I travelled in the Philippines for 6 months and although I have not seen all the places in this beautiful country, I would say that Camiguin is my favorite so far. Imagination island as I would like to call. Well why not? You got everything there!
This little laid back Island has mountain for those who want to trek, any kind of spring: hot-cold-soda spring, beautiful beaches, sandy white with crystal clear water, waterfall, giant clam sanctuary, dive and snorkel spot! All of this spot is easy to access and have reasonable price!
So what is Camiguin Island?
"Camiguin is known as the island of 'Born of Fire'. The volcanic eruptions and land movement have created this spectacular island which is full of natural wonders and historical riches" (taken from Travel Map Camiguin)
How to go?
Camiguin located in the north of cgaayan de Oro. You can take ferry from Cagayan pier (they have super ferry cost around 600php) and it will take you 2 hours to go to Camiguin. My friend took another route. they took bus to another town in Cagayan and then took ferry for 45 minutes. this is cheaper if you compare it with super ferry. Once you got there, it's easy to move around. If you travel by yourself or with a friend, I would suggest that you take the habal-habal to go around the island. It will cost 800/ motorcycle. The Island is small so from one place to another usually only take 15-30 minutes the longest. However, if you travel with more friend take one of the tuk tuk and it will cost cheaper.
Where to stay?
We stayed at
Enigmata ; it is a cool place where they have sculptures, wide bamboo hammock, good food and they also have a various art programs with community. The only thing that I don't really like is I still got mosquitos bite even after I apply repallant and despite we have mosquito net in the room.
We also stayed one night in Ardent hot spring because we want to stay until late at night dipping in the spring. I would recommend you to stay there at least for one night so you can just stay there until pass midnight in the pool and have another dip in the morning when it's still fresh and not so many people. The water is not that hot but it is enough for relaxing your body after a whole day activities.
Here's are some places that we visit in Camiguin (3N 4D)
Katibawasan Waterfall:
Not so many people go swimming here but i did and you should at least go inside the water! The water is super refreshing and cold plus you can just sit there on the rock and staring at this beautiful walls. It is about 75 meters. The entrance fee: 15php
White Island
The most famous destination in Camiguin. A strip of white Island and crystal clear water with volcanoe in the background. The photos don't do any justice. The view just like what you see in postcard picture. The only 'too bad' things about this is the coral has been damaged so badly. You can snorkel but nothing much to see. Despite that fact. the place is still beautiful.
Sunset in Yumbing
Sunken Cemetry
This is an unique spot in Camiguin. This large white cross marks swept into the sea by Old vulcan Daan's Eruption in 1871. They said you can dive or snorkel and see the dcay tomb but then you have to pay for the boat to go there. It's around 200 php.
Sto Nino Cold Spring
A pool with cold water, they said it's sprouting from the sandy bottom.
Old Church Ruins
This old church was ruins during the remnants of the Vulcan Daan eruption in 1871. The place looks like an old castle. Perfect place to have picnic :)
Walkaway to Old Vulcan
To climb the volcano, you need to have a permit and a tour guide. They also require you to wear proper shoes. Sice we didd not prepare for that we did hike in this Old Vulcan. To go to it's peak you have to passed 14 station of cross dot the trail. But if you do not enjoy the story or somehow do not feel relate to it , you can just enjoy the scenery (like I did). It was somewhat quite worth the exhaust. You can see Camiguin from the top and you can even spot the Sunken Cemetery.
Ardent Hot Spring
Nothing can be more relaxing than dipping in the hot water after hiking th Old vulcan. Ardent hot spring open 24 hour. Hot water + good friend + moonlight + carveza negro :)
Mantigue Island
This is an island located near Camiguin. You need to take boat for 15 minutes. In Mantigue you can snorkle in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) and see a lot of big fish. It's super cool. This island is my favorite.
Moro Watch Tower
Don't be mislead by its name. We were there and trying to look for a tower which look like a lighthouse but nothing like that. It's located behind a school so it's quite hidden. The place itself looks like an old fort and there stairs to go up and you can see the place for above. The stairs is quite steep so be careful.
I would totally recommend everyone to go to Camiguin. The people are humble and nice. They don't rush you to buy their stuff and they are very helpful. If you like nature as its most then you should definitely visit Camiguin, the land of imagination.
