White Island is the Winner.

Camiguin's saving grace is called White Island. About 7-10 minutes away from the shore by banka, this sandbar is actually worth coming back to. But of course, this time, I would take Manila-Cebu-Camiguin-Cebu-Manila. 

Cebu Pacific or perhaps other small airlines fly from Cebu directly to Camiguin. If I were you, I would just fly to Camiguin in the morning, spend about 4 hours in White Island and then go back to Cebu. You can't stay too long because there's nothing but the sand, water and sun. Only the rented umbrellas provide shade. 

It is also best to go very early in the morning, perhaps like 7 am when it is not so hot or crowded. We went around 11 am and it was quite empty but only because it was raining! But even with the rain, it was beautiful! We all really loved it a lot and I am sure you would too! Perfect time to get a tan, swim, snorkel and build sand castles! Over here, there are no toilets, nothing but Mother Earth's baby island which is why it is breathtaking, even with the dark clouds above us.

Stella and Manolo enjoying the warm water. 

Look Mike, I am wearing the cover up we got in Macy's, Guam! Love it!! 

Another awesome tidbit, there was a strong signal from Smart in the island which is why I was able to post these in my Instagram account! 

Meet George. If you are booked in Bahay Bakasyunan, make sure George is the one driving you around. 

Mantigue Island and Ardent Hot Springs.

To continue about my Camiguin adventure with Larbs, Stella and Manolo, after our Katibawasan Waterfalls trip, we were brought by George, our driver, to Mantigue Island Nature Park. It is a 25-30 minute boat ride to the island. The waves were quite rough so by the time we got to the island, we were drenched. Best to bring waterproof bags to protect your camera, phone and towels. 

It seems to me that this place is a rest or starting point for divers. So if you aren't a diver, it's alright to skip this place. 

Inside the entrance, you can find a sari-sari store, toilets (without light, flush, proper locks and running water). Better be prepared to really rough it up OR not go to the toilet at all. 

Off to one side of the island is a pretty decent swimming area BUT make sure you wear aqua shoes. It ain't Boracay sand. I am actually quite surprised that my feet didn't get cut. 

The water was warm and calm.

Our Camiguin buddies, Stella and my godson, Manolo. 

Larbs, is such a great travel companion. Can't wait for our next trip. Maldives? 

Never fail to strike a pose. 

Before we headed back to our hotel, George takes us to Ardent Hot Springs. My auntie heard about the hot springs of Camiguin and really wanted to see it. 

Upon entering the gates, I was distracted by the scent. I know that hot springs really have a bad odor due to the volcanic activity in the area but the smell is not of rotten eggs, as it should be. It was the smell of piss. We ventured on inside hoping to find something worth writing to home about. 

The toilets. I didn't want to go near it.

The landscape needs work.

The constant thought of foreigners seeing this made me cringe the whole time I was there. 

I said it once and I will say it again....

NATURE IS AT ITS BEST WHEN MAN LEAVES IT ALONE.

The hot springs that naturally flowed down the mountain has been turned into a 3 part swimming pool area with a bridge. 

They have picnic tables for rent. P70.00. Not sure if I want to lay down food in a place like this. 

I have to tell you that there were so many instances during this trip of mine that I wished I were the mayor. I would destroy all these ugliness, at the most, hire a landscape artist and let the hot springs flow naturally. 

C'mon CAMIGUIN...let's step up and bring in tourists to your city!!! 

Katibawasan Falls.

Before going to Camiguin, I researched about we needed to see. In Google, you will see a thousand photos of the Katibawasan Falls and almost all the photos were amazing! I told my auntie and friends that we must absolutely see this place.

When we got there, I saw a few people swimming. It looked like fun!!

The beauty of Katibawasan Falls.

We went down the man made stairs and proceeded to take a dip. On the side, there was a picnic table. Off to the other side, a toilet. 

Now, please understand that I am not being prissy or snooty because I can really get down and dirty when it comes to roughing it up in the wild BUT if the officials decide to provide the visitors a toilet, PLEASE make sure that it is properly maintained. It was filthy and stinky and all I could think about is what the foreigners would think and say? 

In all honesty, I prefer it that places like this remain untouched. No need to have gates, office, stairs, shops and picnic tables. Let the beauty of nature as it is. If we have to trek down the falls, then so be it. The entrance fee is not needed BUT if there is one to pay for the upkeep of the place, then for heaven's sake, please keep the place clean, especially the toilets!

Photo by DeanAvic

Nature is at its best when man leaves it alone.  

Is it worth going to? If you have to travel from very far away then, sorry, no.

After spending a few minutes here, we left to find our next adventure!

In Camiguin....

Our day started when we rode the ferry from Cagayan De Oro to Camiguin. 

As we waited for other passengers, I noticed young boys swimming between 2 ferries. In my mind, all I could think about it how dirty the water must be. The oil, dirt and chemicals from the ships must be horrible. But the kids didn't seem to mind. They looked like they were having fun. 

And then they start asking us to throw in some money and they will go under to get them. I refused at first but they were so eager to show their skills...and of course, to get some money. 

I grabbed a few coins and threw them in the water. 

And they swam off to get them! I felt like a dolphin trainer! 

They came up announcing how much they got! 

They sounded kinda pissed that I threw in a one peso coins. They asked me to throw more in. And like a fool, I did. I figured, they will use the money to buy food, only to realize that they have the ocean to feed them forever and ever. 

One kid climbed the side of the ship until the top and jumped into the water! Nearly gave me a heart attack. I couldn't help but think about my nephews who are about the same age as these boys. 

And then the scariest thing happened. They started climbing OUR ship! They would just hold on to the rail and ask for money. And then, one even climbed higher than the 2nd level. When we set off, I just heard a splash in the water telling me that he jumped off already. 

And finally, we were off.......

We were picked up at the port by Bahay Bakasyunan driver. His name is George is he is what my auntie and I call, the gem of Camiguin. He is awesome!! 

Do I love the ceiling or what?? It's about a thousand "bunots" and some of them held the lights. It's so cool!!!! 

The place is quite nice! Love the huts. Truly Filipino inspired. 

The villas had a modern touch to it but costs about P2,000 more. 

Everything inside was exactly the same.

May I suggest a few more pillows? The pillows were flat. I think they are the foam kind. I think that the most important part of a hotel/resort is how the client sleeps comfortably. The pillows had a smell to it. Like it wasn't dry enough, which of course, I could smell the whole night. 

They also did not have the usual complimentary bottled water in the room. Instead they sold it in the restaurant. I don't know....I have stayed in lower standard hotel/resorts and the complimentary bottled water is just a MUST. Same goes with the instant coffee and electric water kettle. It wasn't made available to the guests. 

You must also bring insect repellant because the mosquitos do get in the rooms. 

But all  in all, I think that if one goes to Camiguin, Bahay Bakasyunan is the BEST place to be. They have a lovely pool that kids will enjoy and the manicured garden and huts made me feel like I really was on vacation. 

More to follow....