Camiguin is another favorite destination in the Philippines not only among tourists but even among locals.  More often than not, the trip to Camiguin is usually a side trip to a tour of Cagayan De Oro.

One can access the province of Camiguin through any of the three available ports.  The major point of entry is through the Benoni port.  The other two minor ports are the Guinsiliban Port and the Balbagon Port.  If you would like to crossover to Camiguin, you can choose between water or air travel although water travel is more accessible as only a small aircraft can reach the island.  The most common route, as what I have mentioned earlier, the quickest way to set your feet on Camiguin is to catch any commercial flight from Manila to the province of Cagayan De Oro.  From Cagayan De Oro, visitors can travel for around one hour to two hours by bus to Balingoan Port which is about eighty four kilometres away from Cagayan De Oro.  Another way is to take the one hour ferry ride to Benoni Port which can be found in Mahinog.  The Benoni Port is seventeen kilometres away from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin, which is accessible by jeepneys.  People who prefer to drive all the way to Camiguin can bring their own vehicles onboard selected ferry boats that travel from the Balingoan Port directly to the Benoni Port in Camiguin island.  But because of the numerous fees that have to be settled, some visitors just prefer to park their vehicles at the Balingoan port and commute to Camiguin.

If by air, there are other routes to take other than flying directly from the capital city of Manila.  Some foreigners book a room at a hotel in Manila like the Peninsula Manila Hotel then take the flight  to Cagayan De Oro out of Manila the following day.  There are also flights from the Mactan Airport in Cebu to Mambajao where one can find the Camiguin  Airport.  The flight to Camiguin from Cebu will take only thirty five minutes.

Whatever way you choose to reach Camiguin, for sure you will take once you have set foot on the island that it is worth every second of the trip. How can a place that is included in the top twenty five tourist spots in the Philippines possibly disappoint anyone?  Wonderful attractions that are offered by the island include not only natural wonders but alsothose that are religious, social and historical in nature.  The best part is one can visit majority of these attractions like churches, beaches, forests, cold and hot springs in one day as they are located quite close to each other.

Here’s a list of the different places that you can visit in one day while touring beautiful Camiguin:

STO NIÑO COLD SPRINGS - The Sto Niño Cold Springs is one of the top favourite places to visit by tourists.  It is located about four kilometres towads the northern part of Catarman.   A lot of families had to this cold spring most especially during weekends because the place is complete with practically everything that you might need for a group outing.  There are food stores, there are cottages to store your things while you go on a dip, and there are barbeque grills provided to whoever is interested to do some cooking.  The place also offers a big pool that measures about twenty five by forty meters and there is a much smaller pool for kids.  The entrance fee covers the use of these pools but a separate amount has to be paid for the rent of the cottages.

ARDENT HOT SPRINGS – If you don’t feel like taking a dip in the cold springs and prefer something hotter then you should head to the Ardent Hot Springs, which is considered the most popular of all the island’s hot springs.  The hot springs is frequented mostly by the elderly folks who are looking for a place where they can soak their aching legs and joints.  The locals claim that a regular visit to the hots springs, with waters rich with sulphur, can cure some ailments such as colds and rheumatism.  The Ardent Hot Springs is located about six kilometres towards the southwest of Mambajao.  The hot water comes from Mt. Hibok Hibok and can reach a temperature of 40 degrees C.  Just like the Sto Niño Cold Springs, the Ardent Hot Springs is considered a favorite weekend destination among friends and families.  The resort has complete facilities including picnic cottages, outdoor cooking materials, restrooms, and a restaurant that serves sumptuous meals. The hot springs is open starting from early morning up to 10:00 pm.  But even with long operating hours, some visitors still prefer to spend the night at the dormitory within the resort grounds.

GUI-OB CHURCH RUINS – The Catarman Church Ruins or what is more popularly referred to as the Old Gui-ob Church Ruins are what remained of the church, convent and belfry after the city was devastated by the earthquake that took place during the eruption of the powerful Mt. Vulcan back in 1871.  The church was built in 1697 but was destroyed during the shocking calamity.  These days, these ruins are always included in any itinerary of anyone who visits Camiguin. As for the locals, they head to this place to enjoy the tall trees and the cool breeze which are a perfect spot for an afternoon stroll of a game of badminton.

But these two springs are not the only attractions that you can visit while touring Camiguin Island.  In my next article, I will tell you more about the famous Sunken Cemetery, the Katibawasan Falls, the magnificent Via Crucis and my favourite delicacy in Camiguin.

Posted in Attractions, Philippines

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