May 10, 2013 Surigao to Camiguin
It was a long restday again after my stressfull week long duty. I planned to check out Camiguin that time after my overnight stay in Siargao. It's good that my schedule the next week will not be that busy. For this trip, I went alone. I wasn't able to tag someone. Those who I asked will go home to their respective homes while someone wants to check Davao. As for me, it's now or later since plant commissioning schedule is getting busier as day go by.
Same routine, right after graveyard shift, I embarked a whole day trip to Camiguin. I had a series of transportation transfers for this journey. I took a van from Taganito, Claver to Bad-as for PhP80. It's an hour trip by the way. Then hopped on a bus from Bad-as, Placer to Butuan which is 3hours ride for PhP110. You see, I am not even from Mindanao but it's as if I am very familiar with where to take a bus, where are the drop off points, sort of stuffs. Well, that is because I asked questions from my colleague friends for directions and from time to time I travel from Surigao to Butuan just to get to Manila. Why? Airport my friend. Some flights can be cancelled in Surigao even for a slight rain. So it's best to depart from Butuan for larger planes. Anyway, one must be very good in arranging travel plans so maximize time schedule. Moving on, I took a Bachelor Bus bound to Cagayan de Oro by 12PM. I managed to take out burger and apple pies from a fastfood store for my lunch. I paid PhP250 for the 4hour trip to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. A week before my trip, I googled and asked questions from colleague friends how to get to Camiguin. From the Internet, I searched for cheap accommodations and places of interests in the island province. There, travel itinerary set!
Same routine, right after graveyard shift, I embarked a whole day trip to Camiguin. I had a series of transportation transfers for this journey. I took a van from Taganito, Claver to Bad-as for PhP80. It's an hour trip by the way. Then hopped on a bus from Bad-as, Placer to Butuan which is 3hours ride for PhP110. You see, I am not even from Mindanao but it's as if I am very familiar with where to take a bus, where are the drop off points, sort of stuffs. Well, that is because I asked questions from my colleague friends for directions and from time to time I travel from Surigao to Butuan just to get to Manila. Why? Airport my friend. Some flights can be cancelled in Surigao even for a slight rain. So it's best to depart from Butuan for larger planes. Anyway, one must be very good in arranging travel plans so maximize time schedule. Moving on, I took a Bachelor Bus bound to Cagayan de Oro by 12PM. I managed to take out burger and apple pies from a fastfood store for my lunch. I paid PhP250 for the 4hour trip to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. A week before my trip, I googled and asked questions from colleague friends how to get to Camiguin. From the Internet, I searched for cheap accommodations and places of interests in the island province. There, travel itinerary set!
I arrived at Balingoan bus terminal around 4PM. I mustered some energy from my nap during break at work and from the bus trip. Balingoan Port is just a walking distance from the bus terminal. I made some quick steps to catch the last ferry bound to Camiguin. I went to the ticketing counter, paid PhP170 for the ferry, paid PhP2 for port fee and PhP2.50 for environmental fee at another counter. I wondered why the port fee is so cheap considering the passengers waiting area needs improvement. Anyway, the least of my concerns. The scheduled 5PM trip for the ferry was delayed for 20 minutes because of the late arrival of the ferry from Benoni.
The last trip was a RORO ferry. My first time to ride a RORO. Another event in my timeline. Cause all my life, I'm used to traveling by air and by land. Now I knew what it feels like to be in the upper deck of the ferry.
The last trip was a RORO ferry. My first time to ride a RORO. Another event in my timeline. Cause all my life, I'm used to traveling by air and by land. Now I knew what it feels like to be in the upper deck of the ferry.
Balingoan, Misamis Oriental to Benoni, Camiguin
I arrived at Benoni one hour later , already dark with time check to be 620PM. Once I arrived there, there were motorcycles for hire going to Mambajao, Camiguin's capital. I agreed to a PhP250 fare for the trip. Kuya Dodong asked me where will I stay for the night. I originally plan to stay at Paras Beach Resort for the boat rentals but Kuya Dodong suggested somewhere cheap. So along the way, we had conversations. The following day he will take me around Camiguin for whole day for PhP800 after some haggling. Yes! I am learning the art of haggling.
