Known for its “pear-shaped” volcanic island, Camiguin is dubbed as “Born of Fire” because of its seven volcanoes unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. One of its volcanoes is the unpredictably active Mt. Hibok-hibok which erupted in 1951. And because of this eruption, Camiguin’s beaches are covered with pebbles and dark sand but have resulted to this spectacular island full of natural wonders and historical riches.
It is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao and composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao, which is the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman. Geographically, it is in the southern part of the Philippines located approximately 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City. It is bounded by Bohol Sea to the north, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay, and by Butuan Bay to the east.
Going to Camiguin island can be done via direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Air Philippines from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City at approximately one hour and 20 minutes flying time or from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City at about 30 minutes flight. You can also take exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor via WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines to Cagayan de Oro City port that usually takes about twenty eight to thirty six hours travel time. From Cagayan de Oro City, you can ride a bus trip for Balingoan at terminal located at the Agora Market. From Balingoan, take a ferry boat bound for Camiguin Island that will consumed approximately one hour. Another option is to take a three hour ferry ride from Cagayan de Oro port to Guinsiliban via M/V Yuhum.
Aside from its rare seven volcanoes, Camiguin Island is very rich in natural wonders that can please any of its visitors. Some of the most recommended places to visits are the following:
1. Remains of the Catarman Church composed mainly of ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent that serve as the mute witnesses to the wrath of nature, the devastating volcanic holocaust in 1871.
It is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao and composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao, which is the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman. Geographically, it is in the southern part of the Philippines located approximately 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro City. It is bounded by Bohol Sea to the north, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay, and by Butuan Bay to the east.
Going to Camiguin island can be done via direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Air Philippines from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City at approximately one hour and 20 minutes flying time or from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro City at about 30 minutes flight. You can also take exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor via WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines to Cagayan de Oro City port that usually takes about twenty eight to thirty six hours travel time. From Cagayan de Oro City, you can ride a bus trip for Balingoan at terminal located at the Agora Market. From Balingoan, take a ferry boat bound for Camiguin Island that will consumed approximately one hour. Another option is to take a three hour ferry ride from Cagayan de Oro port to Guinsiliban via M/V Yuhum.
Aside from its rare seven volcanoes, Camiguin Island is very rich in natural wonders that can please any of its visitors. Some of the most recommended places to visits are the following:
1. Remains of the Catarman Church composed mainly of ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent that serve as the mute witnesses to the wrath of nature, the devastating volcanic holocaust in 1871.
2. Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery in Bonbon, Catarman is a famous underwater cemetery which is submerged after a volcanic eruption in 1871. It is marked with a huge cross and gravestones were visible during the low tide.
3. Philvocs Observatory Station is a site that showcases a breathtaking view of the island. It houses a seismograph that is used to monitor the activity of Mount Hibok-hibok.
4. Tanguines Lagoon is a man-made lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog. It is a perfect place to convene with nature due to its mantle of limpid waters, rocky cliffs and huge boulders standing like sentinels, gently rolling hills with peaks covered by creamy clouds and a perpetually restive sea that provides visitors with a sense of serenity and peace.
5. Katibawasan Falls is a 250 feet majestic clear stream of water to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its cold water provides a refreshing summer splash to all vacationers.
6. Tuasan Falls offers fun and excitement on its trek to the 25 meter high wild and mighty falls because one will have to go through a very scenic hike passing through the quaint Barrio of Mainit before being refreshed under the thunderous falls.
7. Binangawan Falls in Sagay has several miniature and gigantic waterfalls gushing through majestic granite stones that converge in one main pool of crystal water, covered with luscious virgin vegetation.
8. Tangub Hot Spring is a volcanic spring by the sea with water temperatures turns cold, hot and lukewarm as the tide changes from high, low and medium. 9. Macao Cold Spring is one of Camiguin’s idyllic springs with cool splash of crystal blue water.
10. Mount Hibok-hibok is the only active volcano in the island with a crater lake at the peak that offers an awesome view of the islands of Cebu, Negros and Bohol.
Camiguin Island is definitely a virtual paradise with its uniqueness that lies in its various masterpiece of landscape, pristine natural environment and rural setting. It has been considered by Department of Tourism as one of the Top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines and ranked number seven diving spot in the world.
Other amazing places to visit are Mantigue Island, Old Volcano (unique underwater lava formation), Ardent Hot Spring, White Island, Jicduf Shoal, Burias Shoal (dive spot), Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Old Sto. Rosario Church, Via Cruzes, Centennial House in Mambajao, and Mount Ilihan. Other reason to visit Camiguin Island is its year-round Lanzones Festival that highlights newly harvested sweet lanzones, traditional street dancing, drum circles and colorful ethnic costumes.
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