CAMIGUIN ISLAND is one of the many treasures of the Southern Philippines. It is the smallest province in Mindanao and the second smallest in the Philippines. But don’t judge it by its size. Often dubbed the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin harbors seven volcanoes, including Mount Vulcan and Mount Hibok-hibok. Its landscape has been continuously shaped and reshaped by volcanic activities, giving this island paradise countless natural attractions.
This lone island situated in Northern Mindanao boast of white sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, hot and coldsprings and abundant life underwater. It also takes pride in its people who have sunny sunshine disposition and strong discipline making the province one of the safest places in the entire country with zero crime rate as its trophy. Its beguiling beauty would keep you coming back. Thus its name, Camiguin meaning Come Again! (pronounced in thick Visayan accent). It was meant as a joke but that’s what made it more interesting.
Places to Visit in Camiguin:
Tongatoc Cove
This was our first stop when we arrived in Camiguin Island. This is a popular side trip destination for travelers because you can really appreciate the breathtaking views and the fresh air from the cliff. This is a spot where you can appreciate the view. You can stop here to take pictures and inhale some fresh air.
Old Guiob Church Ruins
Our quick stop here in Old church after a side trip in Tongatoc Cove. Sometimes called the Old Church Ruins, the Guiob Church Ruins was what was left from the old church of the island’s Spanish era capital called Cotta Bato. It was constructed in the 16th century but it met its destruction a century later. On May 13, 1871, the capital’s peace was rattled by an intense trembling of the ground brought about by the rumbling of a nearby volcano, Mt. Vulcan.
The earthquake shook the town mercilessly until houses and other structures were down to rubble. But that wasn’t the end of it. That evening, Mt. Vulcan unleashed its most devastating power when it erupted and destroyed what was left of the town.
Located in Brgy. Bonbon in Catarman, the Old Guiob Church Ruins was one of the structures that remained standing after the disastrous eruption. Although the church has lost its roof, its sturdy walls and columns still stand today — a massive, beautiful physical reminder of an almost apocalyptic past; a scar. 
From the road, it looked like a simple ancient wall, like a fortress. Surrounded by towering trees and covered by moss, the walls continued to give a vivid picture of how the old church looked like and how big it was. 
Soda Water Swimming Pool
Another attraction in Camiguin that you should not miss is their famous Soda Water Swimming Pool. A pool filled with natural streaming soda water from the volcanic springs of Bura. It’s probably the only Soda spring in the Philippines. 
It has great scenery as its cold water provides a refreshing splash to bathers and picnickers. The resort started their business last 2007. They added some picnic tables and cottages for rent that is perfect for family and friends.
Tuasan Falls
Normally, people visits Katibawasan falls in Camiguin but I will recommend you the Tuasan Falls because aside from being majestic and unique, it has no entrance fee and you will really enjoy the coldness of the falls. 
Tuasan Falls used to be a hidden gem, about 2 kilometers from the main Camiguin highway. With the opening of a new cement road, it’s now accessible to most travelers who want to see the inner parts of the island — short of climbing mountains.
The falls — by itself — won’t shock you especially if you’ve been to higher or bigger falls. What makes Tuasan stands are the cliffs that surrounds it and the road to get there. 
The hills in and around the area are sights to behold. It also a way to experience a different part of Camiguin as the island offers more than just beaches and springs.
Sto Nino Cold Spring
Another favorite attraction in Camiguin especially on hot summer days because of the coldness and refreshing water from the spring. It is located in the Brgy. Bonbonon, Catarman, Camiguin and around 2-3 kilometers from the highway. You will surely love the place and it has affordable entrance fee. 
The focal point of Sto. Nino Cold Spring is one large pool filled with natural water from the spring. The refreshing waters are cold, around 20 °C so that this attraction is a favorite on hot summer days. Weekends, especially during peak season, can be very crowded – especially considering that this beautiful spot has very cheap entrance fees! Anyone would want to visit the spring.
Sunken Cemetery
During the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan that lasted from 1871 to about 1875, after continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it gained a height of nearly 2,000 feet and submerged areas of Catarman, including the town’s cemetery. 
Today, all that remains of old Catarman are the ruins of an ancient Spanish San Roque church, a convent and a bell tower. Remnants of the structures and gravestones of the cemetery were still seen during low tide until 1948 when Mount Vulcan erupted for the fourth time, which buried the area deeper by 20 feet. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark this old gravesite. 
Mantigue Island
We arrived when no one was still there except the inviting spirit of the island that promises tranquility and love.
The perfect blue sea added to our excitement upon reaching the shore. The sand is white, fine and coarse on most part of the island, pebbled beach on some and a grassy beach for travelers. 
The island is full of characteristics. The weather was perfect for beach bumming with the sun was shining to its peak with occasional cool breeze from the sea. It was a melodramatic affair with Mantigue Island. 
Walk Way to Old Volcano
Another way to spend “panaad” or penitence in holy week is to engage in climbing their popular walk way to old volcano in Camiguin situated in Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman that consists of 14 station of the cross and life size statue of Jesus Christ. The place is considered as the pilgrimage for Roman Catholic. The walkway has 1000 steps. 
We are already tired from the other destinations so we didn’t continue climbing to the top.
