Cagayan de Oro Days 3-4 (Camiguin)

We arrived earlier than expected at Balangoan pier, north of Cagayan de Oro. From there we took the 30-minute ferry to the island of Camiguin. We could have taken the three hour ferry from Cagayan de Oro but a huge group of students beat us to the punch. The waiting area was small and soon became cramped with waiting passengers. Worse, the bathrooms rankled. It was better to use the cleaner facilities aboard the ferry.


Around 30 minutes after departure we arrived at Camiguin. We had brunch at the nearby J&A Fishpen Resort and Restaurant fronting the man made lake. Their specialty is fresh seafood. Of note is the quaint way they disguised their sinks.


With full bellies, we embarked on a tour of the island. Our first stop was the Watch tower in Guinsilban, a 15 minute drive from the pier. At the top one could see a wide expanse of sea. It may not look like much but one could imagine what it must it was like over 400 years ago looking out for Moro pirates.


A short drive later we arrived at Santo Niño Cold Springs. Look closely and one could see fish in the pool. We weren't brave enough to swim; we did dip our feet in to see how cold the water was. It wasn't freezing but still pretty cold.


We then moved on to the Bura Natural Soda Water Swimming Pool, where one can swim in soda water. We tasted the water and, indeed, it tasted like a carbonated drink (of course without the sugar).


Moving on we went to the church ruins at Old Catarman. All that was left of the church were the walls when it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. A new chapel was put up -- which we thought at first was part of the ruins.


The Sunken Cemetery in Bonbon was also the result of the same volcanic eruption. All that one can see is the cross that juts out of the ocean.


Our next stop was the Camiguin Walkway. It is said to reach near the top of the volcano but it would have taken about an hour's hike. Along the way are statues depicting the way of the cross. We wanted to see what was on top but the prospect of a long trek and the pouring rain discouraged us.


Tired and wet, we checked in at Paras Beach Resort. After a change of clothes and downing refreshments (welcome drinks courtesy of the resort), we boarded our vans for our next destination.


Katibawasan Falls is a majestic sight. One could feel the power of the water as it tumbled down to the bottom. And it was cold too. We also tried a local treat: fried lumpia wrapper with coconut syrup drizzled on top -- a combination of sweet and salty.


We finally took a dip in Ardent Hot Spring, geothermally heated water that comes from underground. The pool second from top is the warmest. It was nice to relax in the warm water after a hectic day of travelling.


The following morning found us riding a bangka on our way to White Island, a sandbar of white sand. It is recommended to go in the morning, when the tides are low, as the "island" becomes submerged during high tide.


Back to Paras for a quick breakfast and shower before heading to the pier. Three hours later we were back in Cagayan de Oro. We ate at Kagay-ayon in Limketkai mall - we weren't about to leave CDO without tasting ostrich. Then dessert at the one of the local yogurt hubs, Kiwi Swirl.


Sadly it was time to head back to Manila. If we had more time, a trip tot he caves would be on the itinerary, and possibly a look at the old excavation site of the earl settlers of the area. Things to do on the return trip!