Exploring CAMIGUIN Island!

Camiguin is one of the country’s premier eco-adventure destinations. It is part of Northern Mindanao Region, and is the second smallest province next to Batanes. The island is believed to have been created from volcanic eruptions that’s why it was called as the “island born of fire”.

Right after our exciting CDO White Water Rafting experience (check out my post about our rafting adventure)  we immediately head to Balingoan Port to catch the last trip to Benoni, an entry point to the island of Camiguin. Travel time is about 2-3 hours from CDO.

We arrived at Balingoan Port at around 5:30 PM and A Ro-Ro boat is waiting to load more passengers. Regular fare is Php170 per person for an hour boat ride to Benoni Port.

Our contact was already waiting for us in Benoni Port with a multicab that will tour us around the island. We immediately head to Ardent Hotspring and have our dinner there. Ardent Hotspring is composed of various pools which are best for night swimming after a very tiring day.  The waters in their hot springs are said to have come from Mt. Hibok-hibok.  After our dinner, we headed to Paguia’s cottages. Our group gets to stay at a two-bedroom air-conditioned home. We took a rest and decided to continue the island tour the next day.

Day2:

Waking up at 5:30 am, we were all excited to explore the island.  Here are the places we visited:

Katibawasan Falls:

One of the main tourist attraction in Camiguin and is an ideal place to cool of during the hot and humid days.

 Walkway:

The Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross. The locals call this the "hundred steps of the history of Jesus Christ's crucifixion."

 Gui-ob Church Ruins:

This 16th century church was damaged during the volcanic eruption

J&A Fish Pens:

Here, You can catch your own fish.. or just order the fish you like … yes, fresh from the pond!

SUNKEN CEMETERY:

A community cemetery that sunk during the volcanic eruption in 18th century. A huge cross can be seen from afar. Unfortunately, our group was not able to get closer to the giant cross due to our tight schedule.

MANTIGUE Island Nature Park:

This can be reached by boat for about 40 minutes.

After our Camiguin Tour, we head to Gingoog City to spend the day 3 & 4 of our Misamis Oriental Getaway.  

Here is the Itinerary of our whole Misamis Oriental Adventure (CDO-Camiguin-Gingoog)

And my expenses (CDO-Camiguin-Gingoog Transpo)

We stayed at Empalmado's residence (my officemate's house) while we were in Gingoog. Lucky us, accomodation and food are all free!! :) :)