Coming (Again) To Camiguin

Filed under Travel | Friends | Sunshine


It's been a long while since Holy Week which I had the most wonderful time spending in one of my most loved places in the world, Camiguin and it's only now that I have the time to write about it. Well, better late than never...

Along with My Sunshine, our amazing friends Jun & Vannie and two newfound buddies Jeff & Jhunor, I had another opportunity to visit the province where my father was born and raised, Camiguin. It was way back in 1999 when I first set my foot on this paradise-like island and I was glad that despite its growing popularity among local and foreign tourists, it still hasn't lost its charm (which could no longer be said about the more-hyped Boracay and Puerto Galera).

Given that we got there during Holy Week (we arrived afternoon of Maundy Thursday), we thought it fitting to make as our first activity, the uphill trek through the Stations of the Cross at the Walkway at the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok. And I'm telling you, after reaching the top at the very last station, it felt like all our sins have been washed out by the buckets-load of sweat and (yes!) tears we shed through our exhausting climb. Nevertheless, it was rather fulfilling and fun at the same time. And at least, we can say that our Holy Week sojourn in Camiguin was not all fun and pleasure...

Next stop was the Sunken Cemetery just off the coast from where the Walkway is at. Unfortunately, it was high tide when we got there so we did not exactly see the tombs that were sunk many years ago when Mt. Hibok-hibok had its last wild tantrum. Then we're off to the lovely Katibawasan Falls which we had to go back to the next day since we got there by dusk.

The next morning, we finally got to beautiful White Island and had a blast frolicking at its white sand and swimming in the crystal-clear water. The last time I was there, the island was just all-white sand and nothing else. However, since it was a peak season and they were expecting large crowds, makeshift picnic tables were set up to accommodate the tourists that sadly took away some of the beauty of the place. Afterwards, we also went to Ardent Hot Springs and took a dip in their refreshingly hot pool (Pansol has nothing on Ardent!) and it was just what we needed after 2 whole days of walking, swimming, eating, goofing around and just plain having fun. We left Camiguin on Easter Sunday for Butuan City and spent a night there. Having nothing much to do there, we just stayed in our hotel until the next day for our flight to Manila.

Suffice it to say, we had an absolutely grand time in Camiguin! And as early as now, I am already thinking of other possible places we could go to on our next trip. Wherever that may be, I know it would be yet another fun and memorable experience. Especially with Jun, Vannie and of course My Sunshine around!




My Sunshine & I at the Church Ruins


with Vannie, Jun, Jeff and Jhunor at the Fishpen Restaurant


Arriving in style at White Island


Striking poses at White Island


My very own 'Cherish' shot!


Check out On Tour: My Holiday Pics at the sidebar for more of our Camiguin photos




Cherish is the word I used to remind me of...



Camiguin
Vacation