The Beautiful Island of Camiguin

Located at the northern part of Mindanao, the island-province of Camiguin is a picturesque of a calm and peaceful place that is abundant with natural resources. This charming province in Mindanao is a perfect getaway for those who want to keep in touch with Mother Earth as well as those who want to spend romantic moments with their loved ones. Camiguin is a pear-shaped island that is also well known as the Volcanic Island of the Philippines because it has seven volcanoes, the famous for which is the Mt. Hibok-hibok.  According to experts, Camiguin Island was formed out by these volcanic eruptions and land mass movements. This also explains why the province is rich in natural springs and has very fertile soil.

Meanwhile, Camiguin has a total land area of 238-sq kilometers and is located at the northwestern part of Mindanao in the Philippines.  It is one of the provinces of Northern Mindanao Region or also known as the Philippines’ Region 10.  It is 90 kilometers away from Cagayan De Oro City to its south while it is surrounded by bodies of waters from its other sides – Butuan Bay to its east, Macajalar Bay to the west and the Bohol Sea to its north.

What to do in Camiguin?

Camiguin has many places to offer that do not only speak of Camiguin’s natural richness in water, land and air – but, it also speaks of Camiguin’s beautiful and hospitable locales.

Tuasan Falls. This waterfall at Barrio Mainit is one of the many waterfalls in Camiguin that tourists always visit whenever in Camiguin. Tuasan has a 25-meter high waterfall which serves as the main attraction of the place. People can take a swim under the falls after a short trek. One can have a glimpse of Camiguin’s luscious greeneries and calm streams while trekking towards Tuasan Falls.

Mt. Hibok-hibok. A Camiguin’s famous fixation, Mt. Hibok-Hibok is the only volcano in Camiguin that has remained active.  It is also one of the preferred destinations of the adventurous wherein the volcano’s 1,250 meters slope is a challenge in mountaineering.  When on top, one can have a splendid view of nearby islands Negros, Bohol and Cebu.

White Island.   One of Camiguin’s famous attractions, the White Island is best known for its white sand bar. Aside from basking under the sun, one can also swim around and snorkel at the surrounding seas of White Island. From the White Island, one can have a view of the Mt. Hibok-hibok.

Ardent Hot Spring. This place is good for those who want to dip into a hot spring and relaxes the body as well as the mind. The Ardent Hot Spring in Mambajao is a natural hot pool with 40 degrees centigrade temperature. Surrounding the hot spring are cottages, restaurants and accommodation facilities, which make it ideal for overnight stay. Most of the visitors opt for a night swimming.

Old Volcano.  Another famous attraction in Camiguin is the Old Volcano. In here, one can appreciate Mother Nature’s exemplary work wherein an underwater formation of lava, which rises from more than 80-ft down bottom, can be seen.  Corals are covered with molten rocks as the underwater is also habituated by various kinds of fishes.    

Where to stay in Camiguin?

Because of the increasing number of tourists coming into Camiguin, billeting areas and hotels are cropping in the province. The following are some of Camiguin’s best hotels and beach resorts.

Bahay Bakasyunan. A resort hotel, Bahay Bakasyunan depicts a Filipino-style of accommodation wherein native cottages are surrounding the area. The place has also an outdoor restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and a conference room for those who are coming into the place for conventions/seminars. Rented motorboats are available in the resort for those who want to explore some of Camiguin’s islets.

Paras Beach Resort. Originally, as a private haven among the Paras family, the Paras Beach Resort takes pride of its native motif that makes the place more relaxing and homey for its urban visitors.  All of its guest rooms have air conditioners with hot-and-cold shower and cable TV.  Cottages and dormitory-type accommodations are also available for guests who come in a larger group.

Camiguin Highland Resort. A luxurious high-end hotel, Camiguin Highland Resort is a three-storey building that houses guest rooms that are complete with air conditioners, cabled TV sets, refrigerators and intercom. The resort’s Mediterranean interior design makes it appealing for guests who do not only prefer comfort but elegance as well. Guests can choose whether they opt for a guest room that has a view of the sea or a room that has a mountain view.

How to go to Camiguin?

Camiguin can be reached through regular sea and air trips from Cebu. Also, for hourly scheduled ferry boats, one has to take Cagayan de Oro City in going to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. From there, one can ride a ferry boat in going to Camiguin.

