Camiguin: La Isla Bonita

Camiguin is a small island you can drive around in about 2 hours. It is rich in history. It's probably the first province in Mindanao to be rooted with Christianity because of its stone-walled church. A century and decades after the eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, the island remained humble with its gift of nature and the lifestyle of its people simple.

Our first stop is the viewing deck with this picturesque view of its clear water and luscious mountain.

 

A few meters drive from the viewing deck is the entrance to the Walkway to Mt. Hibok-hibok. Devout Catholics come here for the Way of the Cross as stations are set up here all the way to the top. In front of it are souvenir and food stalls.

 

The Church Ruins also has a picture-worthy view. There were kids selling candles at the entrance who were gracious enough to take our pictures. This spot is home to a century-old tree. 

I really envy this shot, but I couldn't climb the wall.

It has a perfect ground for jump shots, too!

The Sunken Cemetery is a landmark that you can visit and take pictures at. Small boats are available to take you to the cross and show you the sunken graves. The idea gives me creeps so I'm happy with having pictures taken from above. The locals will teach you photo 'tricks'. I have my own trick below.

Instagram: @msjoyangco

Our first swim in Camiguin was in their cold spring. The entrance fee is Php30 and then you rent a gazebo or tables and chairs. We decided to have our lunch there. There were vendors outside offering food, but I opted to order our food inside since I read a blog before going there that food quality from those vendors is not good. We were told the serving is good for 3 to 5 persons, but it was not. The taste was also bad, especially for the fried stuff. Oh well, the swim in the cold water is the best part of that stop.

The Soda Pool (entrance fee of Php30) is another place to swim. It was new to me as they didn't have it when I first visited the island in 2001. The water is not as cold, and I noticed it was difficult to swim in. We didn't stay there too long.

The tallest waterfalls in the country is here. Katibawasan Falls is just enchanting. The water is freezing cold. I didn't want to take a swim, but my little man Kino frowned when I said we won't. We were literally chilling while dipping in the water. I remember my sister and I went behind the waterfalls before. They do not allow it anymore for safety reasons. (Entrance fee: Php30)

Our last stop for the day is at Ardent Hot Spring. It seemed like everyone's last stop because it was too crowded. I was a bit frustrated because it wasn't as hot as it used to be. Nevertheless, we dipped for about half an hour to calm the nerves from a long day.

We capped our day with a fancy dinner at Casa Roca. The place was lovely and romantic with its low lights and blues music. The food was great with a healthy amount of serving. I recommend dining here if you're a foodie like us.

The perfect alfredo pasta

Early the next day, we headed to the White Island. The boat ride was Php450 (maximum of 6 persons) and environmental fee of Php20 per person. The weather was confused that morning. One moment it was drizzling and then sunny the next. Because of that, the place was made perfect with a rainbow. One side of the island has calm water, while the other side has strong current. No matter how good a swimmer you are, I suggest you don't take the risk and give the locals and tourists a bother if you can't beat the current. Just be on the safe side, swim and enjoy the view. Try snorkeling too. You may find treasure like how Kino and his Big Mamu found a hundred peso bill under water.

There's their 100-peso treasure!

Our sweet escape was about to end. It was Palm Sunday so we dropped by their cathedral after brunch, before we head home.

Getting to Camiguin takes long hours of travel from home, but we would still love to do it again. My friends would like to climb Mt. Hibok-Hibok. I'm not a climber kind so I promise them a sumptuous meal right at the foot of the mountain when they come down.