ENCHANTING CAMIGUIN!
Thanks to the movie I saw as a kid, Camiguin - topbilled by Gelli De Bellen and Jomari Yllana - the place always conjures a mysterious and brooding paradise in my mind. So it was a no brainer when a friend and I headed there for some adventure and a challenge - try to hit as much tourist spot as possible in CDO - camiguin - Bukidnon - Davao route with only Php5,000 in my pocket ( excluding air fare).
Here are the highlights:
BALINGOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL
We rode the first bus going to Balingoan, which is the jump off point for Benoni Wharf in Camiguin. Unfortunately, the last ferry had already left and we decided to stay at an inn and take the 5:30 am trip the next morning.
Place We Stayed At: Lola Lumen's Inn for Php100.00. I was ecstatic!! first major saving of the trip!
... resto - their chicken b-b-q is really something, I've lived in Iloilo and Cebu, both famous for seafoods and barbecues and I haven't eaten anything like it. It's almost like lechon, the skin is thin and crispy, like they didn't baste it but it was still uber delicious!!
CAMIGUIN
What hit me the moment we got to Camiguin is how virginal the place is - I mean it's so clean and green! The air was so fresh and cool and it was refreshing to see rare flowers ( I remember these plants when I stayed in a barrio as a kid ) and lemons and pomelo and citrus trees in people's front yards.
Place We Stayed At:....for Php 800.00 with A/C and cable tv - still a cheap deal considering it's right across White Island, you can see the sandbar from the shore and enjoy a really nice sunset from the stone wharf.
Really spectacular experience standing on the stone wharf as the sun is about to set down. Facing the ocean, you gaze out on the horizon and marvel at how tiny but exquisite the sandbar is as it juts down just above the ocean.Below you is a pile of beautiful rocks and you can watch mesmerized as the waves crashes on it. Look behind you and you'll be rewarded by the sight of the sprawling Paras Beach Resort and right behind are the spectacular view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the Old Volcano.
1ST DAY
We rented a motorbike with the driver to drive us around the island for Php800.00 and set off on our first day...
SUNKEN CEMETERY - now this one I was really intrigued to see ever since I've seen it on the movie Ouija, which I very much enjoyed. And it certainly didn't disappoint. You can see the cemetery, or what's left of it from the shore but they're actually renting out boats or bancas (not motorized! cool!) so they could take you unto the cemetery itself. Once there, don't forget to get inside the giant cross and look up. Great photo idea!!
STO.NIÑO COLD SPRING - We had been joking about this part of the tour cos as we were heading there, it started to rain and since there's no hope of the rain stopping anytime soon, we decided to hell with it and get on with the trip. With the heavy downpour and since we're riding a bike, we were soaked and cold BEFORE we even set foot in the cold spring resort. Suffice it to say that we didn't even took a dip there, but looking at the few who braved the rain and the cold water - and theyre renting out BIG tire floaters - should be a cool experience.
KATIBAWASAN FALLS - it's the highest falls I've seen and pool below looks cool too, but we didn't really stayed long there as it was still drizzling. Just a few snaps and my friend even had to get a gabi leaf and use it as an umbrella for his camera. haha quite funny.
ARDENT HOT SPRING - now this one is what I've been looking forward to the most. I love hot baths, in fact, ever since I was a kid til today, except during summer, I would heat up water for my baths. I find it more relaxing and I don't have to rush it which is what happens when the water is cold. By this time, the rain had stopped but the wind is still very cool and refreshing. So it was the perfect way to end our day trip since the hot water will soothe our tired muscles. And true enough, I LOVED IT!!! It was lovely being submerged in hot water with steam all over you, and the pools are also underneath a canopy of trees, with nets above to prevent leaves from falling on water. Sigh!! the only setback was I found it hard to dive or swim underwater since then, the water is quite too hot for comfort. Other than that. Hot springs are definitely one of my faves now, up there with white sand beaches and long winding dirt paths.
2ND DAY
What can I say, the sand bar is again, something that I've never seen before and might never see again. It's a real small island jutting out of the water, so small there's no vegetation whatsoever, and the only structures are the floating cottage and the life guard's post. It was really nice swimming with birds above and crystal clear water all around. The only downside with us in the middle of the sea was that the wind was really strong and I would suggest wearing a headband to keep hair off your face. could ruin a really good picture. =)
We left camiguin by noon and headed back to CDO. If you're going to Camiguin, be warned that travel time varies since the bus tends to pick passengers up and what should have been an hour and a half trip could stretch to 3 hrs. Which is what happened on our trip to Bukidnon via Cagayan. It was already night time when we arrived in CDO and from there, we boarded a bus bound for Malaybalay, Bukidnon, a good 2 hrs away.
