Camiguin : Adventure of a Lifetime

In life, there are times that things doesn't go as planned. Our getaway to Camiguin came in as an example of it. 

We were supposed to take the CDO - Camiguin route via the Paras SeaCat but we were informed  that the trip was cancelled due to engine failure. So we found ourselves taking the 2 hour landtrip to Balingoan port in Misamis Oriental. We had no recourse but to take this route. It's the second best option we had.

We arrived in Balingoan at around 11:00 AM just in time for the 11:30 AM trip to the port of Benoni in Camiguin.

The boat ride took about an hour before we reached our destination. Finally, we are in the island born out of fire - Camiguin.

We were then greeted by Kuya Dan - our guide/ driver. We booked an overnight stay at Paguia's Cottages located just infront of Paras beach resort. They also offer tours so we booked an Island tour and a countryside tour. It was midday when we arrived so Kuya asked where do we like to eat. We wanted to have a nice seafood place so he brought us to J&A Fishpen.

After lunch, our Camiguin tour started. First stop was Katibawasan Falls. One of the many waterfalls located in the island. It is about 250 feet high and it cascades 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by trees and wild ferns. The place is also very ideal for swimming.

Next stop was the Ardent Hibok Hibok Hot spring. The water here can go as hot as 40 degrees celsius. It is considered as one of the favorite destinations in the island. The natural heated spring used to be a four tiered pool with varying depth and warmth. The water contains sulfur and is said to cure many skin infections. And because of its heat, it is advisable not to stay more than 15 minutes on the pool.

The Walkway to the Old Volcano and the stations of the cross is very popular among pilgrims especially during the holy week. Devotees may climb a series of steps and along the way are depictions of the stations of the cross painted in white.

Passing by the Guiob Church ruins which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan in May 13,1871.

Another cool destination was the Sto Nino Cold Springs in Catarman. Siquijor has been blessed with many springs both hot and cold. These are due to the volcanic activity in the island. We really did enjoy the refreshing cold water. A perfect destination to beat the afternoon heat.

It was getting late and we decided to leave so we can catch the sunset at one of the most popular spots in Camiguin - the Sunken Cemetery. One of the most interesting spots in the island. The history of the Sunken Cemetery is as fascinating as the site itself.

 Way back in 1971, the whole capital of Camiguin, with its cemetery, was submerged under the sea during the devastating eruption of Mt. Vulcan. It is said that during the years that followed, the gravestones were still visible when the tide was low. When Mt. Vulcan erupted again in 1978 however, the area sunk even deeper to an estimated 20ft.

The giant cross was erected on the waters of the site by the Provincial Government of Camiguin in 1982 to mark the sunken graves of the province’s ancestors. From that point onwards, it was called the Sunken Cemetery.

A tiring day deserves a delicious dinner at Luna Restorante Italiano.The only specialty restaurant in the island. We filled up our empty stomachs and finally went to Paguia's Place where we booked an overnight stay.

The next day we woke up at 6AM for an early morning trip to Camiguin's Sanctuary. The White Island is small sand bar found near the coast of Mambajao. Lucky for us, it is only a 10 minute boat  ride  from where we are staying. This is the best time to visit the island since  it gets completely submerged during the afternoon.

Truly a sight to behold.

Check this video we took at the island.

After the visit to the White Island, we went back to the hotel and packed up to leave CAMIGUIN. On the way to the port we dropped by the factory of Vjandep Pastel Buns where we bought boxes of this yummy filled delicacy. It was my first time to try the "pastel" and with that first bite I suddenly felt the love for it.

Good thing I bought 10 boxes but I guess only 7 boxes reached Bacolod for I cant stop myself from eating this yummy custard filled buns. A half dozen box cost 60 pesos, way cheaper than buying it in supermarkets which is sold at 98 pesos or maybe higher.

Picture courtesy of visitpinas.com and barkmywords.blogspot.com

And the excitement starts here....

Upon arriving at the port, we immediately bought tickets for the 12:00NN trip back to Balingoan Port via Supershuttle Ferry. We waited at the holding area where passengers of the different shipping companies are waiting to board. After a few minutes, I heard a man saying "Andyan na ang Barko". I then called Godo and Venus to go rush to the boat so we can choose the best seat and rest.

Unlike in our trip going to Camiguin, their was a checker near the boat entrance  to assist passengers. This time there is no one to ask. With the fear of getting left behind, we unhesitantly found ourselves getting in the boat. We sat down and in a few minutes the boat left the port.

We were all tired so I rested my head and didn't notice that I almost fell asleep. I was in the middle of my sleep when I heared a man in an annoying voice saying. " Sir, ticket nyo po"... I opened my eyes and saw the man was infront of me. " Sir asan ticket nyo?". I took my bag, got the ticket and gave it to him in a arrogant way. " Eto!".

And as I was about to start dozing off again, the man said  "Sir,iba man tong ticket nyo?".

 I was startled by what the he had  just told me. I asked " Anong ibig mong sabihin kuya?"

"Sir, ang ticket nyo ay pink ang sa amin po ay puti" the man said in reply.

I thought he was just joking around and I was about to answer " Kuya baka naubusan lng ng puti na papel at sa pink na print ang ticket =)" But looking at his serious face I began to think twice.


"Ang ticket nyo po ay Super Shuttle, hindi po ito yon. Royal Princess po eto. Mali yung sinakyan nyong barko!"  I was alarmed. I didn't know what to do. Godo and Venus still didn't know whats happening for they were seated away from me.

I was thinking "If mali ang nasakyan naming barko, saan kaya papunta to? " I looked at the man and he was wearing this " I LOVE BOHOL" shirt. Does it mean we are going to Bohol?

To end my confusion I just asked him " Ahh ganun po Kuya. Saan po ba papunta ang barkong to?


" Sa Baligoan din po Sir. Dun din ang punta nito. Pero kailangan nyo po magbayad dito kasi iba ang ticket nyo. Ipa refund nyo nlng tong ticket nyo pagdating sa pier. " he replied.

Thank God. This was the time that I truly  believed in guardian angels. So I paid 500 each for us 3. I went to Venus and told him of our misadventure. We thought of making fun out it as we relay the news to Godo. We made him believe that we got the wrong boat ( which is true) and it is off to Bohol not Baligoan Port in Misamis Oriental.

 Instead of being fed up , he was happy to know the news for it would be his chance to visit Bohol the first time. He was so excited that he even posted on his wall in Facebook.

"Took the wrong boat. Now going to Bohol. Yehey!!!!"

We didn't tell him the truth until we reached Balingoan. Sorry Do! =)

It was only when we are about to reach Balingoan Port when he realized that the place seems familiar to his eyes. He asked " Dali lang gd, daw pareho lang ni sang gin halinan ta kagapon aw. Gina into nyo gd ko ay ? (Wait, isn't it that this is where we left yesterday? Are you guys mocking me? )"


And this is where our misadventure in Camiguin ended.

For your Camiguin Tours and Accomodations:
Contact Kuya Ruby Paguia at  09106329728Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/paguias.cottages