Vacation 101: Come Again to Camiguin and CDO

I recently had a vacation in Camiguin. I learned few things about the island. So for those who are planning to get enchanted by it, here are some few pointers that might prove useful.


TRAVEL:

• If you plan to head out to Camiguin, you need to book the earliest flight to Cagayan De Oro to arrive in Camiguin before lunch.
• Once you land at Cagayan De Oro there are taxis outside of the airport that are metered. These taxis will take you to any point of CDO or specifically 2 places for Camiguin bound: CDO Pier where you could ride the convenient Paras Sea Cat fast craft for a faster and more convenient travel experience . Or to the Agora Bus Terminal if you want a cheaper and longer travel time via Bus. The taxi ride would cost you (on both options) less than 200 as opposed to the 350 fixed rate of Airport Taxis. Also, Taxi models in CDO are newer rangin from the 2004 Altis to the 2009 Altis.
• IF you want to take the faster and most convenient way to Camiguin, go to the CDO Pier and buy tickets for the Paras Sea Cat. The Paras Sea Cat leaves at 8:30 am sharp bound for Camiguin and for your return trip, 3:30 pm sharp bound for CDO. The cost ranges from 400 (open air) to 600 (air-conditioned VIP). It would take 2 hours and 30 minutes tops to get you to Camiguin Port. The Paras Sea Cat also travels to Bohol. Check the schedules.
  
• If you are on a tight budget and want to take the more adventurous route, the air-conditioned and well maintained Buses in Agora Terminal would take you to Balingoan port where you would ride the bigger, older and rustic ship or "lansta" to Camiguin. The travel on bus to Balingoan Port is around 2 hours, which is followed by the travel from Balingoan Port to Camiguin Port with more or less 1 hour and 30 minutes. Bus fee is 130 pesos, tricycle fee going to Balingoan Port is 10 pesos each, and 120 for the ship going to Camiguin Port. In more or less 4 hours expect yourself in Camiguin.
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CAMIGUIN

• In Camiguin it is recommended to hire a multi-cab or a van to go around. Since Camiguin has various tourist spots, it's not advisable to commute from one tourist spot to the next. Most of the multi-cabs on the road are already rented and it would take a while to hitch a ride since Camiguin is like one big two-lane highway. Usually 2 thousands bucks are what the multi-cab operators would ask for a day long trip in various destinations for a day. This includes the tour and the gas. It's just up to you to haggle.
  
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• Hiring a certified tour guide is not needed. The drivers of the multi-cab already know the major tourist spots in Camiguin since the island is just relatively small.
• You could literally tour the major tourist spots in one day.
• The people of Camiguin are conservative, but very accommodating and friendly.
• They are speaking in Bisaya tongues.
  
• Camiguin is safe. You could walk at night feeling secure.
• Boat to White island is 400-500 bucks round trip.
• Souvenirs of pastel could be easily found in Mambajao. If there are no time, CDO has plenty.
• Paras Beach Resort is one of the best resorts in Camiguin with 1,900 pesos for their cheapest rooms.
• If you're on a budget, check in at the cottages for half the price, complete with cable TV, bathroom and airconditioning.
• People live off on Sari-Sari Stores
• ATM is only found in Mambajao

Cagayan De Oro

• CDO is a sufficient city. From CDO pier, the metered taxi could take you to your hotel for 200 bucks only.
  
• Preferably get the hotel nearest to LimketKai mall, one of the main malls in CDO. In this area there are bars, upscale restaurants, fastfood chains and coffee shops. Try Discovery Hotel, Mallberry or Pearlmont Inn.
  
• Allot at least one whole day for extreme sports in CDO.

Vacation 101: Camiguin in the Flesh

Camiguin is a peaceful island. People literally leave their front doors open and the term "crime rate" doesn't apply to them. Quick brawls over drinks are just about it. I understand why most foreigners love this island. It is an escape and a nature lover's haven. There are no heavy traffic, pollution, schedules and unnecessary distractions. Despite being provincial, the roads are well maintained and paved, the telecommunications including cable and internet are good (except for SUN cellular) and the island is easily accessible to Cebu, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro and Surigao via fast craft/sea craft.

