Camiguin the Island Born of Fire

Where to find the best baboy for lechon in Camiguin

2011-11-04T21:55:00.000+08:00

If your a resident living in Camiguin or visiting Camiguin and need a pig for lechon or to butcher for a holiday, birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any occasion you can find pigs at the corner of the main highway and the corner turning to go to the Coral Dive Resort in Catarman. All the pigs are fed with Quality Pilmico Feeds and have been given vitamins and de-worming shots.

The price depends on the size of the pig, a price list will be added here in the next couple days.

Camiguin Province Statistics

2011-02-18T19:38:00.000+08:00

Physical Profile

Geographic Location - Camiguin is a small, pear-shaped island province in the northern tip of Mindanao. The province is located just off the coast of northern Mindanao. It is 10 kilometers north of Misamis Oriental and 54 kilometers southeast of Bohol. The island is separated from mainland Mindanao in the south by Gingoog and Macajalar Bays, in the east by Butuan Bay, and from the Visayas in the north by the Bohol Sea.

Land Area - The Island of Camiguin has a total land area of 238 square kilometers and measures approximately 37 kilometers at its longest side and 14 kilometers at its widest breadth. In terms of land area, it is the second smallest province in the Philippines and roughly its land area is only around 2% of Region X. Of the five municipalities comprising the province, Mambajao is the biggest in terms of land area, having 37.40% (89.00 sq. km) of the total land area of the island. The second largest municipality is Catarman which comprises 22.59% (53.75 sq. km) of the total land area of the province. This is followed by the municipalities of Sagay and Mahinog comprising 18.55% (44.13 sq. km) and 13.68% (32.55 sq. km) of Camiguin's total land area, respectively. Guinsiliban, the smallest municipality, makes up only 7.78% (18.52 sq. km) of the province's total land area. The five municipalities are further divided into 58 barangays and are distributed as follows: 15 in Mambajao, 13 in Catarman, 11 in Mahinog, 9 in Sagay and 7 in Guinsiliban.

Topography - Camiguin is a volcanic island whose physical form consists of seven volcanoes, both active and dormant. The island is the northern extension of the Misamis Peninsula and is part of the Northern Mindanao earthquake epicenter. It is basically volcanic in origin and is entirely made up of deposits attributed to its volcanoes. The highest peak in the island is Mt. Timpoong which rises 1,580 meters above sea level. Because of the island's volcanic form, several hot sulfur springs and geothermal vents exist. Dominated by high volcanic peaks, Camiguin has a small surrounding area of flat lowland terrain. These are found in the coastline area and as one moves toward the middle of the island, the terrain becomes steep with several highland plateaus. Nearly 75% of the island coastline consists of coral reef formations. The rest is primarily rocky volcanic formations or sandy surfaces. There are two small coral islets that surround Camiguin, White Island and Mantigue Island.

Climate - The province of Camiguin has a type II climate and the mean annual temperature is 23.64 degress Centigrade. The lowest temperature of the province averages around 23.41 degrees Centigrade between the months of April and August. The relative humidity in the province averages near 76.77% all year round. The province has a pronounced rainy season between the months of November and February and the absence of a definite dry season. Rainfall distribution of the province indicates that the northeastern part of the island receives an average of 2,300 mm of rainfall, due to the northeast monsoons. the western part of the island receives a slightly lower rainfall of 2,000 mm, while the months between October and February receives the longest amount of precipitation. In the months between October and January the province is always visited by typhoons from the southeast creating high winds and rain occurrences.

View of Camiguin's Rural Areas
Click on any "thumbnail image" to view the photograph in a larger size format.


The Port of Balbagon is nearest Mambajao town	Mantigue Island as seen from Mahinog	Small fishing village in Sagay	Quarrying for sand and gravel in the Municipality of Sagay

Camiguin Airport as seen from the PHIVOLCS station	A black sand beach at Barangay Yumbing	Recent rockslide at Hubangon that killed people	The Catarman side of the Camiguin province

Waiting Shed along the cir- cumferential road at Mahinog	A communication tower at the Municipality of Mahinog	The Port of Benoni	A small barangay in Mahinog

A two-lane concrete paved road at Mahinog	Mantigue (Magsaysay) Island	A ricefield in Sagay	White Island as seen from the PHIVOLCS station

Two-lane concrete road at the Catarman side	The circumferential road at vicinity of Barangay Agoho	Coastline at the eastern side of Camiguin Island	The coastal road at the Municipality of Mahinog

A concrete bridge in the Municipality of Sagay	Mt. Timpoong and a small farm near Mambajao	A typical motorized banca used for fishing	Coconut trees grow abun- dantly around Camiguin Island

Population

As a province, Camiguin has the least population in Northern Mindanao (Region X) and second to the smallest in the Philippines. In 1995, the population of Camiguin was 68,039, exceeding the official projection of 67,843 made by the National Statistics Office. This population count represents a 5.9% growth from the population of 1990, increasing the population density of the province from 264 persons per square kilometer in 1990 to 280 persons per square kilometer in 1995.

The municipality of Mambajao with 27,770 persons (40.8% of Camiguin's total population), had the largest share of the population in 1995. This was followed by the municipality of Catarman with a population of 14,756 (21.7% of Camiguin's population). The municipality of Mahinog and Sagay came in third and fourth with a population of 11,351 persons (16.7% of Camiguin's population) and 9,243 (13.6% of Camiguin's population), respectively. With only 4,919 persons, the municipality of Guinsiliban has the smallest population which is 7.2% of the total population of the province.

Despite its small population, Guinsiliban registered the highest average population growth rate of 2.37% from 1990 to 1995, much higher than Mambajao's 1.83%. Sagay, on the other hand, experienced a negative growth rate of 0.50% during the same period. The rate of growth of Camiguin's population slowed down from an annual average of 1.18% (1980-1990) to 1.08% from 1990 to 1995. Overall, these figures still fall way below the average population growth rate of 2.35% for the whole country.

With respect to population distribution by gender, there are slightly more males than females in Camiguin. The sex ratio (number of males per 100 females) increased from 102.4 in 1980 to 105.4 in 1990. By 1995, the ratio only slightly decreased by 105. The population of the island province is relatively young, with nearly 39% below 15 years of age in 1995, or nearly two-thirds under the age of 30. Among those under 30 years old, males outnumber the females with a sex ratio of 109, a figure which is higher than the provincial ratio of 105 for the whole population in 1995. At the other end of the age scale, the number of aged females, 70 years old and above, outnumbered their male counterparts with a sex ratio (number of females per 100 males) of 125 in 1995. This indicates that the women of Camiguin have a higher life expectancy than the menfolk.

Population Density

In terms of population density, there is an unequal distribution of population across the area. There is a pattern of coastal villages having the highest in population density while the upland areas are the most sparsely populated. The population density (number of persons per sq. kilometer) for each municipality is as follows: Mahinog (348), Mambajao (312), Catarman (275), Sagay (209), and Guinsiliban (205). The most densely populated area is the coastal village of Benoni in Mahinog which is the main sea port of the island. It has a population density of 1,415 inhabitants per square kilometer. Other densely populated villages are Looc in Catarman and Balite in Guinsiliban with 1,109 and 1,062 inhabitants per square kilometer. Both villages are also coastal. The most sparsely populated are the upland villages of Balite and Cuna in Sagay with a population density of 50 and 81 inhabitants per square kilometer, respectively.

Infrastructure

The Island of Camiguin has an arterial circumferential road 64.1 km long. Of this length 12.15 km are concrete, 39.27 are bituminous surface, and 12.65 km are unpaved. Twenty of the twenty-one bridges on this road are now standardized concrete structures. The provincial roads which serve as collector roads has a total length of 97.93 km. There are thirty-three of these which originate from the national road junction which serve as Farm-to-Market roads and some are roads that lead to tourist spots. The priority established by the provincial government is to concrete roads leading to tourist spots. The existing Camiguin Airport is continuously being improved and recently concrete has replaced the bituminous surface of the runway including the apron.

