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