Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin

This is the fifth part of our 4-days-3-nights Conquering Northern Mindanao trip.

After a nice stroll around White Island Beach, we headed off to the Sunken Cemetery. History of the Sunken Cemetery can be traced back last 1871. Mt. Vulcan (or the Old Volcano) had a big eruption which destroyed the entire capital of the ancient Camiguin. This caused the cemetery to sink below waters. In commemoration of this, a huge cross was built in 1982 which lies 20 feet underwater. This is now known as one of the most popular and most photographed destination in Camiguin Island.

The Sunken Cemetery

One can opt to just view the cross from the viewing deck or you could rent a small Bangka to take you to the cross itself. It only costs 20php/person. We decided to rent a bangka (small boat) to experience the cross up close. You could also opt to snorkel or swim all the way to the cross, I wanted to but unfortunately there were no life vests and I don’t know how to swim.

The Cross from the Viewing Deck. The boat is the one you will be riding to to get to the cross

Getting Closer to the Cross

The boat ride itself was an adventure. You could actually lean over and try to see the graves underneath the water. I don’t know if it was just my imagination but I think I actually saw 1 or 2 graves beneath. It’s kind of freaky in a really cool way. Anyway, once your off on the platform with the cross, you could again appreciate the view of Mt. Vulcan from there. Another thing we really enjoyed during this tour was that our tour guide/bangkero, Kuya Romnick, was very friendly and funny. He was taking pictures of us all around the place, with trick shots such as looking like we’re flying on broomsticks, or stepping on Mt. Vulcan or even holding the cross on our palm. It was very fun. So if ever you get to go here, look for Kuya Romnick!

Fighting Action Shots with Mt. Vulcan in the Background

With the Cross

Best Guide! Kuya Romnick!

Don’t forget to buy souvenirs before exiting the place, there are a lot of keychains and magnets for sale at a very, very cheap price near the entrance of the Sunken Cemetery.

Pen Holders made of Shells for only 60php

Magnets for only 20php

Keychains for 5php

Up next, Old Church Ruins and the Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross!

Read more:
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Getting to CDO and Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Katibawasan Falls at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: The Different "Springs" in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Dahilayan Adventure Park
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Eating Fresh Pineapples in Bukidnon
Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Get To Iligan City
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Maria Cristina Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Tinago Falls
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip