Camiguin-CDO was a trip like no other. Maybe because it was relentlessly pursued despite the overwhelming hitches: my original partner-in-crime not coming with me when everything was all set and paid, the hassle of last minute tagging of travel buddy and Mom’s refusal to permit me to go South. I felt it was the right moment for me to escape the reality, take a break, contemplate, search for answers, and discover a new favorite place. The getaway brought back the smile and blissful mood I was searching for. Like what I expected for, it did not only gave me answers, but it also presented the paradise, the beautiful sands, the amazing sun, the unforgettable river and the wonderful people. These were priceless.
After our touchdown to CDO around 10:00 AM, the cab directly brought us to Agora Terminal where we took an aircon bus bound to Butuan. The fare costs around Php 115-140 (We asked for Student’s fare with our IDs and probably still look like one. ) It was a 2-hour drive to Balingoan Pier. It was so funny when we nearly missed dropping off to Balingoan while we were in awe eating Lanzones in its cheapest price. Good thing, the conductor recognized us and dropped us just 60 meters away from the pier. Then, just in time, we hurriedly got our tickets just when a watercraft/ferry bound to Camiguin Island was about to leave. The trip to Camiguin Island-Benoni Port took one and half hours. From the port, we rode the multicab to Paras Beach Resort. It took us one hour rocky drive to Paras Beach Resort where I frequently asked myself and the driver, “Are we there, yet?” I was just excited.
After our touchdown to CDO around 10:00 AM, the cab directly brought us to Agora Terminal where we took an aircon bus bound to Butuan. The fare costs around Php 115-140 (We asked for Student’s fare with our IDs and probably still look like one. ) It was a 2-hour drive to Balingoan Pier. It was so funny when we nearly missed dropping off to Balingoan while we were in awe eating Lanzones in its cheapest price. Good thing, the conductor recognized us and dropped us just 60 meters away from the pier. Then, just in time, we hurriedly got our tickets just when a watercraft/ferry bound to Camiguin Island was about to leave. The trip to Camiguin Island-Benoni Port took one and half hours. From the port, we rode the multicab to Paras Beach Resort. It took us one hour rocky drive to Paras Beach Resort where I frequently asked myself and the driver, “Are we there, yet?” I was just excited.
It was almost 4:00 PM when we arrived in Paras Resort so we decided to stay in place, freshen up, take some pictures and eat a lot! We did not want to waste our precious time so we headed to the pool side camwhoring and ordered Lechon Kawali, Sizzling Bulalo and extra, extra rice! Although I was expecting a beachfront resort, and to my surprise it has only a picturesque swimming pool, we did not let the chance pass to enjoy the view on our own. The resort was not congested when we had our stay. Just perfect for two ladies to go night swimming, girl talk, get a little tipsy and happy with island cocktails. The cool night breeze, the peaceful ambiance and the relaxing swimming made lounging to beauty rest indeed great.
Waking up at 6:00 AM was a challenge after a good night sleep but we needed to get up for the much awaited tour of Camiguin’s famous white sand bar: White Island. We were all dressed up in our swimwear and hats as if we were heading to a photoshoot. The 15-minute boat ride was worth it. The White Island was a paradise. Its shape differs according to the tide. The sea water was calm and suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok was magnificently beautiful.
It was magical in its simplest form: just a bar of immaculately white sands, enclosed by serene sea. It was drizzling when we set our foot in the radiantly white sands and the strong winds somehow straightened my curls. The weather was not perfect for photoshoot but it was friendly to bask freely while indulging in the scenery of Camiguin situated effortlessly across the Island.
After heading back to Paras Beach Resort to dress up and and pack our stuff for CDO, we immediately proceeded our Countryside Tour. Our first stop was Katibawasan Falls where it was an ideal place to cool off during summer. The entrance fee costs around Php 30 for maintenance of Camiguin’s treasured gift. The green ferns and dropping vines complements the backdrop of the falls. “Katibawasan" means: "To have overcome".
Our next stop was Ardent Hot Springs where we did not intend to have a dip but to fill in our stomach. Then we became nostalgic as we continued the last parts of the tour: the church ruins, where only the outer walls were left from this 17th century Spanish church and the famous Sunken Cemetery, the remains of the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan. This famous landmark is a giant white cross in the sea. We had a glimpse of the view not during sunset since we need to be in Benoni Port before 4:00 PM to catch Paras Seacat bound to CDO.
Camiguin is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the wonders of nature without superficial distractions. Their locals are simple, warm and hospitable. It is true when they say that one cannot help but to fall in love with the island and would feel that the hardest thing when the day comes to leave island.
It is like my favorite Boracay without parties, establishments and the crowd of island lovers. It is like Palawan in its virginity, free from exploitation, urbanization and development.
I am glad with such simple beauty can bring so much joy and peace. Truly an enchanting island born of fire.
1 comment:
I love the place. The difference between them is that Camiguin is reach in natural resources where you can have great photos with while in Cagayan it is more on adventure with lots of fun.
Cagayan de Oro Rafting
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