Camiguin obtains its power from the Napocor Hydroelectric plant in mainland Mindanao. Power reaches the island through a 10.6 km submarine cable. The Camiguin Electric Coop transformer has a 5 MVA capacity. The substation's transformer has only a 28% loading, hence adequate power supply is available for the whole island. All of the 58 barangays in the 5 municipalities are already energized.

It has been said that Camiguin probably has the best rural telecommunication facilities in the country which is operated by the Camiguin Telephone Cooperative (CAMTECO). In a recent report, there are more than four hundred subscribers around the island with 100% direct-dialing access to the national and international network. Local calls are metered to prevent unnecessary long use of phones in order to provide optimum service to all. The potential capacity of CAMTECO can reach 1024 subscribers without major expansion on its existing equipment. The government operates telegraph services in the municipalities of Mambajao and Catarman. All municipalities have postal services with a total of 22 letter carriers.

In the province, health services are provided by the government through three hospitals, rural health units and barangay health stations. The Camiguin Island Hospital serves the island with 100 beds. Catarman District Hospital has 25 beds and Sagay Medicare Hospital with 15 beds. These health facilities provide a wide range of services to the island residents such as emergency services, long-range health care, pediatrics and preventive health services.

There are two schools offering college courses in education: Fatima College of Camiguin in Mambajao and a satellite college at Tangaro, Catarman of the Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Bukidnon. There is only one school specializing in vocational education, the Camiguin Polytechnic State College. It offers vocational secondary education and two-year technical courses. The college is considering an expansion of its course offerings with a view to offer classes in poverty studies and bio-diversity.

The ABC Gym is the only multi-purpose recreational center in Mambajao. Mahinog, Sagay, Catarman have also their own gym. There is no movie house in the province but there are DVD movies for sale for those who own DVD players. Satellite TV services are provided by the Camiguin Island Cable in the municipalities of Mambajao and Mahinog. All municipalities have their cockpit for cockfighting aficionados. Basketball courts are found in every barangay and tennis courts in every municipality.

Local Economy

Camiguin has practically no industry to speak of. More than 18 percent of 517 establishments registered are engaged in wholesale and retail trade and services. More than 50 percent of these establishments are in the capital town of Mambajao. The provincial economy is predominantly agricultural, with an incipient tourism industry. The dependence on agriculture and fishing in a province with limited arable land, low agricultural productivity, dwindling natural resources and practically no value-adding activities, is one of the major factors for a 71 percent poverty incidence, the highest in Region X.

Household earnings less than the approximated 1996 regional poverty threshold of P51,563 comprised 71.14% of the total number of households surveyed. The poverty incidence is highest in the Municipality of Guinsiliban at 81 percent of surveyed households, followed by Sagay with 75 percent. The rate is lowest at 67 percent in Mambajao. Mahinog has a 73 percent poverty incidence and Catarman having a 71 percent rate. The 1996 survey reveals that 51.15% of household's source of income is from agriculture (farming and fishing), 24.53% from labor or employement, 9.82% from business enterprises (mainly trading and services), and 14.48% from other sources (receipts from abroad, pensions, rentals, interest earnings, investment dividends, etc.). The survey also shows that 44% of households cite a secondary source of income, while 6% indicate a third source. In addition, the survey revealed that Camiguin households spend an average of P2,025 monthly on food, P748 for education, P344 on clothing, P317 for medicine and P237 for recreation. Aside from these, the households incurred an average expenditure of P2,769 in 1996 for their annual fiesta.

Camiguin History

2011-02-18T19:28:00.000+08:00

The name Camiguin is derived from the native word "Kamagong," a tree of the Ebony family that thrives near Lake Mainit in the Province of Surigao del Norte. The original inhabitants of Camiguin were "Manobos" who migrated from Surigao. Thge old native language in Camiguin is called "Kinamiguin," which is similar to the dialect spoken in Surigao. Camiguin was part of the province of Misamis Oriental from 1946 to 1958. It became a sub-province in 1958 and finally in 1968, a full-pledged province with Mambajao as its provincial capital.

Spanish Period

Old Spanish documents indicate that the renowned explorers, Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Camiguin in 1521 and 1565, respectively. The first Spanish settlement in what was later to be known as Guinsiliban was established in 1598. Guinsiliban comes from the old Kinamiguin word "guinsilipan" which means "to look out for pirates from a watchtower." An old Spanish watchtower where the Camiguinians kept watch for Moro pirates still stands in Guinsiliban.

The first major Spanish settlement established in 1679 was called Katagman or Katadman (now known as Catarman). This settlement grew and prospered to what is now Barangay Bonbon. On May 1, 1871, Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted and destroyed the town. A portion of the town sank beneath the sea. After the eruption, the settlement moved to where the Catarman town center is presently located. Today, all the remains of old Catarman are the ruins of the ancient Spanish church, a convent and a bell tower.

Sagay, located south of Catarman, was formally established as a town in 1848. The word Sagay is derived from the name of a poisonous fruit tree that grew in the area. Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin province, became a town in 1855. The name was coined from the Visayan terms "mamahaw," meaning to usher breakfast, and "bajao," which is leftover boiled rice. In the early 1900s, Mambajao prospered to become the busiest port in Northern Mindanao. Mahinog was established as a municipality in 1860. The name Mahinog comes from a Cebuano word meaning "to ripen" or "to become ripe." Although Guinsiliban was the oldest settlement in the island, it was only in 1950 when it became a municipality. Both Mahinog and Guinsiliban were formally governed from Sagay.

American Period

In 1901, in the middle of the Spanish-American War (1898-1904), American soldiers landed in Camiguin to assume political control over the island. A group of Camiguinians, armed with bolos and spears, led by Valero Camaro fought for the island's independence from foreign invasion during a short battle in Catarman. Camaro was killed by a bullet on the forehead. He became one of the unsung Camiguin patriots of the early independence movement. In 1903, the first public school in Camiguin was built in Mambajao and in 1904, the first public water system was installed. On June 18, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army landed in Camiguin and set up a government in Mambajao. The Japanese Army gutted down central Mambajao in reprisal to guerrilla activities there. The remains of some of these buildings still exist today.

Camiguin's Volcanoes

2011-02-18T19:25:00.000+08:00

The island of Camiguin is part of the Northern Mindanao earthquake epicenter. It is basically volcanic in origin and is entirely made up of deposits attributed to its volcanoes. This volcanic island consists of the following seven volcanoes which have shaped both the land and the culture of its inhabitants:

Mt. Hibok-Hibok
Mt. Vulcan

Mt. Guinsiliban
Mt. Mambajao

Mt. Timpoong
Mt. Tres Marias

Mt. Uhay

There are also quite a number of smaller volcanic domes and parasitic cones such as Mt. Carling, Mt. Tibane and Piyakong Hill at the flanks of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Campana Hill, Minokol Hill and the Tres Marias Hill at the flanks of Mt. Mambajao. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is an active volcano. It continues to manifest seismic activity and it only has a short repose period. The other six volcanoes are inactive, having no continued record of eruptions and their forms have started to change due to the agents of weathering and erosion and the formation of deep and long gullies on its slopes.

Click on any of the "thumbnail images" to view the photographs in a larger size format.


Mt. Timpoong	Mt. Hibok-Hibok	Mt. Vulcan


Mt. Guinsiliban	Mt. Uhay	Mts. Vulcan & Hibok-Hibok

The highest peak in the island is Mt. Timpoong which rises 1,580 meters (5,184 feet) above sea level. Mt. Mambajao stands 1,420 meters (4,659 feet) and Mt. Hibok-Hibok rises 1,240 meters (4,068 feet) above sea level. Not only is Mt. Mambajao the tallest, it is also the biggest volcano in the island. Because of the island's volcanic form, several hot sulfur springs and geothermal vents exists.

