This island has been calling me for the longest.
And this trip, has for real been a long time coming! ✨
The excitement is real and am beyond ready to harness the fire energy within this majestic land of volcanoes and natural wonders. 🌋
Now Entering : Katibawasan Falls
Being the islands tallest waterfall, Katibawasan Falls is definitely one of Camiguins most finest wonders.
Signature for its 70m drop, Katibawasan Falls sits on the foot of Mount Timpoong.
Such a majestic place to be, with so much to appreciate in this oasis in paradise. One of my most favorite spots to be in Camiguin.
Entrance Fee : P30
PS : Don't forget to try the local delicacy 'Kiping' on the way out!
It's la'me kaayo [very good] 👌🏽
Now Entering : Sunken Cemetery
As scary as it may sound - The Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, Camiguin turned out to be one of the most serene spots on the island.
True to its name, The Sunken Cemetery was the site of the [then] Bonbon Town Cemetery. But because of devastating eruptions of Mount Vulcan in the 19th Century, what remains of the cemetery now rest under the sea.
To mark the graves, the local town put up a giant cross to symbolize the cemetery that once was. And for P50, one can take a bangka boat and head to the cross marker. There, one can snorkel around the area - where lies beautiful corals, marine wildlife and even ruins of the the cemetery itself! An interesting experience, in deed.
Now Entering : Mount Hibok-Hibok
0620AM. We start our ascent up Mount Hibok-Hibok 🌋 It was a windy morning, and from the trailhead - the peak was immersed in fog (as seen on picture above). But it was my first time hiking up an active volcano so I was beyond stoked. 🔥
As majestic as you may see Mount Hibok-Hibok from a distance, being within its domain is like being in a totally different dimension.
The aura felt in the forest was so vibrant, like you can feel the energy of life all around - from the trees to all the different types of flora and fauna that thrives in this volcanic forest. And to add that we were hiking the grounds of a natural wonder that is constantly brewing up magma right beneath us!
For sure, there was something magical felt on the way up the slopes of Mount Hibok-Hibok. It was an empowering feel, that of passion and fire 🔥
Halfway Checkpoint : Saved 😅
The halfway point of the Mount Hibok-Hibok Trek is marked by this here Monitoring Station (aka the green box).
This box frequently monitors the volcanic activity of Mount Hibok-Hibok and sends important data to a nearby observatory - where scientists determine if an eruption is eminent. This box is for the safety of us all. 🙏🏽
Following halfway checkpoint : we started up the final half of the hike - aka The Assault. 🔥
It was all uphill from here, for the rest of the hike was all incline up rocks and through beautiful forest scenery. 🌿
Tho we arrived to a fogged out peak, this journey was one for life 🙏🏽With good vibes all around - cant wait to hike Mt Hibok Hibok again on a clear day. But for now, let me enjoy this peanut butter sandwich - on top of a volcano - wearing volcano socks. 🌋
After a day of hiking and being immersed in the volcanic jungles of Mount Hibok-Hibok, the fog cleared and we finally got to see its peak! It's always a good feel to complete a hike, look back and be like : "damn we were just there". Had such a dope time hiking up Hibok-Hibok and being in the heart of Camiguin's jungle. Sometimes thats all spirit needs to realign and feel that wonderful feeling of appreciation in the disconnection. Already looking forward to my next visit to this majestic volcano, and perhaps to explore farther than I already have - puhon. 🌋
NOTES
*Secure A Permit & Pay DENR Fee
Before going on the hike, you must first secure a permit and pay a fee to the local Department of Environmental & Natural Resources [DENR] office of Mambajao.
The DENR office is located just off the main Nautical Highway, near the Provincial Capitol.
DENR Fee is P200.
*Guide
One is also required to hire a guide for this hike. You can either hire a guide through the DENR office, or contact a certified guide of your own. Guide Fee will range from P700-P1000, depending on your group.
If you are looking for a cool guide, you can contact my guide for this hike -
Raymund at +63955830226.
*Bring H20
As there are no clean drinking water on the trail, bringing your own water [ most preferably in a reusable bottle like the Hydro Flask® ] is the best way to go. Staying hydrated is to make the hike as easy and less strenuous on yourself as possible.
*Pack A Snack
Staying energized is a must on this hike - for keeping the body fueled for the incline parts of the trail is key.
PS : CLEAN AS YOU GO!
Mount Hibok Hibok is truly a sanctuary of bliss! It is illegal to litter on Mount Hibok Hibok. Be a good citizen of our Earth, keep our planet clean for all.
Now Entering : Tongatoc Cove
With epic views of Camiguin's majestic shoreline, a ride around Camiguin's Nautical Highway makes for such a beautiful drive.
But the most beautiful view of the highway is at the Tongatoc Cove.
Nested within the Camiguin Shoreline, facing the Mindanao Sea; one can feel the freshness of the cool ocean breeze.
One of my favorite spots in the island to chill and appreciate all that this island is - beautiful.
Feel Camiguin.
The trip to Camiguin was such a beautiful experience for me. From the majestic views, to the super loving locals; there's this aura about the island that made me feel right at home.
To #feelcamiguin was love. <3
- Vence G 👽
www.instagram.com/v.gurujiii
PS : Check out my vlog [below] about my Camiguin trip for more. 💚
Important Notes.
* Boat To Camiguin [via Super Shuttle Ferry - Jagna, Bohol]
Departure : 1 PM [daily trip] via Super Shuttle Ferry
Price : P400
Travel Time : 3 hours 30 minutes
The Super Shuttle Ferry for Camiguin embarks from the Jagna Pier in Bohol.
To get to the town of Jagna, one can take a v-hire [van] or bus at the Dao Bus Terminal -Tagbilaran City [behind Island City Mall]. The trip to Jagna is 1 hour from the city.
Fare to Jagna : P100
* Getting Around Camiguin
There are two main ways of getting around Camiguin.
Motorela : P10 per ride
Like most places in the Philippines, the tricycle is the main mode of public transportation in Camiguin. But here, they have a unique kind of tricycle. And it has more space than the average! It's called - the Motorela.
Unless you charter a Motorela for yourself, Motorelas in Camiguin only go on one-direction trips. There are only two trips to look out for : one going EAST BOUND, and the other going WEST BOUND.
[ Note : For your convenience, you can charter a Motorela for a day use. Rates will depend on itinerary and agreement with guide. ]
Rent a Motor Bike : P300 per day
To get anywhere, anytime you want - you can opt to rent a Motor Bike.
If your accommodation doesn't offer rentals, there are a handful of shops around the island that do. To find one, charter a Motorela driver to take you to a bike rental shop.
Where To Stay
To maximize this island vibe, I booked a room over at Myrna's Bamboo Cottages
Styled after the Native Nipa Hut, one can appreciate and experience a stay in the Philippines most signature housing structure.
Although it may look simple on the outside, the rooms are actually tiled and a lot more modernized than the usual Nipa Hut. All set up for your convenience.
Rates : 800 / Night - 1 Room [2 Beds & 1 Bathroom]
Contact : +63916225325
[ Note : Our stay was booked via Agoda.com ]