Travel Time from CDO to Bukidnon: abt 2 hrs
Fare: $100.00 non-aircon
Place we stayed at: Villa Alemania Php400.00 with A/C and cable.
Monastery of Transfiguration -
Travel Time: abt 10mins from the Inn
Fare: Php9.00 via multicab
How to get there: Ask the driver to drop you off at the crossing going to the monastery. Once there, it's a good 15-20 mins walk going to the monatery.
We visited the old Monastery but it was the new one that took our breath away. Remember not to take the short cut as some people there would suggest. opt to walk all the way to the Monastery via the stone-hewed road and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. The monastery will be visible from the beginning of the trek and it was quite exciting how as it inched closer, you get the feeling that you're nearing your goal, much like how it'd feel walking to the end of the rainbow with the pot of gold waiting at the end, not that I've tried it, lol. It was also really nice how you could snap pictures of the monastery at varying distance until you could get a close up once you're there. The road is winding, tree-lined, and there was even a part where pine trees abound. Once there, prepare to snap away happily, with the mountains providing a very good background to the unique structure.
Drop by the GIFT SHOPPE for the coffee made by the monks, chocolates and religious artifacts.
APO LAKE
How to get there: Ride a Multicab going to Valencia, Bukidnon:Fare Php29.00 (if i remember right)
Travel Time: about 20-30mins
From there, rent a motorbike, with the driver of course, (it's called habal-habal there). We got ours for Php150.00 only, round trip.
Travel time: about 45mins-1 hr one way
Once there, I was once again giddy with excitement since it's yet another first for me. There's not much lake around where I am and especially not as big as Lake Apo, and surrounded by mountains too. Once there, you can rent a floating cottage/raft for Php50.00. Much more exciting since you'll have to navigate it yourself. I had a blast dipping my feet in the water and had I brought with me a suit, I would have done some swimming.
Extra bonus: On the way there: you'll see a Banana Plantation for DOLE and AGAIN, spectacular mountain views.
DAVAO:
Travel Time: abt 5.5 hrs from Valencia via a bus
Fare: Php245.00 non-aircon
Place We Stayed At: Ponce Suites: The UNconventional Suites (nice tagline, and you'll see soon enough that it is indeed unconventional)
Wow! and Wow! and Wow!!! The place isn't really posh like some starred hotels but I think compared to some bigger hotels I've stayed in, I'm loving it for its character. It's not really an inn in as much as it is a gallery. There are hundreds of artworks inside: paintings, installations, mixed-media, sketches, photographs, and sculptures outside, all done by Kublai Khan. If the artworks were food, it was such a gastronomic experience for my eyes and my spirit. I felt like a kid at a candy store. We weren't really able to go around Davao since it was only our exit point for Manila but the Inn itself more than made up for us. The inn in itself, for me, is enough reason to visit Davao, for the experience of boarding in an art gallery. And what's more special about it is it doesn't look cluttered, and the artworks were organized according to theme or concept, I really loved it! There's a type of art work there for everyone. What I regret though is not meeting the artist himself, who also resides in the inn. Bummer!!
Trivia: Kublai Khan is the artist behind the big Durian installation you can find outside Davao International Airport.
DURIAN ICE CREAM! Another First!! Right next door to Ponce Suites, right side. If you're in luck, the Durian tree of the neighbor next door will be bearing fruits and you can stare at them while eating your ice cream. Also, they're selling Durian, Marang, and Strawberry (if in season, they're using Baguio berries) Kisses. Yum!
My friend left for Manila ahead of me since his flight was scheduled in the morning ( he'll report for work that day ) and mine was in the afternoon. I had some time to kill and two things left to do: buy pasalubongs and visit my friend Faye.
