In my previous article, I mentioned three of the favorite attractions in Camiguin specifically the Ardent Hot Spring, Sto Nino Cold Springs and the Gui-ob Church Ruins.  But the list does not stop here.  Read on to find out more of Camiguin’s remarkable  attractions.

SUNKEN CEMETERY – No trip to Camiguin would be complete without paying a visit to the most popular tourist spot in Camiguin, the Sunken Cemetery.  This Sunken Cemetery lies about twenty feet underwater in a little town called Bonbon in Catarman.  This place is called a Sunken Cemetery because this area was what was left of a tragic volcanic eruption that took place in 1871.  The huge cross that is erected in the middle of the sea in 1982 is a tribute to all those who perished during the eruption.  Tombstones that are found underwater are already enveloped by different coral systems over the years.  This is one of the main reasons why this area is a favorite exploration site among scuba divers and snorkelers.  An annual event called a fluvial parade or procession takes place during the month of November in remembrance of the people who were killed.  The town folks join the parade and bring various flowers as a form of offering to all people who were buried in the Sunken Cemetery.  Given that the huge cross was built in the middle of the sea, visitors would have to rent small boats to reach the base of the cross.

KATIBAWASAN FALLS – The Katibawasn Falls, which measures about 250 feet high, is also a favorite item in any person’s day trip itinerary of Camiguin.  The falls can be found about five kilometres Southeast of Mambajao.  But the closer landmark would have to be Mt Timpoong wherein the Katibawasan Falls can be found at the foot of this mountain.  The falls is a top-of-mind destination among locals and visitors mainly because of its cool waters that are always perfect to sooth the body during the scorching heat of summer days.  The area of the waterfalls is also peppered with lovely flowers, luscious plants and towering shady trees.  The cascading falls also fall into a green pool that is very refreshing for a mid- day swim.  One has to pay a small amount at the entrance and this covers a whole day of fun and bonding at the Katibawasan Falls.

VIA CRUCIS – The Via Crucis or the Stations of the Cross is another highlight of any trip to the island of Camiguin.  What is so special about Camiguin’s Via Crucis is that the different Stations are marked by life-sized white statues.  People who flock to the mountain to see these statues are not all Christians.  Even people who belong to other religions make it a point to visit and see this remarkable attraction.  One must be warned, though, that the way up to the last station is not all concrete.  The first four stations are built with a concrete pathway but the next four stations lead to a muddy path.  Be prepared for this trip and bring non slippery footwear, head covering most especially for areas that are not protected by the shady leaves of trees and a bottle of water to quench your thirst.

VJANDEP PASTEL BAKESHOP – But my most favourite part of my one day tour of the island of Camiguin would have to be food tripping.  I was so excited the moment we stopped by the famous Vjandep bakeshop to buy boxes and boxes of freshly baked creamy pastel.  The pastel delicacies are warm buns that are filled with a yummy custard-like mixture.  Through the years, different variations to the original pastel have been introduced.  There are pastel buns that are filled with a durian flavoured mixture, ube flavoured mixture, and many others.  But my choice would always be the original custard filling.  These Vjandep Pastel goodies sell like hotcakes that sometimes locals advise tourists to pre-order most especially during the summer season when there are a bigger population of tourists.

LANZONES FRUIT STA ND – Aside from pastel, visitors also head to the fruit stalls or to the public market to sample the highly popular Camiguin lanzones.  Lanzones, a type of local fruit, is said to be the sweetest in Camiguin.   I love lanzones so much that I can finish five kilos in just one sitting.  So yummy!  This is why I took advantage of my trip to Camiguin to eat all the lanzones that my heart desires.

Book that trip to Camiguin and experience what this amazing island can offer.  By the time you return to Manila and check into your hotel like at the Discovery Suites Hotel, you will be glowing from your vacation and already thinking as to when you can go back and re-live the experience all over again.

Posted in Attractions, Philippines

This entry was posted on Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 12:15 am and is filed under Attractions, Philippines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.