Monday, April 17, 2006

Panaad sa Camiguin 2006

For as long as I can remember, I spent Holy Weeks at home (except for the 2 years I was in Singapore). This year, it's different. I agreed to join my parents 2 days and 2 nights road trip to Camiguin. The place, like any vacation spots in Philippines or Asia, was jampacked. But Camiguin handled the heat and the people gracefully.

How To Go To Camiguin Island:
Via plane.

Philippine Airlines , Air Philippines , Cebu Pacific , SEAir

Via sea.
Super Ferry , Negros Navigation

1. The nearest airport would be in Cagayan De Oro. I advise you to take the early flight departing Manila (around 5 or 6am).
2. Once in Cagayan de Oro Airport, take a cab and go to Agora (bus terminal). Fare: 120-150 pesos either by meter or prior agreement. Travel time: 30 mins
3. In Agora, take a 'Bachelor' bus (air-conditioned) heading to Butuan or Davao. The bus will pass by 'Balingoan Terminal/Port'. Fare: 105 pesos. Travel time:2 hrs
* Balingoan terminal has ferries to Camiguin.
* Please take note that Camiguin has 2 ports: Guinsiliban and Benoni.
4. For Guinsiliban Port. Fare: 107 pesos. Travel time: less than 1 hr.
5. For Benoni Port. Fare: around 100++. Travel Time: More than 1 hr.

What's in Camiguin:
Aside from the unspoiled beach, you can visit the following:
1. White Island. A separate island with white sand. From Camuguin, hire a roundtrip boat. Fare: 250 pesos
2. Katibawasan Falls. Cold water. Entrance fee: 15 pesos
3. Ardent Hot Spring. Entrance fee: 15 pesos
4. Walkway Via Cruzes. For the 14 Stations of the cross devotees. Stations are from the foot of the mountain going to the top, overviewing the Sunken Cemetery. Entrance fee: Free
5. Sunken Cemetery.
6. Old Spanish Church. Entrance fee: Free
7. Tuawasan Falls.
8. Sto Nino Cold Spring. Entrance fee: 15 pesos. So fresh, the fishes are swimming with you hehe.
9. Mt. Tres Marias. The by-product of Mt. Hibok-Hibok's 1948 erruption.
10. Soda Water Pool. An overflowing soda water. No need to bring lotion or conditioner. After a dip into the water, you'll feel the wonders of Soda Water in your skin & hair =P Entrance fee: 15 pesos.

Dare to try:
1. Most common means of transportation is 'Habal-Habal'. It's motorcycle roving around the island. Fare per person is 10 pesos. Jeepneys are also available.
2. Vjandeph's Pastel. A soft bread with fillings like yema, ube, etc. 1 pc is 8.50 pesos and half-dozen box is 50 pesos. Pastel expires after 3 days only.
3. Lechon Baboy! Whenever in Camiguin, we buy a medium-sized pig (1500 pesos) and they will cook it (lechon-style) in front of you. Yummy. Crispy balat ng lechon. No need for 'Sarsa ni Mang Tomas' ;-)
4. Lanzones Festival.
5. Souvenir shirts from 90-100 pesos.

For your comfort:
Apartment/rooms/house are available for rent all over Camiguin.
Globe & Smart lines are also available.
Bring enough cash. Only 1 ATM is available (Landbank).



Camiguin Island at Sunrise * Cleanest Seashore



Hitik sa Papaya * Katibawasan Falls



Soda Water * Walkway via Cruzes

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Waah .. Namiss ko ang Camiguin. Alam mo bang last time ako nandon eh ginagawa pa lang ang Via Crucis sa Hibok-Hibok? Nakailang balik ako don nong elem and high school pa ako pero di na nasundan pag-graduate ko. (Syete -- dead giveaway pala ng edad yon.) Thanks for the updated info on the area, Sarah. My husband's been asking for us to go there. Might make the trip soon. Hindi kayo nag Ardent Hot Spring? ----- Kras

Apols said...

Ako kaya kelan makakabalik :D may anak o wala har har har

Anonymous said...

Mam Kras: Kasi summer kaya sa Cold Spring muna kami hehe

Apols: Sabi sayo sumama ka e... yan tuloy =P nxt yr na lang ulet

Anonymous said...

ako rin sasama..inggit ako eh... :) - ate jacq

_emanon_ said...

sarap sa camiguin....sarap kumain ng mango shake pagkatapos umakyat sa mount hibok-hibok with matching bili ng cowboy hat.. hehehehhee

_emanon_ said...

na miss ko bigla ang katibawasan falls......

potpot panaad tayo every year sa camiguin :D

Anonymous said...

My husband and I are planning to go to Camiguin this coming August 2006,kaya lang wala kaming maraming alam about the place.Kaya nagpapasalamat kami dito sa site mo,becuase it really give us more info about Camiguin.Kaya lang ask lang ako may jeepney ba doon,at magkano kaya ang rentahan.4 lang kaming pupunta doon,kasama 2 friends namin.Do you have some suggestion,ano ang magandang resort na hindi mahal masyado pero malapit sa dagat?
Salamat uli ha!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous:

Ang alam ko po nung Holy Week nasa 2K ang whole day rent ng jeep. I guess bababa na yung rate ngayon kasi di na peak season.

Yung sa resort/hotel na malapit sa dagat, check ko muna sa parents ko ha di ko po kasi maalala mga pangalan e.

camiguin said...

kanus-a kaya ko makabalik sa aking yutang natawhan?

camiguin