I. PHILVOCS CENTER

On our Tour Day, Mr. Ray brought us to the Philvocs center for a little bit of Camiguin's history. There we were able to beef up our knowledge about volcanic eruptions, how Camiguin came into place and the history of the enigmatic Sunken Cemetery. Most importantly, we saw the new equipment of Philvocs including the computers at the main center that pick up signals from the sensors located a few feet away from the volcanoes.




II. KATIBAWASAN FALLS

After the gracious educational tour, we went to Katibawasan falls, the most popular waterfall in the island. The travel time is just about 20-30 minutes.



The road going to Katibawasan falls is a little bit rough at the end that's why you need an SUV or your best bet is a multi-cab. Upon going there, there are make-shift stalls that sell chips and water. It's not actually a rip-off but slightly expensive as expected. The entrance fee to Katibawasan falls for adults is 15 pesos.

From the entry point, besides seeing the annoying monkey that attacks people, you could already hear the falls already. One has to go down cemented stairs to go to the foot of the falls. As it was a weekend there were lots of tourists swimming and taking pictures. Mitch was frustrated at some points because he couldn't get his perfect angle and he was distracted by the tourists. I initially wanted to swim, but I have a thing about swimming in lakes where I couldn't actually see what lies beneath. What really amusedme was that the leaves near the falls were moving in an orchestrated dance from the intense pressure of the water.


III. 100 PESOS BUFFET LUNCH

After an hour, we packed up and met Mr. Ray at the entrance. It was already at around 11 am at that time and he advised that we should take lunch at Mambajao proper before continuing with the tour. We agreed and he took us to a buffet lunch for 100 bucks per head. The restaurant's owners are the exact makers of the renowned VJandep Camiguin Pastel, a local delicacy of soft ensaymada-like bread with yema-custard filling.



IV. COLD SPRINGS

After the buffet at around 1 pm, we drove towards the popular Cold Springs. One look and we didn't want to stay. It was so packed. It was packed with families, tourists and foreigners. I got to view the springs and pool. Viewing is was enough for us. The crowd destroyed it. We just bought some grilled hotdogs and left the cramped resort.


V. STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Our next stop was the Stations of the Cross, volcano style. This is a popular tourist destination because you get to climb the mountain and see life size statues. We paid 20 bucks each at the ground entrance.




We climbed the cemented stairs and as expected, city dwellers like us, who are categorized as unfit and couch potatoes, got to the first station panting. Shamefully, we only reached station 2. The distance of one station to another was overwhelming, at least for us. After Station 2, we trekked back with a surprised Ray welcoming us. At that point, he must have thought of us as sissies.

VI. SUNKEN CEMETERY

We went inside a cemented drive path going to the edge of a cliff to view the Sunken Cemetery. There is no entrance fee.



It must have been the gloomy weather, but I was not quite overwhelmed by it. All I saw was a huge cross in the middle of the ocean. My imagination took over when I began thinking about the cemetery beneath it. In fact, one can cross towards the church via a banca, but Mitch just wouldn't have it. After finishing his shoot and taking creative shots, we went on with the rest of the tour.

VII. GUIOB CHURCH RUINS

Just a few minutes from Sunken Cemetery, we went to the Guiob Church Ruins where there's a tour guide waiting at the entrance. The properly dressed woman, in English, told the history of the Guiob Church and its demise after the volcanic eruption some ancient years ago. We saw the abandoned convent and stone structures preserved after the eruption.




VIII. ARDENT HOT SPRINGS

AT around 3:00 pm Mr. Ray took us to one of the most popular spring resorts in Camiguin, which is the Ardent Hot Springs. This Hot springs is fully developed with a resort and hotel, but not losing its essence and therapeutic significance.



