Camiguin Coastal Village
Camiguin’s stunning coral reefs and kaleidoscope of coastlines with alternating black and white sandy beaches and volcanic rocks are less menacing than the movie, “Jurassic Park.” Surrounded by deep, blue, crystal-clear waters, it is teeming with a wide variety of marine life—barracuda, jacks, wahoo, skipjack (locally known as bonito or tulingan), tangigue, whale sharks, tamban, bolinao and malangsi, are just some of the island’s riches. Locals guarantee sightings of true pelagics such as marlins, tunas, and manta rays. In addition, snorkelers and divers could spot large reef and shoreline dwellers like barracuda, eagle rays, sting-rays, surgeonfish, red snappers, groupers, turtles and the occasional reef sharks.
Unmistakably, the island’s majestic volcanoes give a hint of danger. Natives share stories of survival through great floods during the monsoon season and landslides from volcanic eruptions. Seven volcanoes dominate the rugged and hilly terrain of Camiguin Island. Five of them are active. Despite these volcanic activities, the island is one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines. Perhaps it is because of its untrammeled natural beauty. Or maybe the island beckons the eco-tourist to its nonexistent artificial distractions. Ecotourism sites of Camiguin encompass countless mountain ranges, thunderous waterfalls, pristine dive sites, secluded coves and white sandy beaches.
The natives of Camiguin Island, who are mostly farmers and fishermen, are known for their hospitality, in a country noted for its friendly people. Cebuano is the spoken language although a few residents still speak the older, native dialect, Kinamiguin. Many residents speak English; in fact, most want to practice their English on visitors, so American, British and Australian tourists can easily communicate when trying to find a place to eat, lodging or checking out a sight.
History
Part of the allure of the island is its place in history. Explorers Ferdinand Magellan and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi were said to have set foot in the island in the 1500s. Spain established its first settlement in 1598 and called it Guinsiliban, a Kinamiguin word that means “watching out for pirates.” Guinsiliban’s original settlers were Manobos from Surigao.
The eruption of Mount Vulcan Dann on May 1, 1871 destroyed the town and all its inhabitants. In 1951, Mount Hibok-Hibok, which means shaky ground, erupted for the sixth time, killing more than 2,000. Despite these infamous eruptions, Camiguin’s population continues to grow and thrive to its current count of 70,000.
Even more famous than its volcanic activity, the Lanzones Festival plays a prominent role in the island’s commerce. Typically, held the fourth week of October, the festival shows the appreciation of the islanders for continued prosperity.
Camiguin, which became a province in 1966, also offers an array of activities for active, adventurous tourists. These outdoor activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, jungle-trekking, volcano-climbing, rappelling and big-game fishing. For those who prefer more culture, visits to the five towns (Sagay, Mambajao, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Catarman) can whet any tourist’s appetite for old-world charm. Three of the five towns were established in the late 1800s. Each town allows tourists to soak up the culture by checking out the sights unique to the areas. The sunken cemetery is located in Catarman, while the Port of Benoni, where most ferry boats drop their visitors, is situated in Mahinog.
Mambajao (pronounced Mam-ba-hao) is the capital of Camiguin Island. This bustling town, established in 1855, prospered to become a busy port where 50 percent of the island’s commerce takes place. This is where the Camiguin airport is also located.
The Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, one of Camiguin’s five towns.
Camiguin Island offers a variety of hot and cold springs. Ardent Hot Springs, located less than a mile from Mambajao, takes one hour to walk the distance. Because of its location, it is one of the island’s most popular hot springs, highlighted by a four-tiered pool. A natural spring, that gushes natural soda water, originates from the bowels of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its high temperature, the locals suggest taking a dip in the late afternoon or after dark.
On the other end of the spectrum, more than a half mile uphill from Catarman, the Sto. Niño Cold Springs lives true to its name. Its cold spring water sprouts from its sandy bottom. Ideal for picnickers with small children, water flows into smaller pools designed for the pint-sized individuals. Adults can check out the eight-foot lagoon next to the smaller pools.
The Tangub Hot Spring, located west of Mambajao, is both a hot spring and part of the sea. This pool of sea stones and corals provides a variety of temperatures, depending on the tide changes. It is an ideal spot for diving and scuba.
Popularly depicted in tourist posters showcasing Mindanao, White Island is the quintessential beach lover’s paradise, offering a variety of activities such as snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and shell collecting. Although not quite an island, it is better described as an elongated sandbar with beatific backdrops of Mt Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan. It is best to visit White Island during the early morning when the sun is rising.
History buffs can check out the Sunken Cemetery, lying 20 feet underwater in Bonbon, Catarman. Scuba divers and snorkelers are enticed by this historic site, which slipped into the sea during the volcanic eruption of 1871. A white cross, floating on a pontoon, marks the spot and provides an eerie remembrance of lost lives. If you look closer into the shimmering, emerald sea, one can see swarms of reef fish surrounding the decaying tombs.
The ruins of the 17th-century Gui-ob Church, a remnant of the 1871 volcanic eruption, stand as a reminder of the unnerving presence of volcanoes on the island. Another prominent historic site is the Guinsiliban Old Spanish Watchtower, which is 300 years old. Camiguinians used the watchtower to patrol sightings of Moro pirates and potential intruders.
My favorite place on the island is Katibawasan Falls. Less than one mile—two hours by foot—southeast of Mambajao, this majestic, thunderous waterfall plunges over a rocky cliff into a deep pool. Surrounded by a lush jungle, this island treasure is 50 meters in height. When I visited this site, rain storms had washed away most of the road leading to it, but the uphill hike was worth every step to see Mother Nature at its best.
Volcano Land
With several volcanoes in such a small density of land, staffers of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) play a prominent role in Camiguin’s tourism. They encourage tourists, guests and geology students to explore their station, which monitors unusual seismic activities of the island. A large map is displayed prominently, showing the island’s volcanoes. Spectacular photographs of Mt. Hibok-Hibok’s eruptions are available for viewing.
[Part of the extensive Pacific Ring of Fire, Camiguin’s volcanoes include Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Uhay, Mt. Ginsiliban, Mt. Timpoong, Mt. Tres Marias and Mt. Daan.]
The famous Mt. Hibok-Hibok last erupted in 1951. Adventuresome tourists can hire guides to show them the way to the top of this peak and can complete the climb in one day. Along the way up, one can see steaming vents and hot springs throughout the side of the mountain.
Besides the fantastic views, visitors can soak up the culture through its religious underpinnings. The relics of Roman Catholic icons play a big role at Old Camiguin Volcano, marked by life-size alabaster statutes, representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. It is a breath-taking sight, witnessing islanders offer penance by climbing several steps to each of the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Camiguin Island, considered one of the most peaceful islands in the Mindanao, offers a slice of paradise to all visitors, balikbayans and tourists. For more information visit, www.camiguin.gov.ph.
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