Philippines : Go Solo at Camiguin

One time, a friend of mine asked me where is the best place to go "soul-searching" in the Philippines aside from Sagada. She just wanted to have a solo adventure and to think about her life, I mean, seriously think about her life.. probably a little time to rediscover her self. If I will be biased, I will answer the same place she mentioned, but upon seeing Camiguin and knowing its beautiful springs and sand bar, I think this can be a girl's hiding place!

Camiguin Island is about 3-4 hours away from CDO. Getting there will be requiring a plane ride going CDO, bus ride going Balingonan, trike ride going ferry terminal, a 45 minutes ferry ride going the island itself and lastly, a habal-habal ride when you go exploring the island. It might cost you to travel via all the types of transportation but the destination is all worth it! The Island is famous for its active volcanoes, resulting in picturesque spots and views. You can totally explore the island in two days, the best way to do it? Do what the locals do, mingle, ride a single motor, be carefree!

Sunken Cemetery. Have you seen the horror movie "Ouija"? this is the exact location of a drowning Juday battling the twin ghost. Historically speaking, the sunken cemetery is proof of how the entire island was swallowed by the volcanic eruption way back. The sea level also rising and the land made some drastic changes.

Some tourists catching the dramatic no-sunset-anymore place

White Sand Bar. One of the best sand bars in the country! About 5 minutes boat ride from the main island, you can enjoy the whole day reading a book, sun bathing and drinking coconut. But since it does not have any trees for shading, apply a lot of your sunblock.

Colors x Sea

Katibawasan Falls. Nice to take a short trek and a nice shower here in the morning, best paired with Kipping, a local delicacy which you can buy at the entrance of the falls.

Kipping for breakfast :)

Catarman Old Church Ruins. As you can see, this is the only surviving pillars of the church. When the volcanic eruption happened, most of the town people gathered here and were all buried alive. The locals commemorate their lost loved ones by preserving the ruins and retelling tourists about their history.

Soda Hot Spring. Is a man-made swimming pool which water comes with healing properties. It is a 7 feet deep pool which is good for those with skin diseases. As per our guide, it is like a Sprite Soda Drink, sugar na lang daw ang kulang.

My favorite spring, I can't describe the water, it is somehow thick but no taste nor smell. I think the "Soda" thing is real.



Ardent Hot Spring. Best to go here at night, the ambiance is relaxing plus the hot spring comes with at least seven layers that you can enjoy.

Sto Nino Cold Spring. If you are into cold spring, this place offers a nice way to enjoy it. They have large salbabida which you can use and let the water flowing in the circle takes you for a ride. You can eat your lunch here, the resort is offering some cottages.

Beautiful Camiguin

This Island is really something, you just pause at the side of the high way and look at the vast sea in here. It keeps on reminding me of the quiet life and the simplicity of things in general.

Open Arms

I told myself that if I am going to start writing my future novel, I will go here in Camiguin. Aside from having many inspirations, you can stay alive here for many days because it is so simple to live here. So, dreaming of having a solo adventure? Just Go. Camiguin is waiting for you!

Budget and Tips for Camiguin on my next post.

//somewhereira.