The volcanoes and the terrain of Camiguin Island pose limits on current and potential land use, and consequently, on the province's economic development. On the other hand, these qualities, particularly the volcanoes, make Camiguin unique and potentially enhance its attractiveness as a tourist destination. Despite the considerable destruction wrought by Hibok-Hibok's eruption in the early 1950s, Camiguin Island has flourished on its volcanic soils. The fertility of which has made the island conducive for the cultivation of coconut, copra, and other agricultural products.

MT. HIBOK-HIBOK

Looming up behind the small capital town of Mambajao is Mt. Hibok-Hibok. This active volcano almost oblitereated the capital by a major eruption which started in September 1948 and lasted until 1953. Its minor eruption in 1948 caused little damage and loss of life. In 1949, its eruption caused 79 deaths due to landslides. In the morning of December 4, 1951, the most violent phase of the volcano's eruption occured. This time it unleased boiling lava which rolled down swifty toward Mambajao which was accompanied by poisonous gases, and landslides enough to destroy nearly 19 square kilometers of lands.

The speed and the high temperature of the avalanche which reached 800 degrees Celsius caused considerable damage in the affected areas. Trees were felled and charred, houses were burned down, animals and people were either charred or mummified. The eruption claimed more than 500 human lives and damaged properties and structures worth millions of pesos. Before the eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok in 1951, the population of Camiguin had reached 69,000. After the eruption, the population was reduced to about 34,000 due to mass departure of the island residents. In the years that followed, Camiguin's population grew from 57,126 in 1980 to 64,247 in 1990 an increase of 7,121 persons or 12.47 percent. In the last population count in 1995, there were already 68,039 residents which is just a little lower than its original population prior to the 1951 eruption.

The eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok has been classified as "Pelean," an eruption type considered to be one of the most dangerous because it is characterized by extrmemly viscous lava and the formation of glowing clouds of gas. The three photographs portrayed below were taken during the 1951 eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

Click on any of the "thumbnail images" to view the photographs in a larger size format.

Mt. Hibok-Hibok is an incandescent volcano and it consumes vast quantities of oxygen during an eruption that it kills by asphyxiation. After its major eruption in 1951, many persons were found dead as if they were merely asleep. This eruption prompted the Philippine government to create the Commission on Volcanology which is presently known as PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology).

The first recorded eruption of Hibok-Hibok ocurred in 1827. This was followed by a similar activity in 1862. Both eruptions caused destruction to arable lands. In the eruption of 1862, there were 326 deaths caused by ashflows that reached the sea. Some people drowned while trying to flee in small boats. In January 1871, earthquakes and subterranean rumbling sounds disturbed the northern end of Camiguin Island. Landslides and fissuring destroyed trees and plantations. When the swarm of earthquake ceased in April of the same year, an explosion followed and was accompanied by a shower of rocks, dust, and ashes. Destruction was complete within a radius of 1.86 miles (3 kilometers) from the new vent.

The eruption continued for a week and a volcanic dome called Vulcan began to form 2.17 miles (3.5 kilometers) from the general area of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. During this eruption most of the local residents fled the area after earthquakes that preceded the eruption. After four years of activity, the adventive lava dome reached a height of 1,500 feet (457 meters) with a base nearly 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) in diameter.

In 1897, the area occupied by the present dome of Mt. Hibok-Hibok emitted white sulfurous vapors which ruined agricultural lands nearby. Solfataric activity continued up to 1902 when a thunder storm occurred around the volcano and a new solfataric vent formed opposite the crest. Frequent subterranean sounds were noted during the activity which lasted for 8 to 10 days.

In every few years of activity, Mt. Hibok-Hibok seems to follow a cycle of behavior consisting of a short period of smoke emission from the crater and an avalanche of volcanic materials with or without accompanying tremors. There are explosions or steam blasts with emission of heavy clouds of steam, ashes and other fragmentary volcanic materials. The whole cycle covers a period of 9 to 14 months. Cold and hot mud flows, or lahar, develops especially after heavy rains so that now they pose another hazard to inhabitants living near the drainage channels of the volcano.

The approach for climbing Mt. Hibok-Hibok is at its base in Barangay Esperanza in Mambajao. Its steep slopes is a challenge to most seasoned climbers as the climb entails maneuvers in loose rocks and boulders. A dense, primeval forest covers every square foot of ground. There are tree ferns that thrive in the cool shade and springs bubble out of the ground. The summit of Mt. Hibok-Hibok is covered with loose ejecta and it has several craterlets at or near the crest, some representing shallow lakes. The present crateral area at the northeast slope facing Mambajao was mined for sulfur before the volcano's activity in 1948. At its crater is a lake and there are numerous steam vents and outlets which can be found at different locations.

Those who make the climb to its summit are rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the entire island including the nearby island of Bohol which can be seen on clear days. Although this mist-covered volcano is now quiet and inactive, the PHIVOLCS continue to monitor any unusual seismic activities for the safety of visitors and residents of the island. For those who intend an ascent of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, it is advisable to first pay a visit to the research and monitoring station to determine if it would be safe to make the climb. The station is located at 1,300 feet (396 meters) up on its slope.

Catarman Coral Dive Resort

2011-02-17T23:05:00.000+08:00

The proximity of the project to the magnificent and fascinating three (3) acres of live coral reefs under a crystal clear deep blue sea, located just twenty (20) meters away from its beach front, has greatly influenced the christening of the project.

Reputedly known as one of the three (3) ancient civilizations in Mindanao, the Municipality of Catarman, formerly known as Partido de Catarman, hosts the majority of the tourist spots in the island of Camiguin, namely:

Ruins of the Ancient Roman Catholic Church
(built in 1621)
Holy Cruz Marker Erected on the Sunken Cemetery
Vulcan Daan (Center for Lenten Season Commemoration)
Soda Spring Medicinal Swimming Pool
Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort
Tuasan Falls
Giant Coral Reef (conducive for scuba diving
for beginners)

Government Health and Safety Facilities:

Catarman District Hospital, approx. three hundred (300) meters away.
Phil. Nat'l Police Municipal Command, approx. four hundred (400) meters away.

How To Reach Catarman Coral Dive Resort?

Foreign and domestic tourists from Manila can take any of the six (6) flights daily bound for Cagayan de Oro City, and from there hire a taxi or van bound for the Port of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, then take a ferry to the ports of Guinsiliban or Benoni. The foreign and domestic tourist from Cebu can also take a direct 8:00 A.M. flight to Mambajao, Camiguin on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or take a ferry every 8:00 P.M. on Friday only. The management will pickup the guests from the ports for those who already made advance reservation.

Suite	Superior	Deluxe

Standard I	Dormitory	Standard II

Accommodations

Suite Room

Php. 2,300.00 (good for 4 pax)

with 2 queen beds, mini-bar, coffee table, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned room with a breathtaking oceanview. *Soon Cable T.V

Superior Room

Php. 1,500.00 (good for 3 pax)

with 2 queen beds, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned.
*Soon Cable T.V

Deluxe Room

Php. 2,000.00 (good for 4 pax)

with 2 queen beds, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned.
*Soon Cable T.V

Standard I Room

Php. 800.00 (good for 2 pax)

with 1 queen bed, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned.
*Soon Cable T.V

Dormitory Type Room

Php. 3,000.00 (good for 10 pax)

hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned, ocean front view, with 2 bathrooms.
*Soon Cable T.V


Standard II Room
		Php. 1,100.00 (good for 2 pax) with free breakfast with 1 queen beds, hot & cold shower, T.V., fully air-conditioned *Soon Cable T.V

Facilities, Amenities & Services

Facilities, Amenities & Services:
Bar	Cottage for Fishing	Function Room

Restaurant	Roof Top Mini-bar	Restaurant

Lobby	View Deck	Information Counter

Nissan Van (Package Tour)	Mini-Bar	Hummer (Package Tour)

	Services:
	Airport, Port Transfer Island Tour Scuba Diving Snorkeling Package Tour (Available Nissan Van, Hummer)

	Amenities:
	Telephone Television Hot & Cold Shower Standby Power Generator Internet

Camiguin Island Location Map and Directions

2011-02-11T15:05:00.000+08:00

There are three ports operating in the province of Camiguin. The main port of entry is in Benoni, with minor ports at Balbagon and Guinsiliban. Balbagon Port links Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, Benoni Port links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro, and Guinsiliban Port which also has a roro landing facility links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro.

