Camiguin Island
From Philippines Wiki
CAMIGUIN is a pear-shaped volcanic island with a total land area of 238 sq. kilometers. It lies 10 kilometers off the coast of the Province of Misamis Oriental. Along with the Provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, Camiguin forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising Region X or Northern Mindanao. Its capital is Mambajao and it is the second-smallest province both in population and land area. In terms of land area, Camiguin is only around 2 percent of Region X.
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History
Camiguin Island is said to be "Born of Fire". It has seven volcanoes unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular island full of natural wonders and historical riches.
Recreation
As an island of varied ecosystem, Camiguin's uniqueness lies in its varied terrain, pristine natural environment and rustic setting. As a matter of fact, the Province has been identified by the Department of Tourism as one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines, and No. 7 diving spot in the world.
Camiguin almost defies description, I should say. It is a tiny island of lush forests, volcanic splendor, eternal hot and cold natural springs, pristine patches of black and white beaches, majestic waterfalls, exotic marine life, blue-ridge mountains, serene surroundings, idyllic lifestyle; it has a glorious past, and is inhabited with jovial people.
The truth is, Camiguin is best experienced than described as one gets enchanted by her mystical charm. It really has amazing natural resources and peaceful atmosphere that stir and baffle the minds of everyone.
Camiguin is believed to be one of the Philippines's most beautiful island - a virtual paradise - as the island allows visitors to experience a sample of untouched beauty in its entirety. Locked in the eternal embrace of the sea, Camiguin continues its simple existence sheltered from and unfazed by the virulent pressures of today's accelerated lifestyles.
Camiguin generally has good weather with seasonal rain showers enhancing its fresh green environment. Fine weather is guaranteed from April to June, while the coolest is from November to January.
Camiguin you to come, savor and discover the many ways anyone can unwind and joyfully dwell on the island's offerings.
White Island
An uninhabited white sandbar where the view of towering Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Old Volcan reflects the grandeur the Province of Camiguin has ever achieved. It is reached within 10 minutes through light water transport from anywhere in Yumbing, Mambajao area. This sandbar has absolutely no vegetation (no trees, no shade!). Its sand is white enough to rival the white sands of Boracay and offers great views of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
According to locals, this sandbar shrinks substantially during high tides so it is best to go in early morning or late afternoon. At times it is in the shape of the letter C, sometimes the letter I, depending on the ocean tide. It has the picturesque Mount Hibok-Hibok and Old Vulcan as its backdrop. There is no shade spots on this island, so sensitive folks would be wise to remember sun block and/or beach umbrella.
Sto. Niño Cold Spring
Nicely arranged park with a large and a smaller pool . On one side and at the gate are food stalls and restaurants. On weekends the Santo Niño Cold Spring can get very busy. It is an easy task to make friends during a refreshing bath. The vicinity has its native stones, picnic huts, cook out facilities and restrooms for picnickers.
Sunken Cemetery
As the rising sun clears away the shadows of the previous night over the island of Camiguin, an imposing silhouette of a large cross stands guard over the location of the old capital of the island. Due to a fatal volcanic eruption of Mount Vulcan, the sea now hides the old capital, which was founded during the Spanish era.A large white cross marks a cemetery swept into the sea by Old Vulcan Daan's eruption in 1871. From here it is a perfect place to watch the glorious sunset over the ocean.
It is also an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. An annual fluvial procession is held by townsfolk in honor of the sunken graves of their forefathers and as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.
Via Cruzes - Old Volcano Slope
It is where life-size statues depicting the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the 14 Stations of the Cross that dot a trail to Old Volcano's peak are found.
At the last station is a sepulcher carefully carved and chiseled out of volcanic rocks. The pilgrims congregate here to pray during Lenten Season.
Transportation
To get to Camiguin, one has to travel one and a half hours from Cagayan de Oro City to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, and take any of the hourly scheduled ferries across the channels of Mindanao Sea, which dock in either ports of Guinsiliban or Benoni. Ferries leave Balingoan to Camiguin Island every hour from 6:00 am until 5:00 pm.
There is a regular sea and air transportation from Cebu to Camiguin and vice versa.
Once in Camiguin, one can go around the 64-kilometer circumferential road in just one hour and a half time through public or private transportation.
Source of Income
The people of CAMIGUIN are friendly, fun-loving, and very hospitable. Camiguingnons are also hardworking. The main occupation of the people is fishing and farming. Coconut is the major production as far as sources of income is concerned. Other plantations are abaca, rice, mangoes, lanzones and other fruit trees. Small cottage industries are increasing in number to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Dialect
Cebuano is the main language while a few speak Kinamiguin, an ancient dialect. Nearly everyone speaks English fairly.
