Camiguin is a tiny island that is located in the Mindanao Sea just off the coast of Mindanao. It is marketed as the “Paradise Island of Your Imagination.” The region gives the impression of being a genuine paradise due to the presence of a variety of mountains, hot springs, white sandy beaches, and offshore islands. According to local legends, the island was created because of a tragic love tale involving two people who were destined to be together. The girl tragically passed away when she drowned in the ocean. It is thought that the island formed at the location in the water where the girl drowned, and as a result, it is comprised of both the serene beauty of nature and the ferocity of the volcanoes.
Camiguin, like with the vast majority of the other parts of the nation, was forced to submit for centuries to Spanish authority. According to certain old Spanish sources, the famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived here for the first time in the year 1521. The first Spanish colony on this territory was established in the year 1598, while the first substantial settlement was established at Catarman in the year 1679.
Main Tourist Attractions of Camiguin, Phillipines
Hibok-Hibok Volcano
The only volcano on Camiguin that is still active, Hibok-Hibok presents tourists with a difficult but ultimately rewarding ascent up its steep slope of 4,101 feet. It is classified as a “Pelean” volcano, which is the most dangerous form of volcano, and it is located right at the rear of the capital city of Mambajao. You can see a crater lake at the very peak of the volcano, and this lake has several vapour tubes running through it. On a day with clear skies, the vantage point summit provides a breathtaking panorama over the whole island as well as the coast of Mindanao.
Kuguita Beach
The distance from Mambajao to Kuguita Beach is about 3.5 kilometres. Snorkeling opportunities may be found close to the shore among the corals. The Ardent hot springs are situated in close proximity to the seashore. You may also have a wonderful time at the Turtles Nest Beach Resort, which is situated in close proximity to the beach, both while your stay there and when you are eating there.
Old Catarman Church Ruins
These remains, which may be seen at the Bonbon barangay, tell the tale of a prosperous town in the province of Catarman that was obliterated by the powers of nature in 1871 when the Old Vulcan Daan erupted. The town was located in the vicinity of the Bonbon barrio. The remains serve as a constant reminder of the presence of the Spanish in the town even though they are located around 16 kilometres away from the main Catarman town.
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
This location is well-known for its refreshing water spring and is located to the north of Catarman’s main town. The spring creates a large lake that has a depth of 1 metre and is around 82 feet by 131 feet. The region around the cold spring is home to a number of locally owned shops, as well as a selection of restaurants, picnic shelters, and other amenities, such as kitchen and dining areas, as well as public restrooms.
Sunken Cemetery
Near Barrio Bonbon is where you’ll find the sunken cemetery, which is around 20 feet deep. The volcanic eruption that occurred in 1871 left the area in ruins. At times when the tide is low, visitors visiting this cemetery will be able to observe a huge number of tombstones. Divers will have the opportunity to investigate a fascinating site at this location.
Tuasan Fall
Tuasan Fall may be found around 6 kilometres to the northwest of Catarman. It is necessary to go via Barrio Mainit, which is known for its breathtaking scenery, in order to reach the location in question. The waterfall plunges down in a frenetic manner from a height of 82 feet. Because the quick force of the waterfall is so strong, it is possible that it might be exploited as an easy source to create hydropower.
Moro Watchtower
This tower is known as the “Silip-panan” or the “siliban” in the Guinsiliban community. It is located on the shore that is the most southern and is close to Guinsiliban. Around three hundred years ago, the tower was constructed with the goal of protecting women and children from the repeated raids and robberies that were carried out by Mindanao Moro pirates. These pirates would often assault the hamlet in order to steal from its inhabitants. The stone fort located here is armed to the teeth with snares, spears fashioned out of bamboo, and catapults for projectile warfare.
Katibawasan Waterfalls
The Katibawasan Falls may be found near the base of Mount Timpoong, which can be found in the southeast of the region including the capital city of Mambajao. These magnificent and gorgeous waterfalls descend from a height of 76 metres, and the natural beauty that surrounds them is enchanting. The natural beauty includes ground orchids, enormous ferns, and trees with falling vines that are supported by both large and tiny stones. Because their waters are as cold as ice, these waterfalls are very popular destinations for visitors and residents alike, particularly during the summer months.
Tangub Hot Spring
This place is known for its volcanic hot springs. The spring is distinct from other seasons in that its temperature may range from very hot to very cold to a comfortable medium degree. It takes place whenever there is a shift from a low tide to a high tide to a medium tide. It is located around 12 kilometres to the west of Mambajao, and it has a gently decreasing continental slope that stretches for approximately 33 to 66 feet, which makes it a good location for scuba divers.
Agohoy Beach
One of the most well-known sandy beaches in Camiguin is Agohoy Beach, which may be found in the barrio of the same name. It is the beach that receives the most visitors out of all the beaches that are located close to the capital, and it is around 7 kilometres away from Mambajao. The beach reaps the benefits of its location within a short distance from Mount Hibok-Hibok thanks to its proximity to the mountain. The beach is lined by a variety of traditional cottages as well as a large number of excellent dining establishments.
White Island
White island is a popular tourist destination despite the fact that it is devoid of inhabitants and lives up to its name. Visitors to the island may take in a picturesque view of the ocean, with the islands of Hibok-Hibok and Vulcan in the background. Visitors have an excellent chance to enjoy water and beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, snorkelling, and collecting shells thanks to the availability of these opportunities. The movement of the tides causes the island to transform from the shape of a straight I to a crescent C, making it one of the most distinctive islands in the world.
Mantigue Island
About three kilometres away from Hubangon and San Roque is the island of Mantigue, which has an evergreen forest of 9.9 acres and is surrounded by a beach with white sand. On one side of the island, visitors may enjoy excellent chances for swimming, while on the other side, visitors can participate in sports such as snorkelling and diving. The island is also home to a small number of coral formations, which provide protection for a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, stingrays, and other species.
