Camiguin Island is a Small Province But Big in it's AttractionsAmong the 7 volcanoes, Hibok-Hibok Volcano which last erupted in 1953 is still considered active. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular hiking destination in the island and a permit from the DENR office in Mambajao is required. It normally takes 3–5 hours of trekking the 1250 meters slope to reach the summit from it's jump-off point in Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao. On it's summit, White Island and several other islands across the waters from Camiguin Island can be viewed on a clear day.
Some of the interesting places to visit in Camiguin Island are: The Sunken Cemetery which sank because of a volcanic eruption in 1871. A huge cross that was installed in 1982 now stands afloat the water to mark the cemetery;
Katibawasan Falls is a 250 feet high waterfall with a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, and trees;
Catarman Church Ruins which was also half burried by the eruption of Mt. Vulcan in 1871; and Ardent Hot Springs, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, and Paras Beach Resort are some of the resorts in the island. Mantigue Island is a good place to visit while in Camiguin. Mantigue is a small island with an area of only four hectares. It is covered with lush green forest with sparkling white sand on it's outlying shores. It is only three kilometers from the shore of Mahinog, Camiguin. One side of the island is ideal for swimming because the beach is shallow with fewer corals. The opposite side has a deep drop off that makes it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are also other dive spots in the province like Jigdup Shoal. It's seabed rises forming a shoal of about ten hectares in size. The Jigdup Shoal is one of the best diving spots in Camiguin Province. It offers a wide variety of aquatic life for the diver to observe and enjoy. It is an ideal for underwater photographers and novice divers. Burias Shoal is favorite spot for high-adventure-seeking divers. This shoal boasts of a lush black coral covered bottom with schools of jacks, tuna, surgeons, mackerel and barracudas. Strong currents may make diving tricky, however, the experience is worth the effort. The Old Volcano dive site in Camiguin is a base of an extinct volcano. The hardened lava has turned into a beautiful reef. Many varieties of fish and corals are found here with turtles munching at sponges. The easiest way to get to Camiguin is through Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) or Balingoan. Balingoan is only about an hour ferry ride to Benoni port in Camiguin Island but is 88 kilometers away from Cagayan by land. The ferry ride from Cagayan de Oro to Benoni port is about 3 hrs. There are commercial flights to CDO from Manila. There are accommodations in camiguin that are available and most of them are in the town of Mambajao. Return from Camiguin Island to Philippine Islands |
White Island or Medan Island is a sand bar which is about 2 kilometers across the coast of Agoho district in Mambajao. It resembles the shape of a C or an I depending on the tides direction. One of the most visited spot in Camiguin for it's powdery white sand and crystal clear waters with no vegetation. Perfect for sun bathing, swimming, or shell collecting. It is also ideal for snorkeling because of the vibrant reefs around it. Across is a picturesque view of Mount Hibok-Hibok. Ideal time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when the tide is low.
