Camiguin

	Philippine Travel Articles (courtesy of )





		Take a dip in the springs, witness the Lanzones Festival and trek the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok as Maria Congee S. Gomez takes you on a quick tour of Camiguin Island.

	TO A CITY-DWELLER, Camiguin Island is a whiff of fresh air. North of Cagayan de Oro City and Bohol Sea, west by Macajalar Bay, in the southeast by Gingoog Bay and east by Butuan Bay, the island has beautiful uncrowded beaches, hot and cold springs and breathtaking greens—in short, everything that you need if you're raring to tune out. With seven volcanoes and rich mineral deposits that produce hot and cold springs on a year-round basis, it is little wonder that the island is being promoted as "the country's first natural spa," according to Region X tourism director Dottie Pabayo. Ms. Pabayo is also confident that because of the place's untapped resources, tourists might just try		exploring it. Among the experiences visitors rave about are climbing the still active Mount Hibok-Hibok, with a 1,250-meter slope, and savoring the fruits (in particular lanzones) and fresh vegetables hauled from various tracts of farm lots and vegetable gardens in the island. "Nowhere do you find a setting as peaceful as in Camiguin. Not only are the townsfolk steeped in their religious and folk practices but they are happily living with simple aspirations," Ms. Pabayo added. Camiguin is a 28,187-hectare island. It is considered the smallest province of northern Mindanao and has five municipalities composed of Mambajao (the capital), Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. Among the produce from these municipalities are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee, and different vegetables.



		the search for Miss Lanzones Festival. Yes, this may not be as grand as the other Philippine festivals but it has the people's full support. If you're on a short stay on the island, it is advisable to keep a list of the places you want to see. Recommended is the Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery in Bonbon, Catarman. The place is popular for its huge cross marker, which was planted by the local government unit to commemorate a community cemetery that sunk during the 1871 volcanic eruption. Soaking in the ice-cold water flowing from the 250-feet Katibawasan Falls is a good experience. Katibawasan is located five kilometers southeast of Mambajao. The adventure-seeking might want to try scaling Mt. Hibok-Hibok to see its crater-like peak with steam outlets. We were told that the peak offers a panoramic view of Cebu, Negros and Bohol. Those wanting more should not miss the White Island. Depending on how high the tide is, the sandbar could either be shaped like a letter C or I. Its location is two kilometers off the coast of Agoho and Yumbing and is said to be a favorite among foreign tourists because from here, they embark on several aquatic activities. Others prefer to linger simply to witness the sunset, with Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan on the background.
	We came to Camiguin one October in time for the celebration of the Lanzones Festival. We were hesitant to go since we have already witnessed the likes of the well-mounted Sinulog, Ati-atihan and the Maskara Festivals. But we were glad we did. The organizers said the Lanzones event was conceptualized in 1980. It was intended as a thanksgiving day for the bountiful harvest of lanzones, a locally grown fruit with a grape-like shape and seeds that are wrapped in very sweet, translucent flesh. Revving up the festival are the kalandrakas (street dancing); an agro-industrial fair; and



		PLACES TO STAY Tia's Cottages, Tapon Poblacion Mambajao Telephone (088) 3872075 Cottages for 2 persons, non-airconditioned room: Casa Grande Hotel and Cafe, Provincial Plaza, Mambajao Telephone (088) 3872075 Double De luxe aircon room: PI ,200 Cabua-an Beach Resort, Balintawak, Mambajao Telephone (088) 3872103 Aircon room for 5 people: P950 Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin, Balbagon, Mambajao Telephone (088) 3870131 'Double de luxe aircon room: PI ,650 Ardent Mountain Hot Spring Resort, Tagdo, Mambajao Telephone (088) 3870395 Aircon duplex cottage: PI, 100 Paras Beach Resort, Yumbing Mambajao Telephone (088) 3879008 'Standard double airconditioned room:P 1,275 Secret Cove, Yumbing, Mambajao Telephone (088) 3879084 'Single fan room: P600; de luxe airconditioned room: PI ,000 PLACES TO EAT FOR FILIPINO SEAFOOD CUISINE Island Grill B. Aranas st. Mambajao Telephone (088) 3871279 Price per person: PI 00 to PI 20 J &A Fishpen Restaurant Benoni, Mahinog Telephone (088) 3874008 Price per person: P250 Paras Beach Resort Yumbing , Mambajao Telephone (088) 3879008 Price per person: P200 to P300 FOR CONTINENTAL CUISINE 3Mango Tropical Pub Baylao, Mambajao Camiguin Price per person: PI 20 to PI 50 FOR ITALIAN CUISINE Paradiso, Agoho Mambajao Price per person: PI 50 Secret Cove Yumbing, Mambajao Price per person: PI 00 to P250
	Enjoy the many hot and cold springs, namely Ardent, Tangub, Tuasan and the Sto. Nino. The amenities range from picnic huts, clean restrooms to cookouts. Likewise, Camiguin's shoals in Burias and Jicduf have been attracting visitors. Foreign tourists dive the waters to see black coral-covered bottoms and formations ideal for underwater photography. Coming to Camiguin requires budget, good planning and an adventurous spirit, but it is something no one must miss out on. The recommended route is to alight at the Cagayan de Oro airport. Take a cab and instruct the driver to take you to the bus terminal at the Agora Market, where buses bound for Balingoan are stationed. From here, get onboard a ferry bound for Camiguin Island. It takes an hour to reach Benoni Wharf at Mahinog, 17 kilometers from Mambajao. Another route would be a three-hour ferry ride from CDO Ferry Terminal to Guinsiliban.

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