Hi, wholesome reader!
Today, let me share with you our hike up one of Camiguin's volcanoes. Mt. Vulcan, also known as the "Old Volcano," is located between the towns of Mambajao and Catarman on Camiguin Island. Honestly, we have no idea why the locals refer to it as the "Old Volcano."
This inactive volcano has a walkway, and along the route, you'll find life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. During the Lenten Season, Catholic devotees hike up the mountain to perform the Stations of the Cross to show repentance and to commemorate the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
I made sure to include this in our Camiguin itinerary because I was curious about the view from the top. I also did some research before our trip and was fascinated by photos shared by other tourists. Plus, we love adding a bit of hiking to our trips, and this seemed like the most convenient trail for us.
When we arrived at the starting point of the walkway, there was a large group of other tourists. Not that I was eavesdropping, but I overheard that they were only planning to take photos at the foot of the trail. Since we went early in the morning and didn't see any other tourists, it was just my boyfriend and I hiking up the walkway.
Hikers face a long flight of stairs at the beginning. However, after reaching the midpoint, the stairs disappear, and you continue on an unpaved road. At that point, it felt more like a real mountain hike than just climbing stairs.
I had to take a few breaks, as it had been ages since I last hiked up a mountain. There were many moments when I thought about giving up, but thankfully, my boyfriend encouraged me to keep going. He was patient, especially as we neared the last station, the end of the walkway.
It was a sunny day, with a clear sky. Perfect hiking weather! The view became more and more spectacular as we approached the top. From there, you could see the white cross of the Sunken Cemetery, along with the beautiful blue waters of the ocean.
When we finally reached the top, I was literally and figuratively breathless — from both the hike and the stunning view. It was all worth it.
We didn’t stay long at the summit since the day was just beginning, and we still had a lot of places to explore. The hike down only took us half the time it took to climb up.
If you're ever in Camiguin and looking for a mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking views, I highly recommend adding Mt. Vulcan to your itinerary. It's not just a hike, but an experience that connects you with the island's rich culture and natural beauty. Whether you're religious or simply an outdoor enthusiast, the trail offers a rewarding climb and a chance to appreciate the island from a new perspective. Until the next adventure!
Thank you for reading my post up to this point. I hope you have a great time ahead!
I'll take delight in writing for you again soon.
Love,
Sam ♡
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Hello, in case you have not read my intro post, my name is Samantha. You may call me Sam for short. I am from Cebu, a beautiful island in the Philippines. I created this space in an attempt to put all the good things in one place, thus, my blog name @wholesamdiaries.
Let's connect! I'd be glad to discover more amazing people here. Thank you once again and see you around! ♡