Camiguin

Camiguin is of a volcanic origin, which is why the geography, flora and fauna of the island is quite interesting. The volcanoes, however, are not the only attraction in the island but also the stunning white beaches as well as the enigmatic underwater cemetery. This pear-shaped island is located in the Bohol Sea and it is around 10 kilometers north of Mindanao coast. There is no definite dry season in Camiguin but a pronounced amount of rainfall is always expected around October to February. For a higher chance of sunshine during your stay in Camiguin, better schedule your trip during the summer months of March to May.

There are a total of seven volcanoes in the island but do not worry, only Hibok Hibok is active and its last eruption was way back in 1953. Aside from Mount Hibok Hibok, the other volcanoes are Vulcan, Guinsiliban, Mambajao, Timpoong, Tres Marias and Uhay. You can also do a little island hopping here in Camiguin since it is composed of one major island and two other islets namely White Island (the very popular white sand bar) and Mantigue Island. Both hot springs and cold springs are available in Camiguin. There is the Ardent Hot Spring, Tangub Hot Spring and the Sto. Nino Cold Spring. As if all those wonderful nature is not enough, there are also two waterfalls in this pristine island, the Katibawasan and Tuasan Falls.

White Island (photo credit : iamthreciamae)

When you are done marveling at Camiguin’s natural attractions, you can also have a tour of the century-old churches in the area. You can visit the Santo Rosario Church, Old Catarman Church Ruins and Baylao Church. Ancestral homes abound in this island as well. There are houses built during the American colonial period as well as the Spanish colonial period. Last but definitely not the least is the Sunken Cemetery. This particular cemetery sunk due to the volcanic birth of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875. It is marked by a huge cross by the sea erected there in 1982. 

History

Both Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in this island in 1521 and 1565 respectively. This province has its share of battles from the Spaniards, Japanese and American colonizers. Originally, Camiguin is part of Misamis Oriental province. It became a sub-province in 1958 and a permanent separate province in 1966. It was not until two years after when Camiguin as a province in itself was formally inaugurated.

Festival

Camiguin is known for its Lanzones Festival held every third week of October. It is a two-day grand festival characterized by sports fests, baranggay beautification, product exhibits and parades. Another festival here you should look forward to is the San Juan Hibok Hibokan celebrated every 24th of June. This festival is in honor of Saint John the Baptist and is characterized mostly by water sports and fluvial parades.

Tips

Katibawasan falls (photo:baby_marzy07 )

You can get to Camiguin by air via Cebu City. This island can also be reached via ferry from Cagayan de Oro. Now, the island is just a mere 64 kilometer stretch so you can literally go around it in just a few hours. It would be best to hire a tricycle for only 300 to 500 pesos if you do not mind the cramped space. If you want more convenience in your travel, for a higher cost, you can hire a jeep or multicab instead.

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