Come Again in Camiguin

Endless sun, salty breezes, sea as far as the eye can see – there is really nothing like an island getaway. I am a traveler. And among the places I have visited, there are some which have stuck more in my mind than other. One of those places is an “Island Bourne on Fire”.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao. It plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. In fact, Camiguin has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on earth.

Tourist attractions include the Gui-Ob Church which was devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1871. There is also the Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery installed by the Provincial government to mark the community cemetery that sunk during the same volcanic holocaust.

Abundant natural attractions such as Tanguines Lagoon, Katibawasan and Tuasan Falls, Tangub and Ardent Hot Springs, Sto. Nino and Soda Cold Springs, Mantigue and White Islands will definitely keep adventurers busy.

Camiguin is widely recognized for having the sweetest lanzones in the Philippines, and a festival is celebrated every October as a tribute to this delicacy. Parades, pageants, dancing and of course lanzones-eating highlights the event.

Although Camiguin is located in Mindanao, the island is relatively safe with almost nil crime rate. In fact, one of the island’s best traits is its peacefulness and serenity. Although the place is teeming with natural wonders, still, it is uncorrupted by large number of tourists and those who do come there feel proprietorial about Camiguin and guard news of its treasures like a secret.

There is currently no direct flight from Manila to Camiguin. You can take Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific flight to Cagayan de Oro City. Flying time approximately takes one hour and 20 minutes. From the Cagayan de Oro City airport, you can take a cab to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market and get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island approaching Camiguin by sea. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.

To see more of my Camiguin Adventures please click here.