May 11, 2013 Around Camiguin
I spent the previous night at Sabacajan Beach and Cottages for PhP800. That's already cheap for an overnight stay. What matters was I got a place to sleep and shower. The caretaker was wondering why I arrived late and alone when I checked in. I just said, I got lost. Excuses! Hehe. I still had with me the extra burger and apple pie which became my dinner for the night.
I woke up 530AM the following day to prepare for the 6AM fetch time of Kuya Dodong. I told him the night before to fetch me early to check the sunrise at White Island. He arrived on time with his motorcycle. We went to this boat rentals area which is near also to Sabacajan. Boat rental is PhP450 good for 6 pax, PhP50 cheaper than the ones offered from other beach resorts. I knew I could trust Kuya Dodong for his suggestions on this trip. At the registration and payment area, the cashier asked me how many persons for the boat rental. I said one only. She suggested that I could join the other group who had just arrived also so as to split the expenses. There were five of them, students I guess, basically not from Mindanao. They gladly offered that we can split the rental fare but problem is they want to stay at the island for 2 hours. I said I got limited time so I have one hour only at the island. Besides, what is just PhP450. Rich kid? Nope. I will juts render work overtime for that. Haha!
White Island, is not a true island. It is a sand bar on the north west coast of Camiguin. The boat ride was just 8minutes, I presume. It was a quick one. Once I stepped foot on the island, I marveled on the clear waters inviting for a swim. I did not. I'll just do it the next time I visit. There were already a group of people enjoying the sea when I arrived and considering that it is a Saturday, many locals spend their weekend at the area.
I woke up 530AM the following day to prepare for the 6AM fetch time of Kuya Dodong. I told him the night before to fetch me early to check the sunrise at White Island. He arrived on time with his motorcycle. We went to this boat rentals area which is near also to Sabacajan. Boat rental is PhP450 good for 6 pax, PhP50 cheaper than the ones offered from other beach resorts. I knew I could trust Kuya Dodong for his suggestions on this trip. At the registration and payment area, the cashier asked me how many persons for the boat rental. I said one only. She suggested that I could join the other group who had just arrived also so as to split the expenses. There were five of them, students I guess, basically not from Mindanao. They gladly offered that we can split the rental fare but problem is they want to stay at the island for 2 hours. I said I got limited time so I have one hour only at the island. Besides, what is just PhP450. Rich kid? Nope. I will juts render work overtime for that. Haha!
White Island, is not a true island. It is a sand bar on the north west coast of Camiguin. The boat ride was just 8minutes, I presume. It was a quick one. Once I stepped foot on the island, I marveled on the clear waters inviting for a swim. I did not. I'll just do it the next time I visit. There were already a group of people enjoying the sea when I arrived and considering that it is a Saturday, many locals spend their weekend at the area.
I think the area around White Island is teeming with marine life. There were a few fishermen with small boats that come to the island with sea urchins. I asked one if they catched it nearby, he answered with a yes. These sea urchins are sold there as kinilaw.
Since I did not take a swim, I just took good shot using my Iphone5. A quick shot here, framed shot there. And yes, all photos in this blog was taken by my Iphone. I had my breakfast at the island. I paid around PhP80 for a cup of coffee, barbeque and pancit bihon. Food was tasty and serving was just okay. After breakfast, I took one more 360˚ view of the area and waived at my boatman signaling that I have to back to the shore already. Back at the boat rental area, Kuya Dodong was waiting for me and before we went to roam around, I bought a souvenir shirt worth PhP180 from the souvenir shops nearby.
Since I did not take a swim, I just took good shot using my Iphone5. A quick shot here, framed shot there. And yes, all photos in this blog was taken by my Iphone. I had my breakfast at the island. I paid around PhP80 for a cup of coffee, barbeque and pancit bihon. Food was tasty and serving was just okay. After breakfast, I took one more 360˚ view of the area and waived at my boatman signaling that I have to back to the shore already. Back at the boat rental area, Kuya Dodong was waiting for me and before we went to roam around, I bought a souvenir shirt worth PhP180 from the souvenir shops nearby.
