A favourite location setting of many Philippine movies, Camiguin Island has all the reasons to be. This pear-shaped volcanic island-province of Camiguin is a natural paradise in Northern Mindanao approximately 90 kilometers north of Cagayan De Oro City. It is one of the Philippines’ many beautiful islands of untouched beauty. Its natural landscapes and breathtaking seascapes have never ceased to amaze visitors as they discover the highlights of the island’s unparalleled and picturesque beauty.
Unique Places of Interest
Camiguin Island boasts of many unique places of interests for both the local and foreign tourists. The island is a perfect getaway place where one can endlessly soak in the sand, sea and sun, marvel at some historic and culture-rich landmarks and enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of mixed cultures of the people from Bohol and Cebu.
- Catarman Church Ruins
The ruins of an old Spanish church are the only remnant of the devastating volcanic eruption in 1871 which wiped out the Spanish settlement of Catarman.
-
flickr.com/photos/alienscream/3670419827/ Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery (Bonbon, Catarman)
A huge cross marker was installed by the provincial government to mark the community cemetery location which sunk during the 1871 volcanic disaster. It provides for a good diving site to the adventurous divers.
- Katibawasan Falls
This is a 250 feet majestic falls cascading to a rock pool surrounded by wild flora and solid boulders. Its ice-cold waters make for a refreshing splash during the summer.
- Tuasan Falls
The trek to the 25-meter high strong waterfalls suits the adventurous lot. Quite jungle-like, the scenic hike passing through the quiet barrio Mainit sets the right mood and ambiance for a refreshing splash under the thunderous falls after the long trek.
- Tangub Hot Spring
It’s a volcanic spring by the sea and ideal for scuba diving. Water temperature changes from cold, hot and lukewarm as the tide level turns high, low and medium.
- Macao Cold Spring
Situated in Mahinog, this is one of Camiguin’s tranquil springs. The cool splash of the crystal-clear blue waters matches the huge century-old trees providing the quiet shade amidst the cool breeze.
- Mantigue Island
This is a four hectare evergreen forest fringed with sandy beach and some corals, perfect for swimming. The opposite side makes for a good snorkelling and diving site.
- Mount Hibok-Hibok
This is the only active volcano in the island. Its unique 125o meter slope can be quite challenging for even the experienced mountaineer. The peak offers a fantastic view of Cebu, Negros and Bohol.
-
flickr.com/photos/erwanlissillour/485441792/ White Island
This is Camiguin’s popular sand bar taking the forms of letter C and I depending on the tide level. Mt Hibok-Hibok provides for a perfect backdrop of this long stretch of beachfront.
- Jicduf and Burias Shoal
These are two of the best diving spots in Camiguin, offering a rich variety of marine and aquatic life.
With all of these places found in just one island, tourists are splurged with the abundance of unspoilt naturescapes, unbelievably allowing the people to continue their simple and idyllic way of life, sheltered and undisturbed even by the strong pressures of modern-day lifestyle.
Camiguin Island offers outdoor adventures for the water-loving tourists. Snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, trekking, mountain climbing, basking under the sun on the beach fronts, cold splashes under the waterfalls, island hopping – they are out to give tourists the time of their lives as Camiguin Island uncovers and reveals the beauty unmarred by progress and development.