How to get there

Camiguin can be reached either by ferryboat or small aircraft. The fastest way to get to the island from Manila is to take any of the commercial flights to Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan de Oro, one can either hire a taxi right outside the airport terminal or take the bus in the city center to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. The bus terminal is located at Agora, Lapasan.

Depending on the weather condition, it takes about one hour and a half to two hours by land to reach Balingoan Port, which is 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro. This port is the nearest jump-off point to Camiguin. The ferryboat ride to Benoni Port in the Municipality of Mahinog takes about one hour. This port is 17 kilometers from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin Province which can be reached by jeepneys.

For those who would like to take their own vehicles to Camiguin, some of the ferryboats at Balingoan Port can transport cars, pick-ups, vans, and even large trucks to the Benoni Port at Camiguin. It must be noted however that a number of fees have to be paid to transport these vehicles. These includes wharfage, barangay taxes, and miscellaneous other fees that are imposed when going in either direction and these fees get to be quite a substantial amount.

Some vehicle owners avoid paying for these fees by leaving their vehicles at Balingoan and just avail of public transportation when in the Island of Camiguin. The advantage of bringing along one's vehicle to Camiguin is the convenience of having one's own ride in moving about the island. It does get to be uncomfortable riding in overloaded jeepneys and motorelas when in Camiguin Island since there are no taxi cabs or rental vehicles available. Portrayed below are three photographs of the Benoni Port in Camiguin.

Camiguin Transportation Schedules by plane and ferry

2011-02-11T14:57:00.000+08:00

Airlines

SEAIR	Departure	Cebu-Camiguin	4:00 p.m.	Sunday/Tuesday
		Camiguin-Cebu	4:55 p.m.	Sunday/Tuesday
		Cebu-Camiguin	2:45 p.m.	Every Friday
		Camiguin-Cebu	3:40 p.m.	Every Friday
	Arrival	Cebu-Camiguin	4:35 p.m.	Sunday/Tuesday
		Camiguin-Cebu	5:30 p.m.
		Cebu-Camiguin	3:20 p.m.	Every Friday
		Camiguin-Cebu	4:15 p.m.
				Fare: 1,315.00 o/w

Shipping

(Cebu-Camiguin-Cebu Route)

M/V Shuttle Ferry VII (Asian Marine Transport Corporation)
Schedule:
	Cebu-Camiguin:	Departure	8:00 p.m. (friday)
		Arrival	7:00 p.m. (saturday)
	Camiguin-Cebu	Departure	8:00 p.m. (saturday)
		Arrival	7:00 a.m. (saturday)
Fare Rate:
		Tourist class	500.00
		Economy	350.00

Guinsiliban to Balingoan and Vice-versa

M/V Shuttle Ferry :	9:00 am	6:00 am
	1:15 pm	11:30 pm
	4:30	2:30 pm

Arrastre:	6 Wheelers	P 248.00
	4 Wheelers	P 97.17
	Motor	P 22.00

Boat:	6 Wheelers	P 1,650.00
	Elf/Canter	P 1,100.00
	4 Wheelers	P 660.00
	(Service Vehicle)
	Car	P 550.00
	Motor	P 110.00

Camiguin Distance Table

2011-02-11T14:53:00.000+08:00

Distance Table

Town/Barangay		Kilometer		Distance
		(via east)	(via west)	(via east)	(via west)
Mambajao:		0	64	0	14*
	Balbagon	2.5	61.5	2.5	11.5
	Anito	4	60	4	10
	Magting	5	59	5	9
	Tupsan	7	57	7	7
	Tupsan Pequeño	10	54	10	4
	Cahugan	11	53	11	3
	Hubangon	12	52	12	2
	San Jose	13	51	13	1
	Binaliwan	13.5	50.5	13.5	0.5
Mahinog:		14	50	14*	9*
	San Roque	15	49	1	8
	Benoni	17	47	3	6
	Maac	19	45	5	4
Guinsiliban:		23	41	9*	10*
	Li-ong	26	38	3	7
	Balite	28	36	5	5
	Manuyog	29	35	6	4
	Alangilan	31	33	8	2
	Bonbon	32	32	9	1
Sagay:		33	31	10*	6*
	Mayana	34	30	1	5
	Bugang	36	28	3	3
	Tangaro	37	27	4	2
	Alga	38	26	5	1
Catarman:
	Looc	40	24	1	24
	Compol	41	23	2	23
	Panghiawan	43	21	4	21
	Lawigan	45	19	6	19
	Catibac	48	16	9	16
	Bonbon	50	14	11	14
	Naasag	55	9	16	9
	Yumbing	57	7	18	7
	Agoho	59	5	20	5
	Bug-ong	60	4	21	4
	Kuguita	61	3	22	4
	Baylao	62	2	23	2

Mambajao:
	Poblacion
	Pandan			2.5
	Soro-soro			3.5
	Benhaan			9.0
	Tagdo			4.5
	Tubod			15
	San Isidro			14
	Puntod			16
	Owakan			18
	San Miguel			21
	Butay			26
	Cabuan			21
	Cantaan			23.5
	Cuña			34
	Bacnit			34
	Mainit			25.5
	Sto Niño			27.5
	Liloan			25
	Bura			21
	Manduao			27

Camiguin Island Hot Spots

2011-02-11T14:49:00.000+08:00

Camiguin island is a one of an island that popular to visit the tourist and vacationers because of the unique wonderful nature and beauty, and so many beautiful places or hot spots that you enjoy or explore and filipino residents are so polite and hospitality to the tourist, many exotic food and delicous food you can avail, so we start to introduce to you a beautiful places resides in camiguin.

Historical

1. Catarman Church Ruins

famous for the name Ruins of Gui-ob Church located in Barangay Bonbon, 16 kilometers from the center of Catarman town. What remains are ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake and volcanic eruption which wiped out the illustrious town of Catarman established earlier as a Spanish settlement in 1697.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs

2. Sunken Cemetery

A large white cross marks a cemetery swept into the sea by Old Vulcan Daan's eruption in 1871. From here it is a perfect place to watch the glorious sunset over the ocean. It is also an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. An annual fluvial procession is held by townsfolk in honor of the sunken graves of their forefathers and as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

16 kilometers from Catarman proper.A fluvial procession, usually organized by the townsfolk of Barangay Bonbon, is held to honor the sunken graves of their forefathers, usually done on the month of November.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs.

3. Old Sto. Rosario Church of 1882 now restored to its former glory in Sagay, Camiguin

4. Via Cruzes - Old Volcano Slope

It is where life-size statues depicting the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the 14 Stations of the Cross that dot a trail to Old Volcano's peak are found. At the last station is a sepulcher carefully carved and chiseled out of volcanic rocks. The pilgrims congregate here to pray during Lenten Season.

5. Ancestral House in Los Libertadores St., Mambajao now dwelled by the Francisco Family and built in 1800's

6. Centennial House in Lakas, Mambajao owned by Corrales Family and built in 1800's

Nature

7. Katibawasan Falls

A beautiful, clear stream of water cascading 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its cold water provides a refreshing summer splash to all bathers.

5 kilometers southeast of Mambajao center. The Waterfalls, which measures 256 feet high, cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its cold water provides an ideal summer splash to bathers and picnickers.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs.

8. Tuasan Falls

The approach to the wild and mighty falls entails a very scenic hike passing through the quaint Barrio of Mainit, Catarman and along the rocky river bed. The pool below the deafening waterfalls is deep and clear. The surrounding scenery is virgin and perfect for a peaceful picnic. The only sound you hear is that of the tumbling falls and running water. It is 6 kilometers northwest of Catarman proper.

