Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort - Catarman, Camiguin

Our last stop for our  day tour in Camiguin  was Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort, it is located in Catarman, Camiguin. Camiguin is tagged as the second smallest province in the Philippines, the province born of fire and I want to add to that title as Spring Capital of the Philippines. It has several springs cold and hot. Some of these springs are developed for tourists with huge swimming pools, picnic huts and tables, souvenir shops, restaurants and the likes. The most popular among them are the Ardent Hot Springs Resort , Bura Soda Water Park and the Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort has crystal clear water that fish can be seen clearly even just merely looking at the water. We were so tired no energy to swim so we just dipped our feet while sitting on the side of the swimming pool. Watching the fish swimming was so relaxing. It was inviting to swim with them lol but sad to say we had to go back to Caayan de Oro City. The swimming pool can be a huge fish spa because when we were motionless, the school of fish got near and was started to bite our dead skin. In Manila it’s expensive but in Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort its part of the perks and freebies of the resort.

The Resort has two stone pools, one for the adults which has a measurement of 25 meters by 40 meters with a depth varies from ½ meter to 2 meters and the other one is a kiddie pool.

There were ladies offering food, they have package to choose from. I learned that they have organization of housewives offering home cooked food as the livelihood program of the locals. Since we had a sumptuous lunch in Bura Soda Water Park we didn’t order instead ordered fresh buko (young coconut) and rice puto (steamed rice cake) for our snack. Fresh Buko is 20.00 pesos and rice puto is 10.00 not bad for a snack.

End of the tour, it was worth of the time and effort to explore this tiny island but too many things to offer. Thank you Camiguin.

Entrance Fee:

P 20.00 day time

9 years and below is “free”

Tuasan Falls - Catarman, Camiguin

Supposed to be our next and last stop would be the Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort. While we were enjoying the water in Bura Soda Water Park an old guy told us that there is another falls just near and it is called Tuasan Falls. We asked our tour guide/driver if we could go there, he said it’s not part of the itinerary because the road to that area was under construction and there were debris falling specially that it was raining. We told him we can check because it might be passable at that time, lol our persistent soul attacked. Eventually he agreed to our request.

  

 Tuasan Falls can be reached through the main coastal highway from Mambajao to Catarman. Before there was a jump off point, where tourists would trek to the falls through luscious green trail. But now and good for us there is a road straight to the area where the falls is. It is under construction but passable already.

Tuasan Falls is a raw, rugged and unspoiled waterfall located in Catarman , west side of Camiguin. It has 25-meter high strong water cascading, it is possible to swim in the pools surrounding the falls but one should be careful with the quick but clear water.  At that time that we were there the surging water was too strong that we were not advised to get near. The area is surrounded by huge ferns, trees, wild orchids and the boulders make it more rugged.

When we were on our way we lost sight of neither houses nor people walking, it was like endless road and wilderness. No tourists too in the area so we took time enjoy the place even it was raining a bit. We had time to frolic.

Don’t forget to bring your own food, no store yet in there. If you are going to swim bring along a Malong or something that would cover yourself in changing clothes. No bathroom in the area.

According to our tour guide the government is going to put some amenities for the enjoyment of the public. No entrance for now, so feel free to enjoy the unadulterated place.

Bura soda water park also known as Soda water swimming pool

This was the place what our tour guide was telling us, where we could have that native chicken. Before we alight from the multi-cab there was a lady offered lunch right away, our tour guide/driver said that we can order from her. She said she can bring the food inside the resort, special delivery lol. Actually that’s the usual they do. You can read here ourexperience with the lunch she served.

We were curious what soda water would be because I knew it would have just a zest but not of course the usual soda in the bottle of can. I was right it was just a fresh and cold with zest water. Refreshing to taste, different from the usual potable water.

This resort has a playground to add fun to the guests’ experience. While we were waiting for our food we played there too. Why not? be a kid once more, its nice to do it from time to time. Lol. 

