Camiguin Island

Camiguin is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about ten kilometers off the northern coast of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao. It is the second-smallest province both in population and land area next only to Batanes. The capital of the province is Mambajao and it is a part of the Northern Mindanao region.

Camiguin takes pride in its claim to possess a “complete” natural environment and a complexly diverse ecosystem. It is accessible by air and sea via Cagayan de Oro and once there, it’s really all about exploring the rustic setting, natural wonders, diving and beach-bumming. Today’s list, adapted from www.camiguin.gov.ph, talks about some of the different points of interest in the island province that are worth visiting.

1. Katibawasan Falls – Located five kilometers southeast of Mambajao, this is a beautiful clear stream of water cascading 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, tress and boulders. Its cold water provides a refreshing summer splash. The more adventurous may want to rappel down the waterfall into the plunge pool below.

2. Tuasan Falls – The approach to the wild and mighty falls entails a very scenic hike passing through the quaint locale of Mainit in Catarman and along the rocky river bed. The surrounding scenery is unspoiled and perfect for a peaceful picnic. The only sounds visitors will hear are those of the tumbling falls and running water.

3. Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool – This pool in Bura, Catarman is said to be the one and only in the country where you can swim in soda water. It has great scenery over the fields and the seas.

4. Esperanza Ardent Hot Spring – In the heart of the island bubbles this mineral pool with water around 40 degrees Celsius. Mist rises from the heated waters that run down the vents of the dormant Hibok-Hibok volcano. The springs are ideal to bathe in at night surrounded by cool mountain air. It is said to have therapeutic effects.

5. Tangub Hot Spring – A volcanic hot spring below the sea bed, the small area is formed by a pool of sea stones and corals and is completely undeveloped. Water temperatures turn from cold to lukewarm, warm and hot as the tide changes. Sit in the water at lowish tide and enjoy the cold sea water as it mixes with the hot spring.

6. Macao Cold Spring – Located in Mahinog, this cold spring is one of Camiguin’s most idyllic. Swimmers could be accompanied by a school of small fishes on occasion. Huge century-old trees surround the pool, keeping it cool and shady.

7. Taguines Lagoon – A man-made lagoon located in Benoni, Mahinog, this serene site is accentuated by limpid waters, craggy cliffs and huge boulders standing like sentinels. It’s an ideal place to hire a boat and go fishing for the day.

8. Old Vulcan – The old volcano drops into the sea and makes a natural road high above the ocean. The place has a sheer drop-off of 80 meters. Rich corals abound in the ocean below. The coral covered molten rocks are surrounded with tropical fishes such as anthias, clown fishes, damsels and others.

9. White Island – Across the sea from Agoho and Yumbing, this uninhabited white sandbar with the picturesque Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcano as its backdrop is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and viewing the sunrise and sunset over Camiguin.

10. Mantigue Island – Three kilometers off the coast of Hubangon and San Roque in Mahinog, the island is four hectares of evergreen forest, fringed with white granule sand beaches. One side of the island laced with a white sand beach and coral offshore while the opposite side provides a deep drop-off for snorkeling and diving.