9. Binangawan Falls

In Sagay is Binangawan Falls wherefrom several miniature and gigantic waterfalls gushing through majestic granite stones that converge in one main pool, covered with luscious unspoiled vegetation, and a mystical rainbow is arched by the fall's mist as the sunlight penetrates through it.

10. Ardent Hot Spring

6 kilometers southwest of Mambajao. The hot spa of the locality is a natural pool of about 400C coming from the bowels of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. Cottages, restaurant, and dormitory facilities are provided to local and foreign tourists. Ideal time for swimming is early morning or late afternoon till night. Due to hot temperature, suggested length of bathing should not be more than 20 minutes.

Picnic huts, cook-out facilities and restrooms are put up to cater/accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Dipping in its hot water is the best treatment for any therapeutic ailment because the water contains sulphur, a medicinal element that can cure illness.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs.

11. Macao Cold Spring

It is a spring of natural cold and blue-green waters that overflow with grandeur, perfect to soothe and quench one's humid feeling. It is situated at Tupsan Pequiño, Mahinog.

12. Sto. Niño Cold Spring

12 kilometers north uphill of Catarman proper. The pool measuring 25 m x 40m is 11/2 meter deep with cold spring water sprouting from its sandy bottom. The area has sari-sari stores, picnic huts, cook-out facilities and restrooms for picnickers.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs.

13. Tangub Hot Spring

It is a volcanic hot spring not fully developed a little beneath sea level where a pool is formed by sea stones and corals. Water temperature shifts from cold to lukewarm to warm then to hot as tide changes. Immerse in the warm water inside the pool at low tide and enjoy the cold sea water merging with the hot spring. This rare spring is situated at Naasag, Mambajao - about 12 kilometers west of the capital town; 10-20 meters offshore is ideal for scuba diving.

14. Mt. Hibok-Hibok

Its approach is via the base of Barangay Tagdo in Mambajao. It is a volcano 1250 meters high above sea level. Its slopes are challenges/barriers for professional climbers as they trek skillfully and maneuvers on loose rocks and boulders towards the peak. At the zenith, there is a crater like lake and steam outlets where one can have a clear panoramic view of the entire island and the Bohol Province during sunny clear days.

15. Old Volcano

A volcano located 13 kilometers away from Mambajao with stiff drop off measuring 580 meters high above sea level. It is the landmark for PANAAD.

Mt. Vulcan

Mt. Timpoong

16. Mt. Ilihan

It is located at Butay, Guinsiliban and a 3-hour climb uphill. There, one can see bluish green ridge of mountains and majestic slopes as he recites his Stations of the Cross, especially on Lenten Season. One can experience a sense of relief when reaching the top with its cool mountain breeze. Its splendid beauty is very touching. At the pinnacle, climbers can peacefully camp and take pleasure in unbothered world.

17. White Island

An uninhabited white sandbar where the view of towering Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcan reflects the grandeur the Province of Camiguin has ever achieved. It is reached within 10 minutes through light water transport from anywhere in Yumbing, Mambajao area.

18. Mantigue Island

The island is 4 hectares of evergreen forest, fringed with white granule sand beaches. A fishing village is found in the north of the island. One side of the island is a white sand beach with coral offshore, and the other opposite side provides a deep drop-off for snorkeling and diving. One gets there by light water craft in 25-30 minutes from San Roque, Mahinog.

19. Jicdup Shoal (Dive Spot)

It lies approximately 2 nautical miles from the shore of Balbagon, Mambajao. The seabed rises forming a shoal about 10 hectares in size hosting a variety of aquatic life. It is one of the best dive spots in Camiguin Island teeming with fishes of different species and shapes/sizes. It has excellent visibility and is best for underwater photographs, and novice divers.

20. Burias Shoal (Dive Spot)

Slightly smaller than Jicdup, Burias is among the favorite spot for high adventure seeking divers. It hauls the thrill seeking divers to the shoal to see schools of jacks, tuna, mackerels and barracudas. A verdant black coral covered bottom is also one of its treasures. Diving here can be strong, however, the little effort spent fining against the current is worth the excitement.

21. Taguines Lagoon

It is a lagoon mantled by limpid water, large cliff and gently rolling hills. The brackish water is engulfed in there by a century old crater, ideal for boat and fishing. It is located at Benoni, Mahinog.

22. Centennial Tree

A Pili Nut tree which is more than century old situated at Lakas, Mambajao owned by the Corrales Family. One can marvel how the tree survived the tests of

Beach Site

23. Cabua-an Beach

Located at the right side of the old pier of Mambajao. It is the nearest beach in Mambajao proper. Unique corals are found 75 - 100 meters from the shore. Site of the annual “San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok Festival”.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs.

24. Agohoy Beach

7 kilometers from Mambajao proper. Located in Barangay Agoho, Mambajao. One of the favorite sandy beaches of the island. Native cottages, multi-purpose building and a restaurant are also available.
Available Transport: Jeepneys and rented vans/multicabs.

Dive Site

25. Cabu-an Point (Dive Spot)

Located between Guinsiliban and Benoni Ports of Camiguin Island lies a colorful reef, displaying gigantic brightly colored sea fans, branching corals. The pleasant light currents offer relax diving & fun. Cabu-an is accessible by shore entry. Visibility in the area varies from 40 to 120 feet, and is ideal for seasoned underwater photographers and beginners as well.
Available Transport: Pumpboat

26. Jicdup Shoal (Dive Spot)

Lies approximately 2 nautical miles from the shore of Balbagon, Mambajao. The seabed rises forming a shoal about 10 hectares in size. Hosting a variety of aquatic life, it is one of the best dive spots in Camiguin Island. Teeming with fishes of all kinds and sizes and having excellent visibility. It is good for underwater photographers and novice divers as well.
Available Transport: Pumpboat

27. Burias Shoal (Dive Spot)

Slightly smaller than Jicdup, Burias is among the favorite spot for high adventure seeking divers. To see schools of jacks, tuna, mackerels and barracudas. A lush, black coral-covered bottom is also one of its treasures. Diving here is tricky because the current can be strong, but the effort spent fighting against such current will be worth the excitement.
Available Transport: Pumpboat

28. Old Volcano (Dive Site)

A unique underwater lava formation that rises from the depths of more than 80 feet from the bottom forming a series of pinnacles is the main attraction here. The coral-covered molten rocks are surrounded by tropical fishes such as anthias, clown fish damsels, and the like. Hug jacks and napoleon wrasses occassionally patrol these areas in search for food.
Available Transport: Pumpboat

29 Sunken Cemetery (Dive Site)

Lying 20 feet underwater in front of barrio Bonbon, Catarman, lies the sunken cemetery, the remains of the past volcano eruption. Coral- encrusted tombstone can still be explored by snorkellers and scuba divers.
Available Transport: Pumpboat

Special Interest

1. Scuba Divin and Snorkelling

Shoal and Burial Shoal
Sunken Cemetery, Jigdup

2. Mountain Climbing

Mount hibok hibok, Old Vulcan
Tres Marias, Guinsiliban Peak and timpo-ong

3. Rapelling- Katibawasan Falls

4. Squid fishing tours

5. Giant Clams Ocean Nursery, Kaantaan Guisiliban

Hibok-Hibok Volcano

2011-02-03T21:02:00.000+08:00

At 1,330 meters, Hibok-Hibok is the most active of seven volcanoes on the island. Between 1948 and 1951. it smoked and rumbled continually.

There was a minor eruption in 1948 and again in 1949, when 79 individuals perished in landslides. Then in 1951, it erupted without warning, issuing steaming hot gases and absorbing huge amounts of oxygen from the air, so that people were asphyxiated. The death toll was over 2,000, many of whom were found as though asleep.

Lava covered nearly 10 square km behind Mambajao, devastating many villages. You can see these lava flows from the road between Mambajao and Yumbing. The island's population had been 69,000 in 1951, but over 30,000 left Camiguin following the eruption.