The Bura Soda water park has two swimming pools to enjoy. The soda water is coming from a spring. Unique water, this is only can be found in here, Bura, Catarman, Camiguin. 

Entrance Fee:

13 years old up – P 20.00

6 years old to 12 years old – P 15.00

Cottage rental – P 50.00

Every Wednesday the resort is closed for its regular cleaning.

Drinking soda water is good for hydration making you feel full therefore decreasing overall food consumption. Studies show that soda water reduces osteoporosis, decreases cardiovascular disease risk and lowers blood pressure.

Soda water is the only of its kind in the whole country. It is made into swimming pool for human enjoyment and satisfaction.

Rules and regulations

1. pay your entrance fee before entering
2. observe cleanliness
3. throw your garbage in the garbage container
4. swimsuits are highly recommended
5. no eating, drinking beside the pool
6. children must be guided by parents
7. wearing slippers, shoes inside the pool are not allowed
8. gambling inside the premises is prohibited
9. person under the influence of liquor may not be allowed to enter
10. watch your own belongings

Source: Bura Soda WaterPark

Old Church Ruins (Gui-ob Church) - Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin

When the tour guide told us that our next stop was the Old Catarman Church Ruins, I was like it might be a creepy place. From outside it looked like fortress with the wall covered with moss and surrounded by huge trees. The wall and posts are huge and thick; they show how beautiful and mighty the church building was. As we entered the main building, which was the church, the cool breeze kissed our skin, refreshing. Actually it is not a creepy place maybe at night it is but for me it was a serene place. It is perfect for those who are looking for a nice place for photography, pre-wedding photo shoots or simply nature photography.

I noticed there are floor tiles on the altar where candles were being lighted. Those tiles are not matched with the old ruins. According to the kids selling candles, after the earthquake the locals built a chapel inside the ruins but now it was removed that’s why there are floor tiles on the area of the altar.

Outside the church towards the area where the remnants of the bell tower and the convent are, is a stunning view so green, the breeze smells so fresh, the surroundings is clean. The coral stones are visible on the convent building. We were estimating the measurement of the thickness of the wall more or less it could be more or less 40 inches thick. Beautiful and stunning architectural design, although as we were exploring the place, we thought that for sure our forefathers were forced to work to build this beautiful project of the Spaniards. Erase erase lol that was just part of the history and hope we learn from it.

There is a white lighthouse at the back of the convent building, the only modern structure in the ruins. Odd but well that is needed to guide the ships and the people, wish they could find a place other than the Old Catarman Church Ruins because that lighthouse mismatched the beauty of the Old Ruins.

The church of the Old Catarman town was destroyed by volcanic debris during the eruption and formation of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875. It is also known as Gui-ob Church, located in Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin.

We took time to take pictures in every corner, we were all amazed with the beauty of this place, ruins but it represents how strong the people of Camiguin are.

 A brief account Mt. Volcan Eruption

May 13,1871

6:00 PM

Cotta Bato the capital of Camiguin Island was a quiet and attractive town verdant in its natural wonders. Its peaceful shores provided strolling grounds for its inhabitants as they basked under the gracious moonlight.  Suddenly

Tranquility came to a halt as a sub-terranean rumbling sowed undescribable lower hundreds of houses and the churches crumbled into pieces the ground rolled and broke into deep crevices with horrifying earthquake served only as prelude to the destructive climax a cataclysm never witnessed before Mt. Volcano gave out its hardest and most violent outbreak.  

6:20 P.M.

Cotta Bato was a dreadful pile of ruins. The single volcano eruption buried a beautiful town into obscurity.

Hundreds of lives were lost while the survivors sought refuge in the open ground that gave them hope for tomorrow.

