Camiguin Calling

Camiguin is the smallest province in Mindanao and the 2nd smallest province in the country, next to Batanes. Situated in Northern Mindanao, this pear-shaped island is literally created by volcanic landscapes. Camiguin has 7 volcanoes unlike anywhere else in Asia. Some of them are already dormant but most, like Mt. Hibok-Hibok, are still considered active. Because of its rich landscape, the island is blessed with so many interesting sceneries —from thick forests, hot and cold springs, magnificent waterfalls and beautiful black and white beaches.
The island has numerous attractions such as the sunken cemetery. It is the final resting place of the victims during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vulcan Daan in 1871. Years ago, tourists can still see the tops of the grave during lowtide, but by high tide, the graves silently sink back into the ocean. A tall white cross in the middle of the sea was erected by the provincial government to mark the sunken cemetery. Every year, the town holds a fluvial procession to honor the victims as well as a thanksgiving for the year’s bountiful harvest. Another stunning landscape is the uninhabited white island. Located off the coast of Mambajao, the white island really is a moon-shaped white sand bar surrounded by crystal clear waters. Who wouldn’t be tempted to sunbathe on this fine stretch of sand surrounded by breathtaking scenery?
Camiguin is rich in exotic food finds, the most popular being the lanzones fruit. Sweet, succulent and irresistible, the Camiguin lanzones is considered the best in the world. Because of its love for the fruit, the island has an annual Lanzones Festival held every third week of October. Street dancing, upbeat music and bulks of lanzones clusters fill the island making the event a major tourist attraction of Camiguin.
Traveling to the island is also considered an adventure. Visitors have to travel first to Cagayan de Oro, the gateway to Camiguin. Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have direct flights to Cagayan de Oro. Next, tourists have to take a cab to the bus station in Agora Market to the town of Balingoan. Tourists must then take a 1-hour ferry ride arriving in the Benoni Wharf of Mahinog in Camiguin. An alternate route would be the 3-hour trip from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin on board the M/V Yuhum.
A paradise of infinite beauty and splendor, Camiguin truly deserves to be called one of the best romantic islands in the country.