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.

DAKAK: Mindanao’s Famous Diving Spot

Known as the Diving Mecca of Mindanao, Dakak Beach Resort is one of the most preferred destinations in the Philippines because of its white sand beaches and rich marine resources. Aside from local tourists who prefer more the peaceful ambience in this place than the party nightlife of other beach resorts, foreign tourists from different corners of the world have also considered Dakak Beach Resort as a good haven for retreat and complete relaxation. The different water sports in Dakak also make it as a world-class site for water sports enthusiasts whose adventurous spirits are satisfied by sports such as scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing and the likes.

Location

Dakak Beach Resort is located at Zamboanga del Norte at the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is exactly located at Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. On its west is the rich marine water of Sulu Sea, while on its east is the mountain ranges of Zamboanga del Norte. Although Philippines is frequented by typhoons every year, the strategic location of Dakak, which is in between large islands, make it less prone to these typhoons. Aside from the amenities and activities one can find in Dakak Beach Resort, other shops and restaurants can also be found within the place of Dapitan wherein tourists can further appreciate the local setting of the place.

Going to Dakak Beach Resort

Dakak Beach Resort can be reached either through sea vessel or airplane. The main entry point to Dakak is through nearby Dipolog City. Air Philippines has five times a week flight to Dipolog City from Manila. Flight from Manila to Dipolog City usually takes one hour. Asian Spirit has also a daily flight to Dipolog City from Cebu through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.  Flight to Dipolog City from Cebu usually takes around forty-five minutes.  Shipping vessels have also trips from Manila to Dipolog City, and fast sea vessels such as Super Cat have trips from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental to Dipolog City.

Amenities, Accommodations and Activities in Dakak

This 15-hectare wooded land resort has room facilities that include air condition, cable TV, in-house movies and hot/cold shower bath.  For those who want to come in groups, Dakak has also facilities that suit for conferences and team buildings. Guests can enjoy the tranquil environment as they relax in the resort’s natural spring water of its pool.  Swimming pools are also available for kids. Outdoor Jacuzzi adds-up to the complete relaxation one can get in the resort as well as its sauna and fitness center.  For outdoor activities, Dakak is equipped with a mini golf course, tennis court, billiard center, horseback riding facilities, and basketball court. Its in-house restaurant offers seafood cuisine and Filipino food. For a nightlife party, its Fusion Disco is packed with entertainment where guests can unwind during the night.

Aqua Sports

Dakak is one of the best diving spots in the world. From its fine white sand beach-line to the deep waters, the place is endowed with natural wonders. The Liuay Rock diving spot in the area is the most frequented area among divers of Dakak.  Liuay Rock is a soft slope where a variety of marine resources can be found.  Various corals also inhabit the area. According to many, the Liuay Rock spot is ideal for amateur divers.  Another famous diving spot is the Cesar’s Reef wherein rich coral formations engulf the area.  Ideal for experienced divers, the Cesar’s Reef is home of many different kinds of fish such as barracuda, snappers, and surgeon fishes.

Aside from scuba diving, guests can also enjoy other water sports such as water skiing, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing.

Going Around Dapitan

Dakak is located in the historically rich place of Dapitan.  To those who want to explore the areas outside of the resort, Dapitan has many spots worth visiting.  For one, the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan is a must-visit place. The place reflects well on the life and works of Jose Rizal, Philippines’ National Hero, during his 4-year exile in Dapitan. In the museum, one can see the things used by Rizal in his writings as well as the equipment he used when he practiced his being a doctor in the place. The Rizal Shrine is located at Talisay, Dapitan City.  The St. James Church in Dapitan is another historical spot that the city boasts of.  According to many, St. James was the most frequented church by Jose Rizal during the latter’s stay in Dapitan. The pew where Rizal always seated is being highlighted differently nowadays to put emphasis on that historical spot. To those who want to shop and dine, the Gloria de Dapitan is a commercial complex that houses various restaurants, shops, bowling center, resto pubs, video arcades, and other recreational spots.  A 5-star deluxe cockpit is also found inside this commercial complex. Outside Gloria de Dapitan is the Outdoor Mobile Amusement Rides where carnival rides can be found.