Source: Old Catarman Church Ruins

The Sunken Cemtery - Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin

It was always been in my list to visit the sunken cemetery. Personally I want to see the place and experience what others say about the feeling of eerie when in this place. Mostly visitors who visited this place filled with enchantment. To our dismay the place couldn’t be explored because of the bad weather condition so we couldn’t be transported by the boat. What we did was just enjoyed the sight of the place. Took pictures and talked with the locals.

Sunken cemetery is located in Bonbon, Catarman, which was the result of the volcanic eruption of Mount Vulcan (Old Volcano) that was happened in 1870s. The whole capital of Camiguin, including the cemetery sunk under the sea during that destructive volcanic eruption. Part of the sunken land and the grave stones were still visible during the low tide, but in 1948 the Mount Vulcan erupted again made the whole area deeper. The gravestones can still be thru diving. That’s why today Sunken Cemetery is considered as one of the most interesting diving sites in the Philippines.

In 1982 the Provincial Government of Camiguin erected a huge cross to mark the site of the sunken graves of their ancestors. From then on it was called the “Sunken Cemetery”.

The history of the sunken cemetery is definitely tragic. It’s the way the people of Camiguin valued this historic site and its heritage that show the kind of people they are. This incident truly defines the people’s courage, resilience and faith to survive the challenges of time. 

Too many things to do in Camiguin, take time and plan.

Mount Volcano- Walkway to the old volcano and Stations of the Cross

 

After our stop in Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort, we wanted to go to the white island, a sandbar, but we couldn’t because it was high tide plus the weather was so bad. Our next stop was the walkway to the old volcano, which has the 14 stations of the crosss depicting the passion of Christ. Located in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin. It is the memorial to the dead from the eruption in the 1950s.

This tourist spot is a famous tourist destination in Camiguin Island on Lenten Season; it is a pilgrimage site for Roman Catholic devotees. It’s their way of penitence, trekking on the 8 kilometer path while contemplating and renewing their faith. Every holy week locals and tourists specially the devotees observe the Panaad festival, which means a festival of promise. Usually devotees have that promise to visit and penitence for the wrong doings they done. 

Although one does not need to be Christian to admire the beauty of the pilgrimage site. Mt. Vulcan is also known as the Old Volcano which is a contradictory because it is the youngest volcano on the island; it was discovered during the 1871 eruption.

The environmental fee is very minimal P 5.00. We paid it after our trek. On the other side of the road, there are food stall and souvenir shops.

The walkway is covered with trees serve as the shades; the steps are concrete in the first few meters. Along the way there were vandals on the pavement, which are covered of moss. What we enjoyed most on our trek was the breath taking scenery over looking the Camiguin Island and of course the fresh air. It was relieving being kissed by cold breeze and smell of fresh air. There were just few tourists at that time so we had the time to frolic. The bad thing was we were hungry and we were just munching on chips and crackers after we reached the 7^th station we resigned. Lol so we slowly went back. Lesson of the day eat first before embarking on the vigorous and time bounded tour. It’s great too because we have reason to go back to Camiguin Island because we have unfinished business. See you again Mount Volcano- Walkway to the old volcano and Stations of the Cross!

Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin

Part of our tour is the Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort. It’s a hot spring one. I grew up in a place where we usually bathe in hot spring resorts; my expectation for hot spring is high. I always compare the temperatures of Mapaso Spring resort or San Benon Spring resort to any hot spring that I've been. To my surprise ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort matched my expectations of a hot spring. This resort is the usual jump-off point for the hikers, who want to explore Mt. Hibok-hibok.

This resort is being managed by the Local Government Unit of Mambajao, Camiguin, it has six natural hot swimming pools with different water temperature. It is nestled on the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok, which is an active volcano that makes the water hot. The best time to go there and enjoy the water is in the morning or at night. It is open 24 hours a day. The amenities of the resort are bar and restaurant, cafeteria (canteen), cottages, picnic sheds and tables, garden, camping ground and rooms available too.

Outside the resort there are many shops selling souvenir items and comfort food.

