15/per head environmental fee)
The freezing waters of Katibawasan falls. And if it's not cold enough then take a dip 
at Santo Nino cold spring.


(Php15/head environmental fee)

But if you prefer a hot and relaxing evening: 

Me in my hot spring corner

(Php20/head environmental fee)

The spa-like Mt. Hibok-hibok Ardent hot spring pools is a must. Hottest at 39 deg Celsius water temperature

Didn't add photo filter on this.

The night scene at the shore of Sabacajan Cottages where I stayed. 


Tribal necklaces and trinkets for keeps

(Php 5/head environmental fee)

View from the 6th station
The walkway to the old Mt. Vulcan and stations of the cross. If I counted it right, there's about 14 stations you'll pass by before you reach the top. Once reached, the view of western Camiguin from the top is breathtaking. This time, I wasn't able to reach the top but I still vividly remember how it looks from there. 


This time, I skipped this for fear of getting burnt: It was a really hot day.

The famous White Island: A sandbar of powdery white sand. 


The famous VJANDEP Pastel of Camiguin
(Php 120/Box of 12 delectable buns)
One should not leave without bringing home VJANDEP PASTEL: A Camiguin pastry of supple BUN with sweet yema filling. 


The famous LANZONES of Camiguin: succulent and sweet
Every third week of October, the island province is in full festivity for the Lanzones Festival; A thanksgiving celebration for a bountiful harvest. 



How to get here: By air to Cagayan de Oro. From there, take a bus to Balingoan port then cross by     ferry to Benoni Port of Camiguin

I just love the sky






Side-note: Environmental Fees listed are as of March 2012.
                Playfully photo-filtered Images (except for White Island, Pastel and 
                Lanzones) are mine and are copyrighted. :)

1 comment:

  1. Wow! I want to go with you in your next travel destination!! I want to be there in Camiguin! <3

    ReplyDelete