Camiguin Island is one of my favorite places here in my country. The first time I've been there is just to accompany my mom on her trip with her friends. Since then, I've fallen in love with this beautiful island born of fire and been there a few times already.
It is called "Island Born of fire" due to the remnants of the volcanic eruptions and land movement that created this island which is full of natural wonders. It has seven volcanoes including Mount Hibok-Hibok, an active one with last recorded eruption in 1953, several volcanic domes, several waterfalls, hot and cold spring waters, a green luscious jungle that you can explore, and white sand beaches that you will definitely love. And the best thing is that there aren't too many tourists that will give you enough time to enjoy the island all by yourselves.
Let me tour you to the island virtually.
Sunken Cemetery
One of the attractions off the shores of Camiguin Island is its legendary sunken cemetery. A local cemetery slipped into the sea after a 19th-century earthquake. But now it is a popular diving and snorkel site which I have experienced. At first, I'm having second thoughts about it but when my friends said that they are game for it we all go. There are so many giant clams that you will see under the water but I didn't snorkel where the cemetery part is. I find it too spooky to look down knowing that there is a cemetery under the water.
Stations of the cross and the walkway to the old volcano
If you are a devout Christian who wants to complete the 14 stations of the cross while trekking up the mountain that leads to the peak of Mt. Vulcan Daan then this walkway going up is for you. Did I climb it up? Nope, the oldies that I'm with didn't want to climb it up so what can I do? hahaha, reasons. But we did climb for about 20 or 30 minutes but since most of my mom friends are already seniors they decided not continue with the climb and just go to the next stop. The guide says that it was approximately 1-hour trek up to the top of the hill where the last station could be found.
The Old Guiob Church Ruins (Old Catarman)
Located in Barangay Bonbon, 16 kilometers from the center of Catarman. The Old Guiob Church Ruins was one of the structures that remained standing after the disastrous eruption. The ruins of adobe walls, belfry, and convent are what are left as beautiful physical reminders of the devastating 1871 earthquake which wiped out the town of Catarman which was established during the Spanish settlement. You can imagine how beautiful it is just by looking at the area with the remaining structures.
It is also here that you will find a century-old tree that is so huge. An enormous, towering tree that survived the tremors and shaking of the 18th-century eruption. I have seen a century-old Balete tree in Baler but this one is different. It is so wide and tall as if it is so proud to be still standing despite the tragic eruptions that it experienced. If you will visit it you will see that it is standing victoriously on a cliff where you can also see a majestic view of the sea.
Katibawasan Falls
This falls is too long that I had a hard time taking a whole shot of it. The water is too cold that you cannot stay longer in the water unless its summer time that the sun is shining so bright. You'll find Katibawasan Falls five kilomerters southeast of Mambajao. The waterfalls measures about 250 feet high with water that cascade to a rock pool surrounded by wild ferns, trees and boulders.
The surrounding area where you'll find the falls is also good for a picnic while relaxing and listening to the soft splash sounds of water from the falls.
White Island
A crescent shape, uninhabited white sandbar with Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcan in the backdraft is what I like the most in Camiguin. You can rent a banca from anywhere in Yumbing, Mambajao area and in just 10 minutes you are already there. They said that his famed white island is overrated but for me it is so beautiful that I'll never get tired of visiting it. A crescent shape sandbar, white powdery sand that is surrounded by clear turquoise water is just perfect for an early morning sun.
They are also selling sea urchins that you can eat raw while on the island and mind you they are sweet when they are fresh.
Camiguin is also the home of the sweetest Lansones that you can find here in the Philippines and they have a festival every month of October to give thanks for abundance harvest.
There are still so many places that I haven't include here so maybe I still have to make another article for it but all the places that I include here are my favorite to visit on that island. And if you want to know how to get there just let me know and I'll gladly share with you on how to get there.
And if you've come this far... I hope that I was able to entertain you and made you smile... and for that Thank you.
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“Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself but with patience, with compassion, and respect to your own journey.” —S. McNutt