Since I don't really know my way around Davao, it was a really good thing that I thumbed through Cebu Pacific's travel mag on the way to CDO. A Davao local suggested a place where you can get really good souvenir items, sort of a one-stop-shop, which is exactly what I needed. So I asked around, and after a jeepney ride and some walking, found my way there. got myself really cute purses which looked like they were imported from Thailand, some keychains, naturally, and some sarongs. So one last thing. I had zero idea about how to get to my friend's house in Matina so I took a taxi instead, which was a good thing considering the trip must've took all of 30 mins, but felt like an hour to me since I was getting worried about missing my flight. So anyway, I met up with my friends, some chikka ensued, and enjoyed her baby who's just super cute ( aren't all babies?).
*sigh* I wish I had more time but here's wishing it wasn't going to be my last Mindanao trip. Hopefully, Zamboanga and Dapitan the next time! =)
Thanks to the movie I saw as a kid, Camiguin - topbilled by Gelli De Bellen and Jomari Yllana - the place always conjures a mysterious and brooding paradise in my mind. So it was a no brainer when a friend and I headed there for some adventure and a challenge - try to hit as much tourist spot as possible in CDO - camiguin - Bukidnon - Davao route with only Php5,000 in my pocket ( excluding air fare).
Here are the highlights:
BALINGOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL
We rode the first bus going to Balingoan, which is the jump off point for Benoni Wharf in Camiguin. Unfortunately, the last ferry had already left and we decided to stay at an inn and take the 5:30 am trip the next morning.
Place We Stayed At: Lola Lumen's Inn for Php100.00. I was ecstatic!! first major saving of the trip!
... resto - their chicken b-b-q is really something, I've lived in Iloilo and Cebu, both famous for seafoods and barbecues and I haven't eaten anything like it. It's almost like lechon, the skin is thin and crispy, like they didn't baste it but it was still uber delicious!!
CAMIGUIN
What hit me the moment we got to Camiguin is how virginal the place is - I mean it's so clean and green! The air was so fresh and cool and it was refreshing to see rare flowers ( I remember these plants when I stayed in a barrio as a kid ) and lemons and pomelo and citrus trees in people's front yards.
Place We Stayed At:....for Php 800.00 with A/C and cable tv - still a cheap deal considering it's right across White Island, you can see the sandbar from the shore and enjoy a really nice sunset from the stone wharf.
Really spectacular experience standing on the stone wharf as the sun is about to set down. Facing the ocean, you gaze out on the horizon and marvel at how tiny but exquisite the sandbar is as it juts down just above the ocean.Below you is a pile of beautiful rocks and you can watch mesmerized as the waves crashes on it. Look behind you and you'll be rewarded by the sight of the sprawling Paras Beach Resort and right behind are the spectacular view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the Old Volcano.
1ST DAY
We rented a motorbike with the driver to drive us around the island for Php800.00 and set off on our first day...
STO.NIÑO COLD SPRING - We had been joking about this part of the tour cos as we were heading there, it started to rain and since there's no hope of the rain stopping anytime soon, we decided to hell with it and get on with the trip. With the heavy downpour and since we're riding a bike, we were soaked and cold BEFORE we even set foot in the cold spring resort. Suffice it to say that we didn't even took a dip there, but looking at the few who braved the rain and the cold water - and theyre renting out BIG tire floaters - should be a cool experience.
KATIBAWASAN FALLS - it's the highest falls I've seen and pool below looks cool too, but we didn't really stayed long there as it was still drizzling. Just a few snaps and my friend even had to get a gabi leaf and use it as an umbrella for his camera. haha quite funny.
ARDENT HOT SPRING - now this one is what I've been looking forward to the most. I love hot baths, in fact, ever since I was a kid til today, except during summer, I would heat up water for my baths. I find it more relaxing and I don't have to rush it which is what happens when the water is cold. By this time, the rain had stopped but the wind is still very cool and refreshing. So it was the perfect way to end our day trip since the hot water will soothe our tired muscles. And true enough, I LOVED IT!!! It was lovely being submerged in hot water with steam all over you, and the pools are also underneath a canopy of trees, with nets above to prevent leaves from falling on water. Sigh!! the only setback was I found it hard to dive or swim underwater since then, the water is quite too hot for comfort. Other than that. Hot springs are definitely one of my faves now, up there with white sand beaches and long winding dirt paths.
2ND DAY
Travel Time from CDO to Bukidnon: abt 2 hrs
Fare: $100.00 non-aircon
Place we stayed at: Villa Alemania Php400.00 with A/C and cable.
