Yakaraw at Camiguin

Camiguin is one of my target places of exploration because of its scenic places and rich cultural heritage.

Gui-ob Church Ruin

The devastating volcanic eruption in 1871 wiped out the Spanish settlement of Catarman that was establishes in 1697. The remains of an Old Spanish, ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent are mute witness to the wrath of nature. It also allow us glimpse into the culture of Spanish-era Camiguin.

Even the church was half covered by lava during eruption, it was never been a reason for the people to impede Catholic faith and festivities in this place.

 

Katibawasan Falls

The 250-feet majestic beauty cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its ice-cold waters provide an ideal summer splash to locals and tourists alike. Rock picnic tables, seats and cookout facilities are available for use.

This is my first time to visit a falls. I was wonderful experience a nature breath taking adventure although the water this time is not immense.

Ardent Hot Spring

The local hot spa is a natural pool of about 40 degrees centigrade springing from depths of Mount Hibok-Hibok. The Municipality of Mambajao has provided cottages, restaurant and dormitory facilities that cater to local and foreign tourists. It has picnic huts, cookout facilities and restroom for visitors.It is ideal for night swimming, a place to rejuvenate both mind and body.

White Island

Two kilometers off the coast of Agoho, Mambajao is the Camiguin's popular sand bar. At times it is in the shape of the letter C, sometimes the letter I, depending on the ocean tide. It has the picturesque Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.

Sand Bar in the middle of the sea

It was a windy morning when I visited this Island and the rain is ready to fall. A little bit nervous because water might be rough during the boat ride but it did not stop my adventure.

After stepping out the boat, the rain started to fall that made very cold. It was exciting enough because the water is hot to swim.

Sunken Cemetery

Located in Bonbon, Catarman a huge cross marker has been installed by the Provincial government to mark the community cemetery that sunk during the 1871 volcanic holocaust. Years ago, gravestones were visible during low tide. Today, it is an interesting diving site.

Sunken Cemetery during High Tide

I did not try to take a boat to reach the cross but it was a scenic place to mesmerize how the elders do the rituals for the death.

Way Points:

From Manila, you can take direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Air Philippines to Cagayan de Oro City. Flying time approximately takes one hour and 20 minutes. From Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City is even nearer -- a mere 30 minutes away. One can also take the longer but infinitely more exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor aboard the ships of WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines. Depending on the routes (sometimes they stop over at certain ports such as that of Cebu City, Iloilo City or Bacolod City), a ferry trip to Cagayan de Oro City usually takes 28 to 36 hours.

From the Cagayan de Oro City airport, you can take a cab to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market and get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island approaching Camiguin by sea. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.