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| White Island, Camiguin |
Camiguin Island and its people have a certain warmth that just embraces you as you arrive. No, it's not the several volcanoes in the island that makes it warm; it's the beauty of the island that's delicately highlighted by its people’s sincerity.
A Brief Account of the Mt. Volcan Eruption
May 13, 1871
6:00 pm
Cotta Bato, the capital of Camiguin Island was
a quiet and attractive town verdant in its natural
wonders. Its peaceful shores provided strolling
grounds for its inhabitants as the basked under
the gracious moonlight.
Suddenly, tranquility came to a halt as a sub-terranean
rumbling sowed undescribable terror. Hundreds of
houses and the churches crumbled into pieces,
the ground rolled and broke into deep crevices
with horrifying earthquake served only as prelude
to the destructive climax; a cataclysm never
witnessed before Mt. Volcan gave out its fiercest
and most violent outbreak.
6:20 pm
Cotta Bato was but a dreadful pile of
ruins. The single volcanic eruption buried a
beautiful town in obscurity.
Hundreds of lives were lost while the
survivors sought refuge in the open country
that gave them hope for a tomorrow.
* Text taken from the marker at the Guiob Ruins *
HOW WE GOT THERE: We got there taking a plane to Cagayan de Oro, then went on a road trip to the Balingoan port, which is the jump-off point to Camiguin Island. Ferries to Camiguin depart every hour or so, depending on the season. The ferry trip from the mainland to Benoni port of Camiguin takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
WHAT TO DO THERE:
Go to White Island – White Island is actually a sand bar, only less than 10 minutes away from the island of Camiguin. It is the most popular spot on the island and is only visible and accessible when the tide is low. There is a small floating hut where you can place your things while swimming or basking in the sun. White sand of course, however do not expect powder-like fine sand like that of Boracay. The really good thing about White Island is that it’s so small, that when you’re lucky enough, you get to have the entire island to yourself. There is another sandbar nearby, where sea birds rest during low tide - a pretty cool sight.
Relax in the Various Pools in the Volcanic Island - Soda Pool, Hot Spring pools, Cold Spring pools, etc. There are plenty to choose from. Ask your tour driver which ones you can go to given your route.
Eat lanzones for crying out loud! As of now, I believe they have the best lanzones in the country. The lanzones festival happens every third week of October so try to catch it if your can.
Hike Up the Pathway to the Old Volcano - The pathway is actually marked by the Stations of the Cross until you reach the top. Take time to enjoy the view (which we didn't see really, because we were too tired).
Hike Up the Pathway to the Old Volcano - The pathway is actually marked by the Stations of the Cross until you reach the top. Take time to enjoy the view (which we didn't see really, because we were too tired).
WHAT ELSE TO SEE:
Soda Pool - One big pool of soda water, that's it.
Ardent Hot Spring - Very relaxing. Just hope not too many people are there when you visit so you can really relax. Take a dip in the warm pool first before going to the hottest one (39 degrees!) so your body can gradually adjust to the temperature.
Sunken Cemetery - This is one of Camiguin's most visited sites. During eruptions in the 1870s, the cemetery subsided. Now, the area is marked with a white cross.
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| Clockwise from upper left: Cross at Sunken Cemetery, Guiob Church Ruins,road to Soda Pool and Vjandep Pastel |
Guiob Church Ruins - In Catarman town, the church was built in the Spanish Colonial times and was destroyed by the same volcanic eruptions that submerged the Sunken Cemetery. A quaint chapel now lies inside the old church's ruins.
La Luna Italian Restaurant – really good Italian food! The Italian owner and his Filipina wife run this little restaurant. It’s a bit weird that there’s such in semi-remote place like Camiguin, but believe me when I tell you that they sure know what they’re doing. Must be one of the best tiramisus I’ve had in a while.
Vjandep – affordable meals in the town proper, also where they make the pastel, a light bread stuffed with various flavors. The Vjandep pastel is one of the things Camiguin is also famous for. Despite the wide array of flavors available, the original yema flavor is still what works for me.
I hear that J & A Lagoon near the Benoni port is probably the only place where you can get good seafood in the island. You may choose to do a little fishing and have them cook your catch.
WHAT TO BRING HOME:
Pastel from Vjandep - They have several flavors to choose from. However, if you still plan to go around Cagayan de Oro, you may opt to purchase from Gaisano or Limketkai Mall instead. Prices are about PhP10 higher, but you are saved from the hassle of carrying boxes of pastel around.
Lanzones - Great to bring home as pasalubong if you're headed home straight from Camiguin. Really good to give out.
WHERE TO STAY:
Paras Beach Resort - The resort was originally built by the owners for their own recreation. They have relatively affordable rooms and the location is great as you can see White Island from the restaurant.
Enigmata - We were supposed to stay one night at their treehouse. However, the typhoon the week before our arrival destroyed some of the foundations, making it dangerous to stay in. I'd still recommend this place for those who'd like to experience sleeping in a treehouse and being one with nature.