Camiguin is a volcanic island (229 square km) situated in the Mindanao Sea, about seven km from the mainland. The rugged, hilly terrain is dominated by seven volcanoes. The island has been devastated by eruptions, such as those of Vulcan Daan ("Old Camiguin Volcano": 838 meters) in 1871 and Hibok-Hibok (1,250 meters) in 1951.

Other volcanos include Mt. Timpoong (1,580 meters), Mt. Mambajao (1,420 meters), Mt. Tres Marias, and Guinsiliban Peak. The coastline alternates between black- or white-sand beaches and volcanic rock.

Camiguin is divided into five municipalities; its more than 64,000 inhabitants are mostly farmers and fishermen. Rich volcanic soil nurtures rice, coconuts, bananas, corn, and root crops. Lanzones grown on Hibok-Hibok's slopes are considered to be the sweetest in the Philippines.The island has good fishing grounds offshore. The people are of Visayan descent, hence Cebuano is the main language, though a few people in Sagay and Guinsiliban still speak the old native language.

History

Ancient legends link Camiguin with Surigao's Lake Mainit area. The original inhabitants were Manobos from Surigao. Kinamiguin, the island's old tongue, is similar to tribal languages of Surigao. It's believed that the Manobo retreated to the highlands of Mindanao when Visayan settlers arrived. The people were already trading with foreign merchants before Magellan and Legazpi landed here, in 1521 and 1565, respectively.

The Spanish founded a settlement at Guinsiliban in 1598, but Catarman (where Bonbon is now) was to be their major center on the island until its destruction in the 1871 eruption of Mt. Vulcan Daan, after which they moved the town center to its present site. Mambajao wasn't established until 1855, but it grew rapidly to become the busiest port in northern Mindanao by the beginning of this century, at a time when Cagayan cle Oro was only a minor settlement.

In 1901, local resistance to the Americans ended in a short, one-sided battle at Catarman. During WW 11, the Japanese burned much of downtown Mambajao in reprisal against guerrilla activity on the island.

Fiestas and Festivals

Easter is a big event on Camiguin, with a passion play and a Good Friday procession of antique, life-size santos in Mambajao. On June 24, Hibokhibokan is celebrated by the whole island with picnics on the beaches. In Mambajao, for example, there are water processions, games and races, and beauty contests. Events take place at several places, including Cabua-an and Agohay Beaches. Since this is the Feast of St. John the Baptist, visitors just might get "baptized" with wated!

At the end of October, the Lanzones Festival is centered in Mambajao. This exuberant fiesta features a parade with people in costume, games, exhibits, and entertainment. The costumes are particularily colorful as a number of local groups exhibit tribal costumes worn by the many cultural minorities of northern Mindanao. Dancers are judged by a team of local officials and prizes are presented. The whole town takes on a festive atmosphere and plenty of sweet, delicious lanzones are sold.

Getting There

Camiguin is reached with a ferry from Balingoan in northern Mindanao (two hours east of Cagayan cle Oro) to Benoni on Camiguin. Ferries leave eight times daily and take 90 minutes to make the crossing. Jeepneys continue to the provincial capital of Mambajao.

The fastest way to reach Cagayan cle Oro is with a fast ferry from either Cebu City or Dumaguete. Buses leave frequently from the Cagayan de Oro bus terminal for Balingoan. Also, direct ferries leave Cagayan de Oro several times weekly at 8:00 AM.

The port of entry is Benoni (often spelled Binone) wharf, about 17 km, 30 minutes by jeepney from Mambajao, the capital, or at Guinsiliban, where a daily ferry arrives from Cagayan de Oro. The ferry port between Benoni and Mindanao is at Balingoan (Misamis Oriental), which is on the main highway between Butuan and Cagayan de Oro.

The Guinsiliban ferry' terminus is in Cagayan cle Oro proper. BacheJor Express buses link these two cities every 30 minutes; Balingoan is 90 minutes from Cagayan and two hours from Butuan. The ferry sails Balingoan-Benoni daily; the 1 0-km crossing takes 75 minutes. There's a direct boat from Cagayan cle Oro to Benoni (takes five and a half hours) on Monday and Friday, returning Tuesday and Saturday; departures are scheduled for 2400, but delays are common.

The newer ferry link between Cagayan cle Oro and Guinsiliban departs from the city pier at 8:00 AM Tues.-Sun. arriving at Guinsiliban at 11:00 AM. Departures from the island leave Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 AM and at 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

This link between Guinsiliban and Cagayan de Oro is more convenient for travelers, but its less frequent than the ferry between Benoni and the mainland at Balingoan. From Cebu, Bisaya Shipping sails on Saturday to Benoni (takes 12 hours), then returns to Cebu via Medina and Butuan. Thus, to travel from Camiguin to Cebu, it's more convenient to go via Cagayan de Oro.

There's also a weekly ship from Jagna (Bohol). Adventurous travelers have been chartering bancas for the three-hour trip to Panglao Island and Tagbilaran, Bohol. Fishermen and boatmen will gladly make the trip for P700-1,000 one-way. If you can get a group together to cut costs, this makes an interesting and fast way to get to Bohol and the Visayas.

Getting Around

To circumnavigate the island, it's necessary to travel by a combination of bus, jeepney, and motorella (tricycle), since public vehicles don't make the complete circuit. Frequent transportation links the two largest towns, Mambajao and Catarman, with the ferry at Benoni and nearby Guinsiliban, for example, while few vehicles operate on the section between Yumbing and Catarman.

The traffic flow coincides with the ferry schedule. Thus, vehicles leave Mambajao early in the morning, taking passengers to the 6:00 AM ferry, then wait in Benoni for the ferry to arrive from Balingoan at 9:15 AM. And so on until the last ferry arrives at 5:15 PM.

Operating seven days a week jeepney's travel between Mambajao and Catarman by the back route (takes 40 minutes) starting around 4:00 AM, and service ending around 6:00 PM, after which traffic is sporadic. On Sundays transport is frequent all day on this stretch, as islanders travel to attend church, the market and the cockfight.

Motorellas can be hired for short distances, they're plentiful even outside Mambajao municipality. An alternative to Motorellas is for a group of travelers to share the cost of hiring a jeepney for sightseeing; the local term for this is pakyaw.

There's no commercial motorcycle rental on Camiguin, but some individuals in Mambajao will rent their machines. Ask around. Similarly, you may be able to rent a bicycle or easily hitchhike, although private transportation is fairly rare.

MAMBAJAO

The provincial capital and trading center is a small, quiet town. Marnbajao makes a good base from which to explore the island as well as Catarman. There's a tourist office in the Capitol Building, and a PN13 where you can change traveler's checks. The NACIDA handicraft display center offers an array of locally made baskets, and Mambajao's lively market also sells handicrafts.

Mambajao cleverly derives its name from mamhaw (let's eat breakfast) and bajao (IeW over boiled rice).The town has some old Spanish-style homes and a colonial church, and comes to life in late October during the Lanzones Festival, which is held here. Motorellas ply the main road from downtown to about 9 km in either direction throughout the day; the regular fare is P6 per person.

Accommodations

Inexpensive pension houses are located in town and on the beaches a few kilometers west. Tia's Pension House adjacent to the town hall and RJ Pension House on Ned Street have singles for P80-220. Both rent bikes, motorcycles, and offers tips on sightseeing. Tia also manages some beachside cottages a few minutes outside town. Across from Tia's Cottages is Shoreline Cottages, P200-250.

There's also the run-down Camiguin Travel Lodge for P100 and plenty of locals who will offer a room for the night, particularily during the crowded Lanzones Festival. Southeast of town on Cabua-an Beach, there's Gue's Cottages for P150-200, and a km northwest of Mambajao you can stay in a tree house at Bolokbolok at the Tree House (P 150). There is a restaurant nearby, a tennis court, and motorbikes for rent at P400 a day. This is a great way to see the island.

More accommodations are situated in small barrids west of Mambajao. First stop is at Turtle's Nest Resort in Kuguita, three km west of town.

