Last 2 years, it should be my first solo travel and supposedly, it should be here in Camiguin. I have my round trip ticket already and everything’s packed in my back pack. Unfortunately, I didn’t go *rolling eyes*. But as far as I know, Camiguin is one of those safest travel destination for female solo travelers.
It is known for its seven active volcanoes, which is why it is called the Island Born in Fire. It is also one of those destinations that makes it onto every traveler’s bucket list. Why? Simply because it has almost everything — from hot and cold springs to white sandbars and magnificent waterfalls. I hope this article inspires you to visit Camiguin, although I bet you’ve already heard of this island before.
Aside from enjoying the different spots of the island, one of the main reason I’m here is because of Mambajao’s Fiesta! lol. Imagine the free accommodation and free pakals (food)!!! Hahahhahaahahaha! Since one of our friend from Oponside lives here then off we go. Anyhow, there are 3 ways to get to Camiguin, so here’s how.
How To Get There:
1. via CDO:
Take a plane/boat to Cagayan De Oro. Once you are in CDO, go to Agora Terminal via jeep or taxi and take a bus to Balingoan Port. Take a ferry to Benoni Port, Camuguin. Travel time is approximately 5-6 hours.
2. via Bohol:
From Tagbilaran, go to Jagna by bus then take a ferry to Camiguin. Travel time is approximately 5-6 hours. However, for now, trips from Bohol is currently stopped.
3. via Cebu:
Take a plane via Cebu Pacific Air.
Now, once we arrived in Camiguin, our good friend Jay fetched us from the airport and took us to their house. We had our breakfast first and had chit chats. Since it is fiesta in their main city, we checked for any activities and guess what. There was a parade but not just any typical parade. Why? ‘Cause the Avengers are here! lol
Then went back to have unlimited tagay and pakals.
What To Do?
In the afternoon, we visited Ardent Hot Spring which is just 20 minutes away from their house. We rented a trike for 60 pesos each back and forth. Entrance Fee is only 30 pesos and you can already enjoy and relax in the spring without any limit.
Our first day in Camiguin ended up with unlimited beers, foods and chit chats. Tiring but fun! Also, we need to save some energy for tomorrow’s whole island day tour so we slept early.
The next morning, we rented a multicab for P1,700.00 for 7 spots and for 7 hours. Since we already went to Ardent, so we have 6 stops left.
1. Camiguin White Island/Sandbar
I’m not really sure why this is called White Island when there’s actually no island here so maybe “sandbar” would be more accurate, eh? Anyway, even though we spent less than an hour here, we really enjoyed it — probably because of the big waves and, of course, the view.
The entrance fee is ₱20.00, and boat rental costs ₱450.00 for up to 6 people.
Since there are no shades here, you can rent tables with umbrellas.
Now, for the group pics! lol (sorry it’s blurry. damn you gopro fog)
And there’s my favorite…. the struggle in the waves. Hmm, I should make an album in facebook and call it like that with all my photos of struggles. lol
Moving ooooonnnnnnnn… Next stop is..
2. Sunken Cemetery
No entrance fee so huuuraaaay for that!
You can actually go to the big cross by a small boat. You can also snorkel to see the cemetery below but sadly my friends doesn’t like to do it *insert sad face* so we just took some photos with the cross as our background. History is that when one of the volcanoes erupted, the cemetery sank to the bottom.
3. Old Church Ruins
I love this part of the tour ’cause it’s not your typical ruins. It’s actually a church that’s been ruined by a volcanic eruption (yes, again!) in 1870s. What’s left was the bell tower.
They also have the century tree here.
No entrance fee but they’ll ask for donations so please donate. 😉
4. Soda Spring
The name explains it. Once you try it, you’ll burp just like after drinking soda. But don’t expect too much. It doesn’t taste like Sprite or 7 Up. I tried it once and never went back lol. Also, don’t drink directly from the spring and use this spot instead (photo below), unless you want a hint of urine lol.
5. Sto. Nino Cold Spring
Since Cebu has a lot of springs, this is not really new to me. We just enjoyed having lunch while drinking emperador and had chit chats.
Entrance fee of the spring resorts are 30 pesos while cottages ranges from 50-70 pesos.
6. Katibawasan Falls
This was our last stop of the day. There are other falls aside from this and I think this is the most famous one.
The falls is so effin’ high and it was my first time to see as high as Katibawasan. It was indeed majestic. Although, it was an easy access and a no sweat hike, it is still worth it. Aside from that, we’re the only group who were there that time so we had the place all to ourselves.
Surrounded with trees, you should respect the place by lowering your voice and not to be too noisy.
If you are lucky enough, try to check the trees around you. You’ll see your long lost brothers and sisters clinging to it — the monkeys. Hah!
So that’s how our tour ended. Once we got home, we ate again ’cause it’s still fiesta. lol. It was really ossum!!! Next year, we’ll prolly go back since we’re planning to organize a skate competition at their fiesta. So excited! Hope you enjoy our Camiguin Island Tour and Mambajao’s Fiesta!!