The entrance fee, if you're just a day tripper, is 40 bucks. The grounds are vast and impressive. It's clean with only tufts of cotton from plants floating about. The place is actually good shoot for a fantasy-nature shoot. The area in itself is cool because of towering trees. Upon a few minutes of walking, we saw the man-made structure of the springs and the aquamarine color it releases. The "springs" might be man-made but the water isn't. It comes directly from the mountain and is divided unto categories, very hot, hot and lukewarm as the water passes in different pools.

Most seniors liked the hot pool, whereas for some allergic reasons, I couldn't. Mitch and I stayed at the mid-section of the pool with hot to lukewarm temperature. For the entire trip, Mitch didn't entertain the thought of dipping until Ardent Springs. The water is refreshing and soothing. We even positioned ourselves at the mini-falls area for a quick back massage. We ended up talking and staying there until our fingers got pruned. Mr. Ray mentioned that the springs transformed into a spectacle at night because of the lights attached to the trees. This resort closes at 11 pm.

AT around 4:30 we left and met Mr. Ray at the entrance. On our way home, we stopped over at some scenic views for Mitch to take some shots. By around 5:00 we got home.



Dinner as usual was in Paras Beach Resort. WE decided to go for Italian this time. We ordered two pastas and a whole pizza. It was okay, but unfortunately our bill this time was 800 bucks.

Vacation 101: First Day taste of Camiguin

Last weekend I finally traveled to Camiguin. It was practically a "now or never" situation. The trip was planned a year ago and was booked twice. Anticipation was nursed and crushed at the same time. Days before the exact trip, I was already a master of repressing expectations.

Based from my travel guru-friend Carlo, who has been to Camiguin thrice, it is a peaceful and relaxing island. It is a place worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Camiguin is a land born of fire, to take it metaphorically, it is an island built from volcanic eruptions. To date, Camiguin has seven volcanoes, some active, some aren't. Despite its threatening geological structure it didn't shade the fact that Camiguin people are one of the most friendliest people in the country. No matter how provincial this place is, Camiguin is self-sufficient and a very nice place to live in if you like nature, silence and hot/cold springs.

Totally sold on the idea of trying something different, we planned the itinerary and tours with the help of a person who could easily be an adopted son of Camiguin. Carlo, a travel blogger, was able to assist us on this four day trip of ours. He shared his contacts which gave us discounts on almost everything.

I. GOING TO CAMIGUIN

Manila going to Camiguin requires a plane ride to Cagayan De Oro.

Mitch and I caught the earliest flight to Cagayan De Oro approximately at 4:40 am, Cebu Pacific. But due to unforeseen events, we were re-booked to the 6:30 am flight. As far as Cebu Pacific is concerned, the passenger has to check in at the counter 45 minutes before departure, or else the inevitable of re-booking and repurchasing would occur. The rule was formalized just last month so it came as a shock to most of us who are used to checking in 20 minutes before the flight. The travel time to CDO is more or less 1 hour and 15 minutes.

After landing at 7:30 am, we declined taxis on queue and walked out of the airport premises. Carlo suggested that we search for a taxi outside the airport compound to get a metered rate against the fix rate the airport taxis demand of you, which is around 350 pesos. A metered taxi outside at the airport would only cost you 155 pesos to 170 depending on the "slight" traffic.


**just outside the airport, metered taxi's (non-members of the airport taxi group) are waiting.

We asked the driver to take us to the Agora Bus Terminal. The place is highly popular so we didn't bother explaining anymore. This is the primary bus terminal going to different neighboring provinces of CDO. We got there at around 8:15.

From the Agora Bus terminal, we rode the air-conditioned bus (Bachelor) going to BUTUAN, which would pass by Balingoan Port, which has ferries or "lantsa" for Camiguin. The bus ride from Agora to Balingoan is 2 hours and 30 minutes more or less. The bus fare is 130 pesos per person.



Since we arrived late, we had to wait for the next batch and we were able to leave the Agora Terminal at around 9 am. Our consolation price were the scenes going to Balingoan. It countered the annoying part that the bus driver must've been a fan of the Band Survivor. I listened to the whole CD at least three times before he switched to FM. The result, I kept on humming songs like "The Search is over" over and over again.

