Camiguin
Text by Heneage Mitchell

Seven Volcanoes, five towns. Quite an impressive statistic for an island not much larger than Mactan!

Camiguin, known by the locals as "The Island of your Imagination", is probably one of the friendliest places to visit in Asia. The people are simple, genuinely friendly and hospitable and travelers sing its praises long after they have left.

Camiguin is also one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines, both above and below the water. The island is endowed with far more than its fair share of natural wonders, from volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls to stunning coral reefs and talcum powder fine white sand beaches.

Now easily accessible by fast ferry services from Cebu and Balingoan (88 klicks by regular bus from Cagayan de Oro City), and soon to be served once again by domestic airline flights, there is absolutely no excuse for not getting to Camiguin as soon as possible to discover what a great vacation getaway it really is.
Resorts have sprung up at various points along the coastline, some simple and unpretentious, others grander and better appointed, all offering a standard of friendly service comparable to what you could hope for anywhere in the Philippines.

Camiguin is ringed by a 64-kilometre coastal road. Grab a tricycle or jeepney and spend a half-day or more to travel the coast and explore some of the amazing sights - you won't be disappointed.

One thing many visitors notice is how clean and green the entire island is. No signs of any trash, junked cars or smelly ditchwater anywhere: The islanders (Camiguinons) know they are living in a pristine environment and intend to keep it that way. I recognition of this fact, Camiguin is a recipient of the Green Globe Program, an environmental management program developed by the World Travel and Tourism Council based in the United Kingdom.

Dominated by Mount Mambajoa (1,400 meters) and Mount Timpoong (1,580 meters), Camiguin is a lush, tropical island covered with a carpet of greenery. Hiking and mountain biking are certainly options here, and there are several companies offering trips into the interior.

Camiguin is also an excellent spot for windsurfing: check out Surfer's paradise at Secret Cove Beach Resort at Yumbing on the north west of the island, across the water from White Island.

Camiguin's annual Lanzones Festival, or 'Buahanan', is held every third week of October. The weeklong fiesta celebrates the luscious lanzones fruit that is abundant throughout the island and exported throughout the Visayas and Mindanao. The San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok, held every June 24, honours St. John the Baptist, and, consequently, the focus is very much on water and watersports. Boat and swimming races, aqua palo sebo and waterpolo contests are held and a jaunty fluvial procession highlights this island wide fiesta.

WHAT TO DO
Mount Hibok-Hibok (1250 metres). The only active volcano on the island, there are trails over loose and treacherous rocks and boulders to the crater. Steam vents fume and sputter and there is a lake in the crater. Worth the effort for the outstanding views of Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Leyte from the summit.

Sto Nino and Macao cold springs. Sto. Nino, 4 kilometers from Catarman, is developed as a spa with cottages, picnnc huts and cooking facilities. Macao, near Mahinog on the east coast, is more rustic, with century old trees surrounding the crytal clear blue spring water pool.

Katibawasan Falls. Five kilometers southeast of Mambajao at the fot of Mt. Timpoong, these 250 ft falls are among the highest in the Phliippines. The falls tumble down into a green pool, ideal for a refreshjng dip. Giant ferns decorate the surrounding land, competing for space with huge trees and dropping vines.

Tuasan Falls. Only 25 metres high, these falls, six kilometers northwest of Catarman, are reached by hiking through rustic barrio Mainit,

Ardent Hot Springs. The most popular of Camiguin's hot springs, there is a spa resort of sorts where visitors can sleep in duplex cottages, dormitory-style rooms, cook outside or dine at restaurants, bars of the coffee shop. The water heats up to 40 degrees centigrade, warmed by the volcanic interior of Mt. Hibok-Hibiok.

Catarman Church Ruins. Established as a Spanish settlement in 1697, the town of Catarman was all but wiped out in a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in 1871. The remains of Guiob Church and the adjacent convent and belfry bear mute witness to the event, and are well worth a visit.

Sunken Cemetry. Also located in Barangay Bonbon, the sunken cemetery is now marked by a huge cross. Another victim of the eruption of 1871.

Tanguiness Lagoon. No, not named after a Chinese/Irish brewer, this is a man-made lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog, surrounded by cliffs and huge boulders.

Mantique Island. Home to a thriving seaweed culture, Mantique is a four hectare island covered with forest and fringed by beaches. There is a deep drop off good for diving and snorkeling.

White Island. Overlooked by "Old Vulcan" and Mt. Hibok-Hibok this uninhabited white sand cay is great for swimming, snorkeling, beach combing and collecting shells.