We had a day tour so we decided to have just 20 minutes to explore and enjoy the water but since we love hot spring we stayed for another 10 minutes.

Entrance Fee:

Adult – P 30.00

Child – P 15.00

Facility and Accomodation Rates:

• Grill Station - 20Php

• Regular Size Shed/Table - 70Php (first 3hrs) ; 10Php/hr, in excess of 3hrs.

• Family Size Shed - 150Php (first 3hrs) ; 10Php/hr, in excess of 3hrs.

• 4 units - Duplex Cottage (AC w/ CR) - 1,200Php/room/day (good for 2 pax)

• additional bed - 175Php/head/day

• 4 units - Dormitory Rooms (w/ AC) - 3,080Php/room/day (good for 7 pax)

• Family Room - 2,750Php/room/day (good for 5 pax)

The swimming pools at Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort contain fresh and hot sulfuric flowing water. Temperature in every pool varies from thirty three degrees centigrade (33ºC) to thirty eight degrees centigrade (38ºC) to answer to individual needs and desire. Skin pores tend to open when expose to warm or hot water and close to cold water exposure. Thus, one is advised to have a cold shower after a dip at the swimming pool.

Sulfuric dioxide gas smells like “rotten eggs.” The higher the sulfuric content the more likely one smells it. The sulfuric content in the water varies from pool to pool at a PH of 6.4 to 7.2. Sulfur in water offers several therapeutic effect on skin disease, asthma (steam from pools provide bronchodilation effect), neuralgia (nerve pain) and rheumatism (joint pains on the shoulder, neck and wrist). Swimming, soaking or having a dip at the hot springs will soothe, relieve or ease the pain of your body.

Pool Guidelines

1. The pool opens 24/7

2. Pool cleaning schedule: every Wednesday  from 7:00am to 12:00noon.

3. Swimmers are encouraged to wear proper swimming attire:

women - bathing suitsor short pants

men – swimming trunk or shorts

4. Children without guardians are not allowed to use the pool.

5. Use of any soap or shampoo at the pool is strictly prohibited.

6. Indecent behavior/act, indecent exposure is strictly prohibited. It is punishable by law.

7. Do not leave your valuable things unattended. The resort will not assume responsibility for any losses.

8. Everybody is enjoined to help make the resort a clean and green place to stay.

            Avoid eating, drinking and smoking at the pool.

            Use garbage can for your waste

9. Violators will be evicted.

Source: Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort

Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort

Tagdo, Mambajao, Camiguin

Tele fax no. (088) 3870508

Katibawasan Falls - Mambajao Camiguin

It was a rainy day when we reached Camiguin, windy and cold but didn’t stop us from exploring the province born of fire. Our first stop was in Katibawasan Falls, which is located 5 kilometers from the capital of Camiguin the town of Mambajao.

 

We were hungry so we looked for something to eat and our eyes were caught by the native delicacy Kiping.  It is a must try when one is in this area, Katibawasan falls.

While we were enjoying the kiping, we heard the sound of the surging water. The people in there said that there was a flood and we couldn’t swim. They told that we can just enjoy the view if we want to. From a far we could see the chocolate colored waterfalls cascading. Even we knew we couldn’t bathe nor swim still we got inside to see and enjoy the spectacular view of majestic waterfalls of the Katibawasan.

We were in awe while watching the surging of water cascading 250 feet. The natural rock pool of chocolate colored water surrounded by trees, wild ferns, boulders and flowering plants gave us the feeling of enchantment.

Katibawasan falls is under the maintenance of the provincial government that’s why the entrance fees are minimal:

Adults – P 20.00

Children – P 5.00

Students – P 15.00

Picnic tables, chairs and comfort rooms are available for use. I wished there was a cafeteria so we could enjoy the place while resting. After taking pictures we had to leave because we just had a day to explore the Province of Camiguin.

Till then Camiguin.

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.