At around 11:10 am they dropped us off at Balingoan proper. Mitch at that time was stressed already because he's not really used to long land travels by bus, carrying my luggage and his photo gear at that. We found out that to be able to go to the port, we had to walk 200 meters or just pay 10 pesos each for a tricycle ride. It was a no-brainer. We got a tricycle.

The Balingoan Port is not as organized and pretty compared to Tagbilaran port in Bohol. Do not expect it to be world class. We were hopping frantically to get to the next ferry trip because we were so behind schedule only to find out that the ferry I had in mind is totally different from what I saw. All along I thought the ferry was a motored banca that most of us are accustomed to ride going to Boracay or to Puerto Galera. But no. What was in front of us was a large boat, more of like a "Lantsa" that can accommodate cars. It has open and close sections for viewing. The boat was old, rusty and stinky. There were no seating arrangements therefore you if you arrived late, which we did, expect yourself to be sitting on floors or on your bags. The trip to Camiguin island takes 1 hour and 30 minutes or even less (depends on the lantsa) and costs 130 pesos per person. We can't be choosers, so we rode the Donya Pepita line.



On or way to Camiguin, I was multi-texting our travel guide a.ka. driver and my uncle's relatives on our whereabouts. We were scheduled to have lunch with relatives at Bura, Camiguin, but so far we were running late. I had to extend their patience knowing that we had to travel to the cottage first to settle down before actually going to Bura which is a good set of kilometers from where we were staying. My uncle's relatives are so very kind and told us not to worry while the driver pledged that he would wait for us at Camiguin port stating to look for his bright purple multi-cab and him wearing a Kota Kinabalu shirt courtesy of Carlo.


**Our Multi-cab with Kuya Ray

After semi-sunbathing and squatting for an hour or so, we arrived at the lush Camiguin Port just eager to finalize one more leg of the trip. We got out and looked for the purple multi-cab and Mr. Ray, our contact. It wasn't hard to find the shocking purple multi-cab and the man near it with full smiles. We introduced each other and he was very accommodating despite his long wait. We told him of our super late lunch engagement and asked him to take us to Bura where also the Sto Nino Soda Pool is located.

But first thing's first, going to our Padua's cottage just across the famous Paras Resort was a good 30 minutes ride from the port with no traffic. The roads are smooth and well paved. While you're at it, stick your hand or head out because the air is so crisp, cold and divine. What I breathed in there is fresh air at its finest. Also going to the cottage we passed by Camiguin's simple City of Mambajao noting a few ATM units at main buildings.

WE arrived at the cottage at around 1:45 and settled a little bit before leaving for our late lunch. On our way to Bura, we passed by a sufficient grocery store to buy knick knacks, water and canned goods. We had to load ourselves with whatever basic sustenance we could think of because Camiguin is not like Boracay wherein you could just walk to buy stuff. Stores and restaurants could be pretty far from houses and resorts. It's not quite a problem for other tourists because most of the main hotels have restaurants, but if you're on a backpack tour or on a budget, it might be cheaper to buy canned goods and ask the accommodation's kitchen to cook for you. This you would have to confirm though.

Going to Bura, we saw pleasant scenery, passed by the Sunken Cemetery and overlooking cliffs. The air is so fresh and cold that you don't mind the open drive.

We arrived at our hosts' quaint home at around 2:45. Even though it was the first time we saw each other, they made me feel that I know them forever. I kept on telling them how my uncle was doing in Manila and even shared information about my aunts and mom who have traveled to Camiguin when they were kids. After a good lunch of grilled fish, chicken curry, chicken adobo and salad they instructed the driver to take us to the nearby Sto. Nino Soda Pool just a few meters from their home. By 3:45 we left the house and went to our first tourist spot.



The Sto. Nino Soda Pool takes its name from the tangy taste of fresh water directly derived from the mountains that make up the brilliant backdrop. The Entrance fee there is 40 bucks per person and you could get to sample their fresh water at the main reception. Since the pool's location is secluded from main thoroughfares, there was a lack of annoying crowds which was perfect. I swam the cold pool as Mitch was able to get some backdrop shots.