Bohol Philippines and its Wonders

One of the most popular destinations in the Philippines is the island of Bohol. For year 2009,   Bohol had a 13.08 percent growth rate with 238,745 tourist arrivals, making it as one of the most visited places in Central Visayas Region of the Philippines.  The accessibility of Bohol from Cebu (Philippines’ major point of destination after Manila) through hourly trips of various sea vessels make Bohol as a major side trip of travelling visitors in Central Visayas. Also, the existence of an airport in its capital, Tagbilaran City, makes Bohol as easy access for vacation trips from travelers across the globe.

Bohol is located at the center of the Philippines as one of the provinces of the Central Visayas Region (the tourist capital of the country). Aside from Bohol, the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor complete the entire Central Visayas Region. Its land area of 4117.3 square kilometers makes this island province as the tenth largest island of the Philippines. Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol where almost all commercial establishments and business centers are found in this city.

Meanwhile, Bohol takes pride of its abundant natural resources, rich culture and history, and warmth of its people, the Boholanos.  With this, it is no wonder that Bohol is now one of Philippines’ major tourist destinations.

Places to Visit in Bohol

Chocolate Hills. Considered as one of the natural wonders of the world, Chocolate Hills is an spot in Carmen, Bohol characterized by dome-land formations (hills) which turn color brown during summer season. On rainy season, the hills are covered with green color as vegetation replaces the dry land of summer. The view of more than a thousand chocolate hills, which look like chocolate kisses, in one setting is considered by many tourists and even locals as simply breathtaking.   It takes an hour drive from Tagbilaran City to reach Chocolate Hills through vans-for-hire.

Loboc River Cruise. Another popular tourist destination in Bohol is its Loboc River Cruise where floating restaurants offer buffet lunch and dinner with musical entertainment during the 45-minute trip. Motor bancas, with a capacity of 100 persons, are used in the river cruise. In this trip, people can experience the tranquil and clean Loboc River with its rich vegetations around it.  During the trip, the cruise makes some stopovers in river banks where awaiting group of children sing and dance to entertain the guests.  During night time cruise, the ambience is romantic where subdued lights in the surroundings give a reflection of the river.

Tarsier Watching.  Another highlight during a Bohol tour is a visit to Bohol’s tarsiers. These endangered small creatures can be seen live as tourists can also take pictures of it. As most of the sayings in Bohol go – a trip to Bohol will not be completed without an encounter with the tarsiers.

Island and Balicasag Adventure. The white sand beaches in Panglao speak of Bohol’s rich marine resources and water adventures. Tourists always frequent the various beach resorts in Panglao because of the “uncorrupted” natural resources and waters in the area. Also, whale watching in nearby Balicasag Island is another famous tourist spot in Bohol where people can enjoy not just the sparkling Bohol bluewaters but also the site of whales frolicking in the ocean. Whale watching is made possible through motorized boats for hire.

Danao Adventure Park. Located 72-km away from Tagbilaran City, the Danao Adventure Park is the newest tourism spot in Bohol. The place takes pride on the various eco-adventures that do not only showcase the rich forests of Danao, but also the world-class equipment and skills of the adventure park that can compete internationally when it comes to extreme sports.  The Danao Adventure Park includes zip line adventure (the tallest and longest in the Philippines), cliff plunge, river trekking, sky riding, kayaking, and many more.

Going To Bohol

Bohol can be reached through a two-hour fast craft ride from Cebu City. Roll-on and Roll-off boats are also available for those who prefer the slow trip in waters. Local flights are also available from Manila to Tagbilaran City.

The abovementioned tourist destinations are just few of the many spots in Bohol where people can appreciate the natural wonders of Mother Earth. The Chocolate Hills is enough proof how blessed this province when it comes to natural wonders.  Meanwhile, what truly make Bohol now as one of Philippines’ tourist havens is the Boholanos themselves whose cooperation with their local government unit is exemplary.  The involvement of its people in making their province a world-class destination is very evident. Also, as a former insurgency stricken province, Bohol now is an insurgency free province which further makes it as a preferred tourist destination. With its peaceful environment as well as its “uncorrupted” natural resources and a  touch of rural rawness in its urban centers, Bohol is indeed worth travelling.