Restaurants

Tia's serves good and ample meals. The Camiguin Travel Lodge has a restaurant and serves good cheap meals as do many of the small restaurants along the main street. Have a simple meal at Ligaya Restaurant and Cold Spot near the market or the equally rustic Botica Milagrosa. Grilled fish is also inexpensive when bought at the market. Sinugba and kindaw are local specialties as are the sweet lanzones, made famous by the Lanzones Festival. For nightlife, there are two small discos, Bidlisiw and Anging's.

INLAND FROM MAMBAJAO

Katibawasan Falls

These 50-meter falls are surrounded by lush vegetation. It's refreshing to swim in the pool below the falls, but the water's cold, so its best to come here between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun's overhead. There's a resthouse where you can change and a cottage in which to overnight, but you must bring food; make a reservation at the tourist office in Marnbajao. To get there, take a motorella one-half km from Mambajao to the waiting shed at Pandan, walk to the end of the village, then follow the trail to the right for 2.5 km to the falls. Admission to the falls is P5.

Ardent Hot Spring

The best times to visit this small, natural stone swimming pool with 400 C water are in the early morning, on rainy days, and at night. A resthouse provides changing facilities, plus food and cold drinks. Take a motorella 3.5 km from Mambajao to Kuguita; the spring is 2.5 km from Kuguita church; walk 1.5 km inland till the road forks; bear right then take the first road left after the school, then the right fork again. Stay at the Ardent-Esperanza Mountain Resort with dorm beds for P50 and cottages for P200. Admission to the spring is P5.

THE COAST WEST OF MAMBAJAO

Baylao

Swiss-operated Turtle's Nest Resort, on the boundary between Kuguita and Baylao, four km from Mambajao, is a pleasant, secluded place to stay. Cottages cost P150 pp, or P250 pp with meals; good food is served in a beachside restaurant with sunset view. To get there, ask the motorella driver for Mahayahay Beach.

Follow the road from the highway to the beach. To the left is the sandy Mahayahay Beach, which has no coral, and to the right, Turtle's Nest Beach, where the resort is. There's coral 100-150 meters offshore from here, then a drop-off at about the 200-meter mark. Access can be tricky at low tide, however. The resort rents complete diving equipment for P400 per day, plus P50 for a second tank, P75 for a dive guide, and extra for a banca, if necessary. Trips could be arranged, for example, to Hikdop Reef, about four km northeast of Magting, which offers excellent coral and fishlife, or around to the drop-off beneath the lava flows of Old Camiguin Volcano.

WHITE ISLAND

This tiny, dazzlingly white sand bar, also called Medano, Island, is about two krn offshore from Agoho and Yumbing. It's a good place to sunbathe, with superb views of Hibok-Hibok and enjoyable snorkeling 150-200 meters off the island. There's no shade however, so take suntan lotion. Local fishermen often visit the island; you can buy fresh fish from them, especially in the morning.

Take a motorella or jeepney f rom Mambajao to Agoho (takes 15 minutes) or Yumbing, from where you can hire a banca; the boatman will stay with you for two or three hours, which will be enough for most people. It's also possible to be dropped off and picked up later at a prearranged time. One might also overnight here, especially during the full moon; bring a tent, sleeping bag, firewood, food anddrink. White Island is often seen on tourist posters and brochures when advertising Mindanao or the Philippines.

SOUTHEAST OF MAMBAJAO

Beaches are rocky on this side of Mambajao. Three krn from town, and a few hundred meters inland from the road, are some open pits where old Chinese pottery was unearthed. Anito, five krn out, has a beach with coral to the left; it's reached by the first road after the Chinese cemetery. At Magting, seven krn out, there's a secluded beach, good coral to the left of the cottages, and cold springs in the sea to the right of them. Ancient skeletons, tools, weapons, and utensils were discovered in caves near here.

Three krn beyond Magting, alight from the jeepney at the sign for Macao Cold Spring in Tupsan. Snorkel over good coral then return to the highway and walk inland for one krn (take right fork in road) to wash the salt off in the small, natural stone pool of the spring.

HIBOK-HIBOK VOLCANO

This is, at 1,330 meters, the most active of seven volcanoes on the island. Between 1948 and 1951. it smoked and rumbled continually.
There was a minor eruption in 1948 and again in 1949, when 79 individuals perished in landslides. Then in 1951, it erupted without warning, issuing steaming hot gases and absorbing huge amounts of oxygen from the air, so that people were asphyxiated. The death toll was over 2,000, many of whom were found as though asleep.

Lava covered nearly 10 square km behind Mambajao, devastating many villages. You can see these lava flows from the road between Mambajao and Yumbing. The island's population had been 69,000 in 1951, but over 30,000 left Camiguin following the eruption.

DAY TRIP AROUND THE ISLAND

Start early and allow a full day for the 64-km trip around Camiguin. On the open road, its better to hike until motorellas or jeepneys pass rather than wait. Leaving Mambajao, the choice is to go clockwise or counterclockwise. Clockwise, get an early jeepney that connects with the 6 AM ferry at Benoni, have breakfast, then take a jeepney that will depart for Catarman after the 9:15 AM ferry.

From here, be prepared to hike about 15 km to Naasag, from where regular motorellas go into Mambajao. Traveling counterclockwise, pass by nearby spots such as White Island, which can be visited as day trips, and take a motorella directly to Naasag, then begin walking toward Tangub Hot Springs. Start early, since while jeepneys operate all day on the Catarman Benoni-Mambajao stretch, they become less frequent by midafternoon.

Naasag

Naasag, nine krn from Mambajao, is usually the end of the line for motorellas. If you continue walking along the road for five minutes, over a hill, look for a small bamboo stairway on the right; it leads down through Downer's Grove to a rocky beach. This is a good picnic spot, with nice coral and a 15-meter drop-off close to shore, a shady grove behind the beach, and a will at the back of the grove.

If you return to the road and walk for another 10 minutes, over the next hill, a path leads down a steep embankment to Fisherman's Landing, a secluded stony beach which also has good coral and a 15-meter drop-off just offshore.

Tangub Hot Springs

About three km, an hours walk, beyond Naasag, a cement road leads down to these hot springs, which are also called Ocean, Old, or Mainit Hot Springs. To get there by motorella, you must pay a special-trip price (about P50). Many volcanic hot springs flow into the sea directly here, and some emerge from rocks directly beside the sea.

There's a small pool to sit in, from which you can spring, so to speak, into the sea at a step. In fact, saltwater and freshwater become mixed at each tide. Thus, the water's cool at high tide, too hot at low tide, and agreeably warm at midtide. A delightf ul place! Just past these springs, the lava flows of Old Camiguin Volcano ('Vulcan Daan") plunge into the sea, and it's fun to snorkel from the springs along this shore.

Where the lava meets the sea, there are rocks on which to sunbathe, and a narrow shelf with excellent coral, followed by a sharp drop-off. Don't leave valuables unattended while snorkeling, however. An alternative is to snorkel from a banca, which could be hired for about P60 from Naasag or the first village on the other side of the lava flow.

Bonbon

From Tangub Hot Springs, you can walk along the road for another hour, across the lava flow, high above the sea, to this village, which was the site of the island's old capital. It's 16 km from Mambajao. The story goes that in 1871, an old man appeared and threatened the inhabitants with damnation if they didn't mend their sinful ways. He was ignored, of course, and the next day, May Day, the town was destroyed by Vulcan Daan's eruption.

The ruins of the 17th-century coral church, bell tower, and convento still remain. Part of the town, including the cemetery, was submerged.Gravestones were formerly visible at low tide off sandy, secluded Sabang Beach, 200 meters from the ruins, but they can no longer be seen.It's believed that both Vagellan and Legazpi landed here in search of fresh water. Snorkel to the right of the beach, where the shallows extend a long way out. There's a spectacular view of the volcano from here.

