Nov 2008

Arriving in Camiguin was like stepping into a whole new place. Well, technically, it really WAS stepping into a new place considering it was my first time on the island - but Camiguin is different from all other places I have traveled.

From afar, you can spot towering mountains (which are technically volcanoes) looming over clear seas. While the ship was already nearing the Balbagon Port, all you can see are hues of green and blues, giving you hints on what to expect from the island - zero urban, pure natural.

Balbagon Port was by far the smallest port I have ever seen and I have ever been into. It looks rustic and simple.

Katibawasan Falls

I loathe having people see how much of a loser I can be, but Katibawasan Falls IS the first falls I have seen in my entire life. Shame that it has to be in Camiguin too, considering that my hometown Cebu has its own set of falls.

I don't claim to know much about falls but Katibawasan Falls is beautiful. The water is clear and the falls was pretty high. I couldn't capture the whole of it in the frame of my camera - that's how high it was. Behind and around it was a rich bundle of shrubbery and other forms of flora. I haven't seen such rich and beautiful vegetation for a long time - if ever. Well, not that up close anyway.

The water was cool and felt fresh to the touch. My companions and I did not bother to swim though seeing that the water wasn't very deep.

Enigmata

Enigmata is a local artsy place containing various forms of art - from paintings to sculptures, to house decorations, unique architecture, etc. I just discovered that its full name is Enigmata Treehouse and Ecolodge.

It is very unique and reeks of creativity and poetry, but I must admit that choosing to stay overnight in Enigmata is too creepy for my nerves. There is just too much weirdness for me to handle. Nevertheless, I think it's an art gallery in Camiguin that will make you suck if you miss it - so don't!! :P

STo. Nino Cold Spring

A nature's gift, Sto. Nino Cold Spring is a natural pool powered by cold springs flowing right from the ground. It is pretty huge and has been designed to contain a huge swimming pool of varying depth - 4 feet, 5 feet and 6 feet.

The water from the cold springs was, as expected, fresh, clear and very, very cold. It felt like refrigerated water and there were little fishes swimming in the pool. Those fishes were quite an experience for the swimmers as well, as they are cohabitating with the people who use the pool and were very fun to swim with.

Catarman Church Ruins

Catarman Church Ruins showcases what's left of a church after a volcanic eruption covered Camiguin with ashes many years ago. The place has a wonderful view of the Camiguin seas and was a nice place to philosophize in.

I wasn't acquainted much with the historical significance of the place and I didn't feel any of it as well, considering my companions seemed to have only visited the place for the sole purpose of having their pictures taken there.

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I just wrote a long post on the Sunken Cemetery, Ardent Hot Spring and the White Sand beach when Google Chrome crashed on me. In the meantime, here are some pictures of the undescribed places.

Sunken Cemetery

the rest on a later post.