By 5 pm we left the Soda Pool and drove back to our Cottage. While going home, we stopped over at scenic cliffs for photo-ops. Mr. Ray greatly obliged and instantly became our impromptu photographer. By 6 pm we were already home.




Upon taking a bath and settling down, we paid Mr. Ray a discounted rate of 700 bucks for the day, which included the rate for his service, gas and impromptu tour to Bura. We also asked him to organize our itinerary for the following day, which required a whole day of touring.

By 8 pm our stomach demanded dinner and since we had no desire to eat canned goods at the moment we crossed over Paras Beach Resort and ate at their restaurant. Surprisingly Paras Resort is big and sufficient. The restaurant was packed and we had to wait for around five minutes to be seated. Their menu is also extensive from Filipino dishes to Italian. I remembered Carlo recommended their Sisig, although not quite a sisig fan myself, I put myself up to it. We ordered Calamares and rice to go with it.

Fortunately, the FOOD was amazingly good and we had no leftovers. The Calamares was tasty and I really liked the pork Sisig. It has the right spice, crunch and flavor. Both dishes have generous servings and just cost around 120 each. Not bad for resort food. I added a dessert of mango float for 30 bucks to the bill. All in all we just paid 350 bucks for a stuffed and yummy dinner.




After scratching our tummies, tiredness crept in from the long journey. We went home, watched a couple of basketball reruns and surrendered to sleep.

That was our first day taste of Camiguin.

Vacation 101: Forced Transition

As soon as I reached my office at approximately 12:48 pm, with a large box of Postrio chocolate cake I brought from my favorite dessert haven in Cebu, I dived into my desk, quickly logged in and knew that I had it coming. Literally hundreds of emails flowed into my Outlook like sand. I secretly hoped my Outlook won't hang up, although I would understand if it did. While my emails were loading I was reading some documents and cleaning the remnants of dust in my desk which I left for almost a week untouched. I knew I couldn't afford to chit chat. There are couple of reports due for the week and reading my emails would easily take me hours.

2 hours straight, to be exact, I labored and knew that I was in the work zone. A lot of my colleagues noticed that I was back and they went to my cube and tried to ask how my trip turned out. But I was multi-tasking. I was trying hard to be coherently talking to them while my face is glued on my monitor. Some automatically got the picture and left me alone while others turned my misfortune into a comedic punchline. Some joked around that I had it coming because I was on a vacation roll and they weren't. I totally agree. No offense taken.

After two hours of intensely figuring out which emails to delete and which emails to store I was proud of myself f0r setting my Inbox back to zero. One task down and a couple more to go. But before working on reports I quickly grabbed a late lunch of spaghetti and croissant at our cafeteria and ate at my workstation. With no time wasted, I labored on.

In between a mini-birthday celebration for Jim, it was not until 7:30 pm that I could say I was totally carefree. It was at that time that I was able to roam around workstations and chatted with colleagues. I quickly briefed them about my vacation, but just like talking about a dead person, I left the details out because it just hurt. I'm still suffering from separation anxiety and I'm wondering if taking vacations is really good for me because after vacations, I tend to feel worse. Even with the widened belly and burnt skin I've recently developed, I still miss eating like there's no tomorrow and not feeling the guilt of it. I miss swimming in the pool and to roam around places that do not remind me of Manila. Now I would wonder at the end if vacation is still considered beneficial for me.

A colleague of mine, who just came in from a Boracay vacation, shared how miserable he felt when he got back for work. He initially couldn't pull himself together and somehow dragged his ass to his workstation. It took him almost a week to repress his desire to go back and prolong his escape. Boy, how I closely I related with him. Vacations are supposed to recharge us from work and the dreaded reality. It's the time to indulge in activities and events we missed out due to our toxic daily lives. But after the quick escape of mental and physical relaxation, for some reason I feel worse. The effect of it I have noticed ever since I was a kid and I thought I was the only one seriously considering it adverse. It takes me days or weeks to get back on track. Apparently now I know I'm not alone.