Travel Time: abt 10mins from the Inn
Fare: Php9.00 via multicab
How to get there: Ask the driver to drop you off at the crossing going to the monastery. Once there, it's a good 15-20 mins walk going to the monatery.
We visited the old Monastery but it was the new one that took our breath away. Remember not to take the short cut as some people there would suggest. opt to walk all the way to the Monastery via the stone-hewed road and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. The monastery will be visible from the beginning of the trek and it was quite exciting how as it inched closer, you get the feeling that you're nearing your goal, much like how it'd feel walking to the end of the rainbow with the pot of gold waiting at the end, not that I've tried it, lol. It was also really nice how you could snap pictures of the monastery at varying distance until you could get a close up once you're there. The road is winding, tree-lined, and there was even a part where pine trees abound. Once there, prepare to snap away happily, with the mountains providing a very good background to the unique structure.
Drop by the GIFT SHOPPE for the coffee made by the monks, chocolates and religious artifacts.
How to get there: Ride a Multicab going to Valencia, Bukidnon:Fare Php29.00 (if i remember right)
Travel Time: about 20-30mins
From there, rent a motorbike, with the driver of course, (it's called habal-habal there). We got ours for Php150.00 only, round trip.
Travel time: about 45mins-1 hr one way
Once there, I was once again giddy with excitement since it's yet another first for me. There's not much lake around where I am and especially not as big as Lake Apo, and surrounded by mountains too. Once there, you can rent a floating cottage/raft for Php50.00. Much more exciting since you'll have to navigate it yourself. I had a blast dipping my feet in the water and had I brought with me a suit, I would have done some swimming.
Extra bonus: On the way there: you'll see a Banana Plantation for DOLE and AGAIN, spectacular mountain views.
DAVAO:
Travel Time: abt 5.5 hrs from Valencia via a bus
Fare: Php245.00 non-aircon
Place We Stayed At: Ponce Suites: The UNconventional Suites (nice tagline, and you'll see soon enough that it is indeed unconventional)
Wow! and Wow! and Wow!!! The place isn't really posh like some starred hotels but I think compared to some bigger hotels I've stayed in, I'm loving it for its character. It's not really an inn in as much as it is a gallery. There are hundreds of artworks inside: paintings, installations, mixed-media, sketches, photographs, and sculptures outside, all done by Kublai Khan. If the artworks were food, it was such a gastronomic experience for my eyes and my spirit. I felt like a kid at a candy store. We weren't really able to go around Davao since it was only our exit point for Manila but the Inn itself more than made up for us. The inn in itself, for me, is enough reason to visit Davao, for the experience of boarding in an art gallery. And what's more special about it is it doesn't look cluttered, and the artworks were organized according to theme or concept, I really loved it! There's a type of art work there for everyone. What I regret though is not meeting the artist himself, who also resides in the inn. Bummer!!
Trivia: Kublai Khan is the artist behind the big Durian installation you can find outside Davao International Airport.
DURIAN ICE CREAM! Another First!! Right next door to Ponce Suites, right side. If you're in luck, the Durian tree of the neighbor next door will be bearing fruits and you can stare at them while eating your ice cream. Also, they're selling Durian, Marang, and Strawberry (if in season, they're using Baguio berries) Kisses. Yum!
My friend left for Manila ahead of me since his flight was scheduled in the morning ( he'll report for work that day ) and mine was in the afternoon. I had some time to kill and two things left to do: buy pasalubongs and visit my friend Faye.
Since I don't really know my way around Davao, it was a really good thing that I thumbed through Cebu Pacific's travel mag on the way to CDO. A Davao local suggested a place where you can get really good souvenir items, sort of a one-stop-shop, which is exactly what I needed. So I asked around, and after a jeepney ride and some walking, found my way there. got myself really cute purses which looked like they were imported from Thailand, some keychains, naturally, and some sarongs. So one last thing. I had zero idea about how to get to my friend's house in Matina so I took a taxi instead, which was a good thing considering the trip must've took all of 30 mins, but felt like an hour to me since I was getting worried about missing my flight. So anyway, I met up with my friends, some chikka ensued, and enjoyed her baby who's just super cute ( aren't all babies?).
*sigh* I wish I had more time but here's wishing it wasn't going to be my last Mindanao trip. Hopefully, Zamboanga and Dapitan the next time! =)
