Camiguin Island.

It was two summers ago when my friends and I decided to do a CDO-Camiguin-Bukidnon trip. We almost didn't make it to CDO that day because Cebu Pacific canceled our 4am flight without letting us know. The airport was filled with angry people (doctors mostly) who were all going to CDO for a convention. And we were worried because we already made hotel reservations and rented a van from CDO to take us directly to Balingoan Port.

How to go to Camiguin:
From Manila or Cebu, take a flight to CDO. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flies to CDO daily.

From CDO, hire a van for the two-hour trip (approximately) to Balingoan Port, it is more practical especially if you are in a big group. Or take a cab or van (about Php300) to Agora market. From the market, you can catch a bus (Php90) or van (Php100) that travels to Baligoan Port.

From Baligoan Port, take a ferry (Php70) to Camiguin. The trip takes about two hours.


We arrived in Camiguin late in the afternoon. After settling in at Caves Dive Resort, we decided to go to Ardent Hot Springs, my favorite part of this entire trip.

Ardent Hot Springs has a four-tiered pool with water that reaches up to 40 degrees celsius. The waters in Ardent come from Mt. Hibok-Hibok and it is said to have therapeutic effects. Entrance Fee is Php30.

There are rooms and a restaurant in Ardent, so you can stay there if you want to dip into the hot springs everyday.

It is about two kilometers north of Mambajao and a quick tricycle-ride from our hotel.


We spent the following day swimming and eating and and diving (at least, Bambi did) and just being silly at White Island. It is an uninhabited sandbar that disappears during high tide. The sandbar is just across our hotel, we could see it from our hotel's dining area. It is about 10 minutes by motorized banca. But on our way there, our banca's engine died on us, we got stranded for about 15 minutes in the middle of the sea (which felt like forever)!

Our hotel arranged for our banca to the island. You can do the same thing, too -- have your hotel arrange the banca for you if you want to go to the island.

It was definitely worth going there despite the banca incident. The water was clear and the island was beautiful! There were a lot of vendors so you won't go hungry.


Where to Stay in Camiguin:

Mambajao
Mambajao Beach Resort
+63-88-3871059

Casa Grande
+63-88-3870077

R.J. Pension House
+63-88-3870089

Cabua-an Beach Resort
+63-88-3872103

GV Pensione House
+63-88-3871041

Tia’s Pension House
+63-88-3871045

Agoho
Caves Dive Resort
+63-88-3871044

Camiguin Seaside Lodge, Tel. 63-88-3879031

Benoni
Eagle’s Nest Guest House
+63-88-3874020

J & A Fishpen & Resort
+63-88-3874008

Balbagon
Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin
+63-88-3871057

Enigmata Treehouse (Tarzan’s Nest Resort)
+63-88-3870273

Tapon
Shoreline Cottages
+63-88-871091

Tia’s Beach Cottages
+63-88-3871045

Yumbing
Paras Beach Resort
+63-88-3879008

Camiguin Beach Club
+63-88-3879028

Secret Cove Beach Resort
+63-88-3879084

The next day, we found ourselves on land, discovering interesting places. We went to the Guiob Church, or what remains of it after the volcanic eruption in 1871. Of course, we must have a group picture infront of the signage, right? *grin*

We hired a multicab (about Php1,500) to take us around the island. Again, our hotel arranged transportation for us. You can also rent a van (about Php2,500).


This is the Sunken Cemetery. The cemetery submerged in water during the 1871 volcanic eruption. A huge cross was erected to mark the spot.

A boatman will take you to the cross for Php50 per head. Many people visit this place to swim, snorkel, or dive. Dive depth is about 20 meters. Expect to see many corals and different kinds of marine life.


And then we went to Katibawasan Falls, a 250 feet high beauty with waters that cascade down to a rock pool. The entire place is surrounded by big rocks, trees, and flowers. There are picnic areas/huts ideal for families and friends who want to spend time there and just be graced by nature.

My friends and I took a dip and the water was extremely cold! It was such a crazy idea! But then, it was quite refreshing, too. This place will be perfect for summer outings.

It was already dark when we got to Katibawasan, so we only had a few minutes to enjoy the place. Before we left, we were treated to a wonderful surprise -- firelflies started appearing, lots and lots of them! It was truly magical!

But go early though if you plan to visit this place because if I remember it right, they allow visitors only until 6pm.

Here's a list of other places to visit in Camiguin.

What to wear:
Light, comfortable shoes and clothing. Don't forget to bring your swimsuits, hats, or dive gears if you plan to dive.

Don't forget:
Sunscreen and water. And since you are already in Camiguin, grab boxes of the famous Vjandep Pastels for pasalubong!