Captivating Camiguin: Island Born of Fire

Despite the weather disturbance near Mindanao when we were in Cagayan de Oro in August 2013, we made sure to see Camiguin, the second smallest island in the country. Known for its distinct beauty and charm, the "Island Born of Fire" did not disappoint. (It has seven volcanoes; one, Mt. Hibok Hibok, is active.)

Camiguin: Island Born of Fire.

Mt. Hibok Hibok as seen from the balcony of our room. 

From CDO, we traveled for 2 hours to Balingoan Port. From the port, we rode a ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin.

From Cagayan de Oro, ride a bus to Balingoan, where the port to Camiguin is located.

It's a two-hour ride from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan.

Upon arrival in the island, we immediately headed to our island tour. Spots that we visited included Walkway to the Old Volcano/ Stations of the Cross, Sto Nino Cold Spring, Bura Soda Waterpark, Ardent Hot Spring, Old Church Ruins, and the famed Sunken Cemetery. We were also brought to the viewing decks of Mantigue Island and White Island.

Welcome to Camiguin White Island Beach Resort!

We stayed at Camiguin White Island Beach Resort for P1,000 per night. 

Yey, beach at the back of the resort.

Rent a multicab to bring you to spots in the island. Use your bargaining skills. 

Since the LPA had already turned into a storm, we had to shuttle back to CDO so we decided to visit White Island some other time. The sea travel back to CDO was a little scary with the big waves but to our amazement, schools of dolphins became our instant entertainment!

Check out my article about our trip to captivating Camiguin!

8 reasons to visit Camiguin

The fact that Camiguin has seven volcanoes (one of them, Mt. Hibok, is active!) already draws adventure-seekers to this island in the Northern coast of Mindanao. Within its five municipalities (Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman) lies a treasure trove of must-see and must-experience attractions—most of them with a history to tell.

Although it is the second smallest island in the country, Camiguin has huge offerings to travelers wanting to experience its character and charm. Check out these eight reasons to come see Camiguin!

1. To go for a refreshing dip in hot and cold springs

Whether you prefer a hot or cold dip, Camiguin does not disappoint. Beat the heat (especially when you visit in the summer) with the water in Sto. Niño Cold Spring, which will make you shiver at 20 degrees Celsius. But, it’s a different feeling knowing you’ve conquered the cold.

Cold treatment: Sto. Niño Cold Spring.

Brrrr: Chot and Gore enjoying the cold spring.

And I opted to just stay at the cottage since I'm allergic to super cold temperature. But I enjoyed the fresh buko juice.

Meanwhile, a visit to Ardent Hot Springs will help you relax after a long day of touring the island. A dip in the hot spring (40 degrees Celsius) will ease your tired muscles and joints. It’s actually a refreshing way to end a day in Camiguin.

Hot, hot, hot: Ardent Hot Spring.

A panorama shot inside the hot spring. Unfortunately, it was raining hard when we got there.

You may also want to try swimming at the Bura Soda Water Park. According to a sign posted inside the resort, “Drinking soda water is good for hydration, making you feel full, therefore decreasing overall food consumption." Also, “studies show that soda water reduces osteoporosis, decreases cardiovascular disease risk, and lowers blood pressure.” It’s the only one of its kind in the country.

Good soda here: Bura Soda Waterpark. 

This is noted. 

Fancy a swim?

2. To go on a spiritual journey

How secluded Camiguin is makes it an ideal venue for reflection and meditation. One can also marvel at the wonderful works of one's Creator, what with the amazing attractions in Camiguin.

Climb the steps of the Walkway to the Old Volcano, where you'll pass life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. During the Lenten season, devotees take the long way up to complete the stations.

The climb: Walkway to the Old Volcano.

Yes, stations of the cross on your way up. 

But you can also rest and catch your breath.

You may also visit the Old Church Ruins in Bonbon, Catarman, built in 1679. On May 13, 1871, Mt. Vulcan erupted, and the tranquil town was engulfed in the ashes, with only the ruins of the church and its bell tower left behind.

Old Church Ruins in Camiguin.

A panorama shot of the church ruins.

3. To visit the famed Sunken Cemetery

Another area submerged in Catarman was the resting place of the locals. Today, a large white cross marks the cemetery that got submerged in the sea after the volcano erupted. Be at this picture-perfect spot shortly before the sun disappears from the horizon, and you’ll see the pastel hues of a glorious sunset as backdrop of the giant white cross. The eerie feeling you get from the spectacle adds to the charm of the place.

The most photographed spot in Camiguin.

The cross marker at the Sunken Cemetery.

Chot saying a prayer.

4. To experience the breathtaking waterfalls

Fall in love with Camiguin’s many waterfalls, two of the most popular of which are Katibawasan Falls and Tuasan Falls. Make your way underneath the 76-meter-high Katibawasan Falls to feel the cascading water. The Tuasan Falls, on the other hand, are harder to reach. But their raw beauty is worth the trek. Along the way, you’ll get to commune with nature as you pass by verdant greenery and even cross a river.

Passed by this sign on the way to the Soda Waterpark.

Mesmerizing Katibawasan Falls.
Photo courtesy of the Camiguin Tourism Association

5. To go on an exciting ocean trip

Although there are already direct flights to Camiguin from Manila, going to Camiguin via ferry is an adventure in itself. Most tourists land in Cagayan de Oro and travel for two hours by bus to Balingoan, another town in Misamis Oriental. You then take an hour’s ferry ride from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port in Camiguin. If you’re lucky like our group, you’ll get some entertainment along the way—like a school of dolphins.

Ferry fares (as of August 2013).

Port of Balingoan. 

The ferry that will take us to Camiguin.

Boarding time. 

A trip's always fun when you travel with friends!

All aboard.

Welcome to Camiguin: Port of Benoni.

Schools of dolphins on our way back to Balingoan from Camiguin.

6. To go island hopping and enjoy water activities

Visit White Island, which, as the name implies, is a white sandbar with Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop. Tourists can bask in the sun and enjoy the sea and sand in this C-shaped island.

White Island as seen from our resort.

White Island with Mt. Hibok Hibok and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop.
Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Association

Mantigue Island, on the other hand, is an ideal place to swim, snorkel, and dive. Located off the coast of Camiguin, Mantigue Island houses a fishing village and boasts of a white sand beach with coral offshore.

Mantigue Island.
Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Association

7. To try the lanzones

Camiguin is best known for its sweet lanzones. Locals celebrate harvesting this fruit with the Lanzones Festival every October. When you visit the island during this most festive time, you’ll see people on the streets dancing, just like in any fiesta in the Philippines. That is how the locals regard the fruit that gives them their livelihood.

Lanzones Festival.
Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Association

8. To try the Vjandep pastel

Yes, saying goodbye to this wonderful island is never an easy thing. But before heading home, pass by Vjandep Bakery. This famous landmark in Camiguin is where you can buy the famous Vjandep pastel,a bun with a sweet filling that delightfully melts in your mouth. The most popular is the yema filling, but you may also want to try other fillings such as cheese, ube, pineapple, mango, langka, and macapuno, among others.

Don't forget to buy pasalubong here.

What are you waiting for? Set off for Camiguin, a small but stunning island with so much beauty—and rich history—to offer.

Lovers who fell in love with Camiguin.

Souvenirs, anyone?

(Published September 9, 2013, Kristn.com)