Around Camiguin
We headed south passing though the town center. I enjoyed the cold breeze as Kuya Dodong accelerated the motor. We stopped at a point where he showed me Old Vulcan. According to him, it is now a non active volcano. From there. I had a conversation about the volcanoes around Camiguin. I even asked stories about their experiences during earthquakes considering the island is of volcanic origin, hence the name "Island born out of Fire". Matter of fact, the previous night I was thinking of my survival procedures should Mt. Hibok-Hibok erupts. Well, it did not.
After a few conversation and some photo shots, we rode back the motorcycle and made several turns. It's like having a joyride of a lifetime. we are heading towards the town of Catarman. Before we reached the Sunken Cemetery Cross Marker, we passed by the walkway to the Old Vulcan. On this area, one has to climb up the hill and along the way are stations of the cross. Great view when you reach the top.
Next stop was the Sunken Cemetery Cross. The view deck is around 30meters away from the main road. There are boats for rent that will take you to the cross pedestal for PhP50. I just went there for some photo shots.
After some minutes at the Sunken Cemetery site, Kuya Dodong drove me further south to the Old Church Ruins. The church was buried in lava during the violent eruption of the Old Vulcan. A short history events were listed on a brass marker just at the entrance of the ruins.
The old church wall still remains on the ruins. There's a lighthouse at the back of the ruins since the site is situated near the sea. The area must be that high then.
We then went back to Mambajao area for the Ardent Hot Springs. The hot spring is located at the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok. There's an entrance fee of Php30 with unlimited use of the hot pools. Temperature of the cascading hot pools range from 33˚C-38˚C. I tried the one nearby where I spent some 30minutes. Time check: 830AM.
After changing into dry clothes, Kuya Dodong drove to the town center. He even showed me the small runway of the airport as we droved by. No wonder that flights to Camiguin only come from Cebu via Cebu Pacific Airlines. You still have to connect a flight at Cebu if you are coming from Manila or other parts of the country. There's always the option to take the ferry from Bohol or from Balingoan just like what I did.
I told Kuya Dodong that I wanted to buy the famous buns, pastel, since I believed it originated from the province. Although pastels can be bought from their branches in CDO, I wanted to check the original bakeshop. I bought 2 dozens and 2 half dozen boxes, all for pasalubong.
I told Kuya Dodong that I wanted to buy the famous buns, pastel, since I believed it originated from the province. Although pastels can be bought from their branches in CDO, I wanted to check the original bakeshop. I bought 2 dozens and 2 half dozen boxes, all for pasalubong.
Time check: 10AM. I asked Kuya Dodong, where are we going next. He said we're going to the Katibawasan Falls. We went back to the main highway then made a few turns. We were driving past old houses, a few farms then forest like path. We even drove past the provincial capitol. Since the next Monday was national election day, I wasn't allowed to take photos on the grounds. Anyway, we headed straight to the falls instead.
There's an entrance fee of PhP20 and a short trek to the 75m drop of water coming from the beautiful Katibawasan Falls. There's a pool of cold water below for swimming. Unlike any other falls that I had seen, the surrounding pool was improved by concreting. Water from the falls overflows freely on one end and into the river.
There's an entrance fee of PhP20 and a short trek to the 75m drop of water coming from the beautiful Katibawasan Falls. There's a pool of cold water below for swimming. Unlike any other falls that I had seen, the surrounding pool was improved by concreting. Water from the falls overflows freely on one end and into the river.
Leaving Camiguin
Kuya Dodong suggested that we checked the ostrich farm but since it's already 1030AM, I asked him to bring me to Benoni Port instead. I wanted to catch the next available ferry bound to Balingoan. I cut my Camiguin sight seeing short because of my limited time. I still have to travel a long way back to Surigao City for the morning after is work day again. You see, I got to explore places in a day during my restdays. I don't have to file for vacation leaves. Should I wanted to, I will tag along who ever wants to and spend a longer time.