HOW TO GO THERE
- From Manila – take a flight to Camiguin Island via Cebu Pacific or a flight to Cagayan de Oro via Pal Express. Kindly check their websites for flight schedules and rates. Travel may take 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- From Cagayan de Oro – ride a cab or a jeep to Macabalan port then board a ferryboat bound for Benoni port in Camiguin which is a 2-hour travel. Fare is P600. Alternatively, hire a cab or ride a jeep to Agora Bus Terminal. From there ride a Bachelor Express or Rural Transit bus bound for Butuan or Balingoan. Get off Balingoan Terminal. Travel takes 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic condition. Fare is around P200 – P250. From Balingoan Terminal, you can walk a good 30 to 50 steps to Balingoan port or if you are carrying heavy baggage, you can hire a tricycle for P10/person. From Balingoan, board a ferry to Benoni port. Fare as of November 2014 is P170 and travel time is 1 hour.
- From Bohol – ride a fast craft or Super Shuttle ferry from Jagna Seaport to Benoni port. For travel schedules and fare rates, please contact these telephone nos. (032) 231-0639 | 345-5581 | (0929) 364-6965 and cellphone/mobile nos. (0927) 362-8962 | (0916) 277-0008 | (0917) 626-1200.
- From Cebu – take a flight via Cebu Pacific to Camiguin. Alternatively, you can board a ferryboat bound for Cagayan de Oro or a ferry bound directly to Camiguin. Please call (032) 345 5581 – 5583 for inquiries.
- From Davao City – ride a Bachelor Express or Rural Transit bus in Ecoland Terminal or a van lined up in G-mall bound for Butuan City. Fare is around P250 – P300. From Butuan, take another Bachelor or Rural Transit bus bound for Cagayan de Oro and get off Balingoan Terminal. Fare is around P200 – P250. Total time of travel is 8-10 hours. From Balingoan Terminal, follow instructions above.
- From Surigao – ride a bus (Bachelor Express/Rural Transit) bound to Butuan City. Then ride another bus bound for Cagayan de Oro and alight the bus in Balingoan. Travel time is 5-6 hours.
***Disclaimer: Fare rates are in Philippine peso and some are just estimates. It is still best to check rates with the bus liners/ferry liners prior to travel.
WHERE TO STAY
- Camiguin Highland Resort – located in Lakas, Soro-Soro, Mambajao. Please contact Tel: (088) 387-05-15 to 17 or Cel/Mob: 0917 827 0200 for inquiries, bookings and reservation.
- Paguia’s Cottages – located in Rocky Village,Yumbing, Mambajao. Contact numbers are Tel: (088) 387-9018 & Cel/Mob: 09173107085 | 09198942681.
- Paras Beach Resort – located in Rocky Village, Yumbing Mambajao. Contact numbers are Tel#: (088) 3879008 & Cel/Mob#: 09177152285.
- Bahay Bakasyunan – located east of Mambajo and next to the pier in Balbagon. Contact numbers are Tel: (088) 387-0131 | 387-1057 and Cel/Mob: 0917 721 2798.
- Secret Cove Beach Resort – located in Yumbing, Mambajao. Contact numbers are Tel: (088) 387-9084 & Cel/Mob: 09084149744 | 09262953945
***Rates of most of the Hotels and Inns in Camiguin normally start at P800 for standard fan rooms and P1000 for A/C rooms that can be shared by 2-3 people. Rates may rise during peak season. There are also homestays and backpacking dorms available with rates starting at P300.
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
| Transportation and Tour | Expenses (Roundtrip) |
Person | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agora Bus Terminal to Balingoan Port | 150.00 Pesos | 1 | 300.00 Pesos |
| Ferry to Benoni Port / Terminal Fee + Environmental Fee | 170.00 Pesos | 1 | 340.00 Pesos |
| Boat to White Island | 450.00 (If you’re a solobagpacker, you can join the other group and divide the boat ride fees) | 1 | 450.00 Pesos |
| Boat to Mantigue + Environmental fee | 570.00 Pesos | 1 | 570.00 Pesos |
| Meals for 3 days | 1000.00 Pesos | 1 | 1000.00 Pesos |
| Tuasan Falls | Free | – | Free |
| Sto. Nino Cold Spring | 30.00 Pesos | 1 | 30.00 Pesos |
| Sunken Cemetery Boat | 100.00 Pesos | 1 | 100.00 Pesos |
| Ardent Hot Spring | 40.00 Pesos | 1 | 40.00 Pesos |
| Fare Budget | 500.00 Pesos(Entire Trip) | 1 | 500.00 Pesos |
Estimated Budget: 2000.00 – 3000.00 Pesos
JANNE THE LAAGAN: Wrap Up!
Camiguin features unspoiled beaches, waterfalls, hot and cold springs and picturesque mountains. It’s your perfect escape from the city since air is really fresh and there are no big buildings like malls and fast food chains. There are many things to do like snorkeling, hiking or trekking. The locals are also friendly and they don’t overcharge nor scam their tourists. Their cooperation in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of Camiguin is admirable.
Delve into the pear-shaped island of Camiguin in Northern Mindanao! This dazzling island is an old favorite of tourist due to its glimmering azure waters in lapping its coastline. So pack your swimwear, snorkeling gears and sunscreen then rush to Camiguin Island to discover its many treasurers!
jannethelaagan
Janne The Laagan 
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