Catarman

After Bonbon's destruction, the Spanish moved down the coast to Catarman, which is now the island's second-largest town. A small museum in the municipal hall displays antique artifacts. There is lodging here, The Coral Dive Resort is the main Resort Hotel in Catarman located at the sea side with a large coral reef just 20 meters off shore. There is also the Catarman Inn, located across from the elementary school on the sea side. Room rates at the Catarman Inn are 1,000 PHP per 24 hour stay. Also local families will accept boarders; ask around. Approaching Catarman from Bonbon, there are several small sandy inlets, some of which have fine coral. The coast is rocky from Catarman town round to Guinsiliban, often with good coral just 20 meters offshore.

Santo Nino Spring and Tuwasan Falls

Santo Niho Spring consists of a large stone pool with a two-meter deep sandy bottom, fed by hundreds of cold springs, in attractive surroundings. There are changing facilities and a small store. To get here, look for a sign saying Kiyab Pool, 500 meters north of Catarman. Walk inland, and after 3.5 km take the left fork to the nearby spring. Ask locals to point out the trail between here and Tuwasan Falls, so that you can make a circular hike.

These beautiful 25-meter falls have a natural pool at their base, but there are plans to build a mini-hydro-plant here. From the falls, follow the road through Mainit to where it meets the main road 2 km north of Catarman. For those doing this walk in reverse, there's a sign for the falls at this junction.

Guinsiliban

A 300-year-old watchtower, used as a lookout against Moro pirates, is located behind the elementary school. This little town is now the ferry terminus for a large boat from Cagayan de Oro. Boats depart for Cagayan de Oro at 8 AM Wednesday and Friday and at 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Cost is P500. There are no accommodations here as yet but plans to open a guesthouse are in progress.

Kibila Beach

This spot offers 750 meters of coarse white sand, quite good snorkeling, though the seabed slopes steeply, and a well by the beach. To get here, alight from the jeepney at the Cantaan waiting shed, from where it's a pleasant 3 km walk to the beach. The road forks in the center of Cantaan village; bear right.

Benoni

This is Camiguin's main ferry port. Taguines Lagoon, an artificial lake, is two krn south of the wharf; take a motorella. You can stay here at the pleasant Travel Lodge (P 150); a restaurant/bar overlooking the lagoon serves fresh fish raised in its own pond. The bungalows are built on a network of bamboo bridges and stilts so that you can take a cottage over the pond and hear the fish swimming under your bed all night. A unique place and worth staying a night. Food is great and the family is friendly. The lodge is associated with Camiguin Travel Lodge in Mambajao, but is in much better condition.

Magsaysay Island

Situated 3 km offshore, this island, formerly Mantigue Island, is small enough to walk around in 20 minutes. It has shady trees, a white-sand beach, and about 20 resident families. The near side is shallow with little coral, but the far side has a drop-off that provides good diving, with lots of fish. These waters attract many local fishermen, so go to Hubangon and check if any of them are headed out here. If so, they'll drop you on the island for a small tip; if not, you must hire a banca.

Mahinog

Mahinog has rocky beaches with good coral offshore. You can stay here at the modern, Westem-style Mychelin Beach Resort (P150-200), with free coffee and electricity from 6PM to 9 PM. It's situated 3 km north of Benoni, facing Magsaysay Island.

Places to visit in Camiguin

2011-02-03T09:23:00.000+08:00

If you want to know where these places are located, please see the Camiguin Island Map located at the bottom. The red spots on the map would indicate the scenic places for you to visit.

CATARMAN CHURCH RUINS (GUI-OB CHURCH)

The devastating volcanic eruption in 1871 wiped out the Spanish settlement of Catarman that was established in 1697. The remains of an Old Spanish church, ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent are mute witnesses to the wrath of nature. It also allows us a glimpse into the culture of Spanish-era Camiguin.

CROSS MARKER AND SUNKEN CEMETERY

Located in Bonbon, Catarman a huge cross marker has been installed by the Provincial government to mark the community cemetery that sunk during the 1871 volcanic holocaust. Years ago, gravestones were visible during low tide. Today, it is an interesting diving site.

PHILVOLCS OBSERVATORY STATION

The Observatory houses a seismograph that monitors the activity of the island's fiery resident, Mount Hibok-Hibok. It is also the site where one can get a breathtaking view of the island, as well as hints of the neighboring islands in the horizon

TANGUINES LAGOON

A man-made lagoon located in Benoni, Mahinog. Its mantle of limpid waters, craggy cliffs and huge boulders standing like sentinels, gently rolling hills with peaks covered by creamy clouds and a perpetually restive sea provide visitors with a sense of serenity and peace. Truly a place to convene with nature.

KATIBAWASAN FALLS

The 250-feet majestic beauty cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its ice-cold waters provide an ideal summer splash to locals and tourists alike. Rock picnic tables, seats and cookout facilities are available for use.

TUASAN FALLS

The trek to the 25-meter high strong waterfalls is fun and exciting. One will have go through a very scenic hike passing through the quaint barrio Mainit before being refreshed under the thunderous falls.

TANGUB HOT SPRING

A volcanic spring by the sea. Water temperatures turn cold, hot and lukewarm as the tide changes from high, low and medium, respectively. Diving is good to about 1020 meters in a gradual drop off. It is an ideal site for scuba diving.

MACAO COLD SPRING

Located in Mahinog, the Macao Cold Spring is one of Camiguin's idyllic springs. One will be amazed with the cool splash of crystal blue-colored water. Swimming along the pool, one could be accompanied by a school of small fishes. Huge century-old trees surround the pool, keeping it cool and shady.

MANTIGUE ISLAND

Three kilometers off the shore from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog is an island four hectares of evergreen forest fringed with sandy beach. The boat ride to Mantigue is quite exciting, as one has to contend with strong diverging currents due to the open sea. One side of the island is ideal for swimming as it is shallow and has few corals. The opposite side is a deep drop off ideal for snorkeling and diving.

MOUNT HIBOK-HIBOK

The only active volcano in the island, the 1250-meter slope is a challenge even to the seasoned mountaineer, as he has to contend with loose rocks and boulders. Mount Hibok-Hibok has a crater lake at the peak and has steam outlets abound. The peak also offers a breathtaking view of the islands of Cebu, Negros and Bohol.

OLD VOLCANO

A unique underwater lave formation is the main attraction in this site that rises from the depths of more than eighty feet from the bottom forming a series of pinnacles. The coral covered molten rocks are surrounded with tropical fishes such as anthias, clown fishes, damsels and the like.

ARDENT HOT SPRING

The local hot spa is a natural pool of about 40 degrees centigrade springing from depths of Mount Hibok-Hibok. The Municipality of Mambajao has provided cottages, restaurant and dormitory facilities that cater to local and foreign tourists. It has picnic huts, cookout facilities and restrooms for visitors.It is ideal for night swimming, a place to rejuvenate both mind and body.

WHITE ISLAND

Two kilometers off the coast of Agoho, Mambajao is the Camiguin's popular sand bar. At times it is in the shape of the letter C, sometimes the letter I, depending on the ocean tide. It has the picturesque Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.

JICDUF SHOAL

The seabed rises forming a shoal of about ten hectares in size. The Jicduf Shoal is one of the best diving spots in Camiguin. It offers a wide variety of aquatic life for the diver to observe and enjoy. It is an ideal site for underwater photographers and novice divers.

BURIAS SHOAL

A favorite spot for high-adventure-seeking divers, the Burias Shoal can be reached after breezy thirty-minute speedboat ride. One can find schools of jacks, tuna, surgeons, mackerel and barracudas. The shoal boasts of a lush black coral covered bottom. Strong currents may make diving tricky, however, the experience is worth the effort.

STO. NIÑO COLD SPRING

Located in Catarman, the Sto. Niño Cold Spring has a pool measuring 25 meters by 40 meters. It is 2 meters deep of cold spring water sprouting from the sandy bottom. The area has a restaurant, native cottages, picnic huts, cookout facilities and restrooms for visitors.

About the Island of Camiguin

2011-02-03T09:17:00.000+08:00

The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.

Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.

The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.