Hot n' Cold in Camiguin Island

I would like to go back, for a blog post, to that wonderful island of Camiguin and its equally wonderful water attractions which we visited last March.

We took a dip in a hot spring, and then in a cold spring. Though the temperatures varied widely, the fun was all the same.

In our first night in the island, we immediately planned for a night out, and so right after hauling our packs into our resort cottages, we made our way to the van which brought us to Ardent Hot Springs.

I will always remember that time because it was the night of the Earth Hour initiative where the world was turning off their lights for one hour. We had a lone lightbulb for the entire party in the open hut turned on and we no longer asked for additional light.

Soon enough we were taking dips in the pool overflowing with warm, relaxing water. It was wonderful, just submerging yourself neck-deep in the water and thinking of nothing else but the fun you're having with friends.


In our day trip, we dropped by another of Camiguin's water attraction:  the Sto Nino Cold Water Spring.  We were literally just going to take a peep, take photos from outside, then move on.  But the entrance fee was so cheap we decided to enter and have our photos taken from inside.  But hey... the water looked so inviting, so... why not spare a few minutes and take a real quick dip?  So dip we did.  And they weren't kidding when they said cold springs!  You eventually become accustomed (numbed?) with the cold but wading out of the water made it even colder!  So stay in the pool we did, for about half an hour or so.





*sigh*  Those were the days.


[photos by friends Yoyo and Dave]

Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin Island

Camiguin is truly blessed with rich natural resources, and it has a lot of water-themed tourist spots that entice locals and guests alike to dip into pools and spend the leisurely time away from the hustle-bustle of city life.

The Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong at Mambajao. There is a wide, parking area near the entrance where souvenir stalls vie for your attention to purchase shirts and trinkets.

Upon paying a minimal entrance fee, a short walk to the falls increases your anticipation as you hear the roaring waters and catch glimpses of the falls between foliage and trees.

The path eventually takes you to a ridge and beyond, a breathtaking view of Katibawasan Falls!



It's a majestic sight! Measured at a drop of 250 feet, I have never seen a waterfall with such height! Cameras clicked feverishly as people scrambled for the best location.

Actually, we did not intend to swim but the water was so inviting! And so take a dip we did.

It was c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-cold-d-d-d-d-d-d-d.

Eventually you get used to it somewhat, but then when you leave the pool, it's even c-c-c-c-c-colder-r-r-r-r-r-r.

My emote moment. Heh

It made me wonder how the top of the waterfalls look like. It's amazing how the water topples off the mountain wall like it's coming from nowhere. It was beautiful, enchanting, and relaxing all at the same time.


Related Links:
Wonderful photos at Lino Photography
Camiguin Island information by the Hawaiian WebMaster

The Sunken Cemetery at Camiguin Island

I have been hearing about the Sunken Cemetery in tourist documentaries but have never found it interesting because for one thing, it's a cemetery! Diving into the cemetery sounded a lot like a spooky adventure to me.

But when a friend said that they were planning to go to Cagayan de Oro and then to Camiguin Island, my curiosity got the better of me. Why not? This can be the chance of a lifetime! Plus, there was a local movie named "Ouija" which featured beautiful Camiguin Island and the Sunken Cemetery. Suspense/horror theme notwithstanding, the scenery was enough to get anyone curious about the island.

We rented a jeepney to take us to the tourist spots, and the Sunken Cemetery was our final destination for that day. We wished to see the sunset there. As we descended the narrow steps towards the shore to take a banca ride going to the cross itself, there were a couple other local tourists about. And just like them, we were wondering where the film Ouija was shot. Wow, that film must have been very popular.

As our banca crossed the quick, less than 5-minute trip, I was half-imagining decomposing hands grasping the boat's edge, overturning it and dragging us to their watery grave. *shudder* Blame it on my increasing fascination with suspense/horror films.



We finally reached the cross and lingered about for some time while our other companions made their way as well. The water was crystal clear; you can actually see portions of the bottom. But the sun as already setting which created shadows beneath us. We returned to the mainland just as the sun started to set. It was a beautiful sight ... for a place that met a violent end with a volcano's unleashed fury.

Snorkeling (I haven't done any diving yet) would have raised the experience a couple of notches higher but sightseeing was all the time we had for the day...



Related links:
Province of Camiguin website
Story of the Sunken Cemetery

White Island Sandbar at Camiguin

Picking off from where we left at Cagayan de Oro, our next destination was a short trip to Bukidnon's pineapple plantation, followed by the sea travel to the lovely island Camiguin. This island is so beautiful, with majority of the roads well-paved. Lots of greenery, very clean, and lots of schools too! That was an amazing part. We saw a lot of schools, considering that it is quite a small island.

I am devoting a blog post for the wonderful White Island just off the coast of Paras Beach Resort in Barangay Yubing. All it takes to get to this island is a banca ride of less than ten minutes.

The sandbar is uninhabited, although there are manmade shelter areas in one area of the island which, I believe, is the part that doesn't sink come high tide. The sand is white and, though not as powdery as Boracay's, is still a delight to feel the sand between your toes.

Early morning is the best time to explore this sandbar due to space and sun considerations. Oh, and there are souvenir sellers and food on the island, too!

The sandbar with Camiguin Island in the background

Jump for joy!

This ocean is alive!

It's just the place to unwind.