A day in Camiguin-The province Born of Fire

It’s our third day of our Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon-Camiguin tour.  Camiguin is the second smallest island of the Philippines in both area and population with almost 240 square kilometers in land area. This island is known for lansones fruit, volcanoes and its diverse ecosystem.

We left our hotel in Cagayan de Oro around 2:30 in the morning to catch the first trip to Camiguin Island through ferry. It was a rainy night and we were worried that we wouldn’t enjoy the day tour.

Our river tour guide from the CDO water rafting adventure recommended a tour guide with multi cab in Camiguin, that’s why we had set the tour ahead of time. When we arrived in Benoni port the driver and tour guide was already there. Our tour fee including the rent of the multi cab was 2,000.00 pesos that’s for the whole day tour.

First stop was the Katibawasan Falls; at that time since it was raining the color of the water was brown. There was a flood, the caretakers refrained us from going down. We enjoyed the view of the 75 meters water cascading. Stayed there for few minutes took some pictures and rest a bit.

Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort was our second stop. It’s a hot sulfuric spring. We enjoyed the warm of the water soaked for 20 minutes. There were tourists too enjoying the place. It’s a perfect place to sooth the aching muscles specially for the old ones.

We wanted to explore white beach, a sand bar, our tour guide told us that it was not possible at that time due to bad weather but still we went there and checked if we could. Sorry for us, we couldn’t even see the sand bar; it was high tide, rainy and windy.

The fourth stop was the Mt. Volcan or it is known as Old Volcano, where the Stations of the Cross are located. The statues are life size. This is where some of the Catholic devotees do there Stations of the Cross during holy week. Trekking upstairs is a challenge but worthy because while walking I was enjoying the view top of the island. We didn’t finish the trek just half way, all were hungry didn’t have breakfast. Our tour guide told us to have a lunch in our next stops where we could indulge in native chicken food.

After the trek we went to the Sunken Cemetery, it is the remnant and the landmark of the town that was wiped out during the volcano eruption in 1800. The weather and time didn’t permit us to explore the area because of the bad weather. This area can be explored during good weather and low tide. Since we couldn’t do anything we took pictures and bought souvenirs instead.

Our sixth stop was the Old Curch Ruins, as the name says it’s just a ruin. It is a reminder of the earthquake and volcanic eruption during the 1817. I couldn’t believe that it could be toppled down, because the thickness of the wall and its posts are so huge. Works of nature, human cant do anything. I love this place so green and peaceful that I almost forgot I was hungry. We bought boxes of lansones in this area, it's cheaper.

Soda Swimming pool is a natural soda water. I tasted the water there is a zesty taste.  Natural cold and refreshing water. While we were waiting for our food to be served we enjoyed the water and talking with the locals. An old man told us that we could go to Tuasan Falls. After we had our lunch we talked to our tour guide if he could bring us to Tuasan Falls. He told us that it was not part of the tour because no amenities in that area yet, the road were still under construction. After few minutes he graciously agreed to have a side trip on that area.

Tuasan Falls is a located in the area where there were no amenities for tourists. There were construction equipments in the area. The construction of the road was on going. It was amazing place, it was like we own the place. Rich vegetation, beautiful view of cascading water. Since we were the only tourists in there we had the time to have more wacky pictures.

Our last stop was the Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort. We were already tired, no much energy to get inside. But since we were already there we grabbed the opportunity to drag ourselves to explore the place. Before we got in we ordered buko (young coconut )and rice puto (rice cake). When we got inside our tiredness lessen. The coldness of the water made us get better plus the greener view and clean and fresh air added to make us relaxed.

Around 3:30 pm we were already in the port ready to go back to Cagayan de Oro City. It was a hectic but fulfilling day. Worth the time and effort to explore the island of Camiguin. If you want to explore it, especially for the divers, stay here for more than a day. This small island offers a lot more for everyone to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. Salamat Camiguin.