Camiguin Island Trip: Summary and Budget

April 26, 2012 by 12 Comments
Camiguin Island as viewed from White Island

I didn't spend a dime on this trip. Or maybe I did. I remember buying a piece of kiping, a local delicacy made from ground cassava, for P10, bottled water, and fresh buko juice. But other than that, I just enjoyed the 3-day 2-night tour without spending on anything. This tour was a birthday gift to me from a not-so-poor friend who was with me on this trip. Thank God for generous friends! Worry not, though, because I will still discuss in detail how much "damage" this will cause a weekend traveler if he or she does this tour exactly as we did. After all, most rates were displayed openly in every stop we had so read on! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Budget and Expenses, Camiguin, Planning a Trip Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Review: Paras Beach Resort – Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines

April 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Amihan Room!

Disappointment was painted all over my face when I found out that the room we got was not facing the sea. Not that I am a sucker for beachfront rooms but the view of White Island lying just a few kilometers from the shore would have been the icing on the cake. Regardless, our 2-night stay at Paras Beach Resort in general was anything but disappointing. It was still a very pleasant experience. The receptionist was all smiles when we arrived at the resort, giving the Poor Traveler and his friend a drink while they were completing cleaning up the room we booked. She invited us to have a seat while we waited but we were like wigglers in the water, trying to check out the different parts … [Read more...]

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Camiguin: Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort and Other Springs – Philippines

April 25, 2012 by 15 Comments
One of the pools of Ardent Hibok-Hibok Resort. This pool is the lowest in the series.

Constant fear is probably what one who resides near an active volcano has to live with every day. That's especially true when one is in the company of seven volcanoes. Perhaps for the people of Camiguin, though, it has become part of their everyday lives. After all, danger is everywhere no matter where we are and the best way to deal with it is looking on the bright side. Yes, volcanoes, no matter how dangerous they are, have perks, too. Some of these perks come from deep underground --- springs! The island-province of Camiguin is blessed with so many springs --- hot and cold. Powered by volcanic activities underneath, these tourist havens are perfect for those who have been longing for … [Read more...]

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The Old Guiob Church Ruins: Rising From the Rubble – Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines

April 23, 2012 by 2 Comments
The newer, smaller chapel inside the Old Guiob Church Ruins

Laughter filled the air as little children ran around the Old Guiob Church Ruins while pushing their toy wheels with a wooden stick. It was a delightful, charming sound. It reminded me of my own childhood days when small toys and games were everything that mattered. It reminded me of the past. But this place has a past of its own albeit a violent one. Mount Vulcan and the Town of Cotta Bato Sometimes called the Old Church Ruins, the Guiob Church Ruins was what was left from the old church of the island's Spanish era capital called Cotta Bato. It was constructed in the 16th century but it met its destruction a century later. On May 13, 1871, the capital's peace was rattled by an intense … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Camiguin, Historical Sites, Religious Sites Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The Sunken Cemetery and the Walkway to the Old Volcano – Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines

April 22, 2012 by 18 Comments
Tourists on a boat on the way to the Cross that marks the Sunken Cemetery

Faith is not something we always see in tropical island destinations. The island of Camiguin, however, is different. After all, in a land where seven volcanoes lie, faith goes a long way. The faith and devotion of the people of Camiguin is apparent in many of its most popular attractions such as those in Catarman --- the Walkway to the Old Volcano and the Sunken Cemetery. Seated comfortably in the multi-cab that we hired for the day, I moved closer to the window to let the wind blow my hair dry. Coming from Ardent Hot Springs and Katibawasan Falls in the capital Mambajao, we were now headed for Catarman. But the wind was not the only thing pleasant about this trip. The road to Catarman … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beaches and Islands, Camiguin, Mountains and Hills, Other Landmarks, Religious Sites Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Katibawasan Falls: A Splash of Nature – Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines

April 22, 2012 by 5 Comments
Kaibawasan Falls

Satisfaction was already achieved even before we entered the park premises. The area surrounding Katibawasan Falls has been transformed into a park, with flowering plants and cemented stairs, by the local government but they managed to keep the natural appeal of the site. Beside the ticket office and the gate where the fees (P15 per adult, P16 per child) are collected, stands a small kiosk selling kiping, a popular delicacy in the Philippines made from rice. The kiping sold at Katibawasan Falls, however, is made from  ground cassava, which makes it a little bit sweeter than usual. It was delightful --- a foreshadowing of what was in store for us at the park. … [Read more...]

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White Island: Embracing the Sun – Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines

April 22, 2012 by 16 Comments
White Island, also known as Medan Island, in Camiguin

It was a constant invitation. The stunning White Island was within view from Paras Beach Resort, where the Poor Traveler and his friend were staying. Even during lunch, we couldn't help but be hypnotized by this inviting stretch of white sand not very far from the resort's beachfront. It wasn't long until we finally gave in and allowed ourselves to be drawn to this naked, sparkling sand bar. More commonly known as White Island, Medan Island is 10 minutes away from Paras Beach Resort, which offers boat rentals to this pristine, powdery paradise. I'm pretty sure other resorts also offer day trips and boat rentals to this place. Although it often looks like a boomerang, the island's … [Read more...]

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How to Get to Camiguin from Manila and Cagayan De Oro, Philippines

April 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
A glimpse of Camiguin from our boat

Sleep was not a friend that early morning for it seemed to have abandoned us the night before. It was 3:00am and the Poor Traveler and his poor friend were already at NAIA Terminal 3 for our flight to Cagayan de Oro. Our 04:10 am Airphil Express flight might be a little bit too early but based on our calculations, it was perfect. It would allow us time to catch the fast craft to Camiguin from Cagayan de Oro scheduled at 8:30am that day and more time for a quick breakfast. Besides, it was our first time in CDO and we thought it would be best to be early than sorry. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Airports, Camiguin, Practical Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Budget Travel Guide to Camiguin, Philippines

April 19, 2012 by 4 Comments
Mount Hibok-hibok as seen from White Island

The cold wind that blew as I stood at the balcony of our hotel was quite a refreshing surprise. Although the sky was bright and the sun was inching its way from the horizon, the temperature remained friendly in the shadows of Mt. Hibok-hibok, the most prominent landmark in Camiguin. Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire Camiguin is the smallest province in Mindanao and the second smallest in the Philippines. But don't judge it by its size. Often dubbed the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin harbors seven volcanoes, including Mount Vulcan and Mount Hibok-hibok. Its landscape has been continuously shaped and reshaped by volcanic activities, giving this island paradise countless natural … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Budget and Expenses, Camiguin, Planning a Trip, Sample Itineraries, Travel Guide Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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