I was able to catch the 1130AM Ocean Jet ferry from Benoni to Balingoan. This time I paid PhP250, not bad for an airconditioned ride with TV screen. I even had the seats (3 in a row) all for myself. As soon as I arrived at Balingoan, I had my lunch.
I was supposed to check out CDO and from there I will take the bus to Butuan. I was ahead of my schedule and had 7hrs free. So I decided I want to try one thing. I boarded the Butuan bound bus from Balingoan bus terminal. But due to the road improvements along the way, I arrived at Bad-as around 8PM, hoping that there's still a van going to Claver, where I just have to take a ride to Taganito.
There were other lost souls like me waiting for vans. I asked one driver where he is heading, the route was Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. Next van, Bacuag still. There's this guy who was looking for Claver bound vans. He boarded the Bacuag van in front of us and told me that we could take that van right then and just wait for another ride at the drop off point. I took the risked. Maybe I was just looking for adventure but had I not had enough for the day in Camiguin? I have the option to spend the night in Surigao City should I want to and just go home the following day but I rode the Bacuag bound van.
So I and this guy got out of the van at the drop off point in Bacuag. Again, I trusted a total stranger. I think I prayed that nothing harm will be done to me considering that I was in unfamiliar location. There was this motorcycle who passed by and I asked if he could drive me to Claver and he said no. This stranger told me then not to worry because he asked asked his brother to fetch him from our location and I could just hitch a ride. Thank heavens! A good samaritan was with me. So 10 more minutes, his service came and we drove another 30minutes southbound. They then dropped me at Claver bus terminal. I thanked them for such a kindness. I wasn't even able to asked their names but none-the-less, I am safer that I was a few more minutes at campsite. I paid PhP150 for a 15minute motorcycle drive to Taganito. I couldn't care less about such fare and what matters was, I was able to go home before 10PM. It's as if I was on a motorcycle the whole day. That was adventure, a risky one that I will never do again. I would rather spend the night in the city should I miss the last transportation, the next time.
I was able to catch the 1130AM Ocean Jet ferry from Benoni to Balingoan. This time I paid PhP250, not bad for an airconditioned ride with TV screen. I even had the seats (3 in a row) all for myself. As soon as I arrived at Balingoan, I had my lunch.
I was supposed to check out CDO and from there I will take the bus to Butuan. I was ahead of my schedule and had 7hrs free. So I decided I want to try one thing. I boarded the Butuan bound bus from Balingoan bus terminal. But due to the road improvements along the way, I arrived at Bad-as around 8PM, hoping that there's still a van going to Claver, where I just have to take a ride to Taganito.
There were other lost souls like me waiting for vans. I asked one driver where he is heading, the route was Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. Next van, Bacuag still. There's this guy who was looking for Claver bound vans. He boarded the Bacuag van in front of us and told me that we could take that van right then and just wait for another ride at the drop off point. I took the risked. Maybe I was just looking for adventure but had I not had enough for the day in Camiguin? I have the option to spend the night in Surigao City should I want to and just go home the following day but I rode the Bacuag bound van.
So I and this guy got out of the van at the drop off point in Bacuag. Again, I trusted a total stranger. I think I prayed that nothing harm will be done to me considering that I was in unfamiliar location. There was this motorcycle who passed by and I asked if he could drive me to Claver and he said no. This stranger told me then not to worry because he asked asked his brother to fetch him from our location and I could just hitch a ride. Thank heavens! A good samaritan was with me. So 10 more minutes, his service came and we drove another 30minutes southbound. They then dropped me at Claver bus terminal. I thanked them for such a kindness. I wasn't even able to asked their names but none-the-less, I am safer that I was a few more minutes at campsite. I paid PhP150 for a 15minute motorcycle drive to Taganito. I couldn't care less about such fare and what matters was, I was able to go home before 10PM. It's as if I was on a motorcycle the whole day. That was adventure, a risky one that I will never do again. I would rather spend the night in the city should I miss the last transportation, the next time.
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." — Pat Conroy