Conquering Northern Mindanao: Summary of our Trip

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

Our flight back to Manila from CDO is at 10:00 am so it’s not really considered a whole day for us there. We had an early morning start and had a cramming moment to buy pasalubongs (souvenirs) at the market. Lanzones in Camiguin is cheaper and yummier compared to that in CDO. The pastels are just the same between Camiguin and CDO. Anyway, just hire a motorella to take you to the market and just go around to look for pasalubongs and souvenirs.

CDO Airport

We hired a taxi going to the airport since it was a bit far away from Victoria Suites. CDO airport is a bit small but it’s very clean. The flight back to Manila was uneventful, except for the time that J won a bag in the Cebu Pacific game they had haha.

And that concludes our Northern Mindanao Trip. For 5 days and 4 nights, we were able to go to Camiguin, try the white water rafting in CDO, go around CDO, ride the dual zipline in Dahilayan in Bukidnon, and visit the 2 popular waterfalls in Iligan City. Not bad for a first timer in Mindanao. Our expenses report, unfortunately, got erased so I have no record of it now. But we spent around 18,000php all in all for the 2 of us so that’s roughly 9,000php + each person. Which is not bad at all!

OUR FINAL ITINERARY:

October 28, 2012 (Day 1)
7:00 am – Flight from Manila to CDO
8:30 am – Arrival at CDO
9:00 am – Ride bus going to Camiguin
12:30 pm – Arrive at Balingoan Port. Ride RoRo going to Camiguin
2:00 pm – Arrive at Benoni Port in Camiguin. Start of tour
8:00 pm – Return to Paguia Cottages
9:00 pm – Dinner
10:00 pm – Sleeping time

October 29, 2012 (Day 2)
6:00 am – Wake up time
6:30 am – Ride bangka going to White Island Beach
6:45 am – Arrive at White Island Beach
8:00 am – Return back to Paguia's Cottages
9:00 am – 2nd part of Camiguin tour
12:00 pm – Check out from Paguia's Cottages
1:00 pm – Ride RoRo going back to Camiguin
2:30 pm – Arrive at Balingoan Port
3:00 pm – Ride bus going back to CDO
6:00 pm – Arrive at Agora Bus Terminal in CDO
7:00 pm – Arrive at Victoria Suites. Check-in
8:00 pm – Dinner at SM CDO
9:00 pm – Return to hotel. Rest time.

October 30, 2012 (Day 3) 6:00 am – Wake up time
7:00 am – Picked up at hotel by 1st rafting adventure
9:00 am – Start of white water rafting
12:00 pm – End of white water rafting. Return to hotel.
1:00 pm – Arrive at Victoria Suites
2:00 pm – Start of DIY city tour
7:00 pm – Dinner at Limketkai Mall
9:00 pm – Arrive back at Victoria Suites. Rest time.

October 31, 2012 (Day 4)
5:00 am – Early wake up time
6:00 am – Travel to Agora Bus Terminal. Ride jeep going to Bukidnon
8:00 am – Arrive at Bukidnon. Ride Habal-habal going to Dahilayan Adventure Park
9:00 am – Arrive at Dahilayan. Adventure time!
12:00 pm – Return back to CDO
1:30 pm – Arrive back at Agora Bus Terminal. Travel to Bulua Bus Terminal
2:00 pm – Ride bus going to Iligan City
3:00 pm – Arrival at Iligan City. Cramming tour of Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls
7:00 pm – Travel back to CDO
9:00 pm – Arrive at CDO. Dinner at Limketkai Mall.
11:00 pm – Rest time

November 1, 2012 (Day 5)
6:00 am – Wake up time
7:00 am – Pasalubong buying at market
8:00 am – Travel to CDO airport
10:00 – Flight back to Manila

SUMMARY OF CONTACTS:

Kuya Erwin
CDO Airport Taxi
0916-2729353

Paguia Cottages
Rocky Village, Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin
Telephone No: (088) 387-9018
Mobile Nos: 0917-3107085, 0919-8942681
Email address: roel.paguia@yahoo.com

Victoria Suites
Tirso Neri Street, Cagayan De Oro City
Telephone nos: (088) 309-2222, (088) 847-4447
Mobile No: 0922-8219728
Email address: info@vicotriasuitesonline.com

1st Rafting Adventure Philippines
Telephone Nos: (088) 875-1270, (088) 856-3514
Mobile Nos: 0917-3255544, 0908-8849575
Email address: riverguide95@yahoo.com, riverguide95@raftingadventurephilippines.com

Kuya Bibot
Habal-Habal (Motorcycle) Driver in Bukidnon
0916-2864637

Kuya Joven Generalao
Habal-Habal (motorcycle) Driver in Tinago Falls
09276798356


SUMMARY OF PLACES VISITED:

CAMIGUIN:

• Katibawasan Falls
• Sto. Nino Cold Springs
• Bura Soda Water Park
• Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort
• White Island Beach
• Sunken Cemetery
• Old Church Ruins
• Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross

CDO:

• White Water Rafting
• Gaston Park
• City Museum
• St. Agustine Church
• Vicente de Lara Park
• Macabalan Wharf/MacArthur Marker
• Limketkai Mall
• Missy Bon Bon Breadshop
• Bigby’s Café and Restaurant

BUKIDNON:

• Camp Phillips
• Dahilayan Adventure Park
• Del Monte Pineapple Plantation

ILIGAN CITY:

• Maria Cristina Falls
• Tinago Falls

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: The Sunken Cemetery in 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

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: How To Go To Bukidnon

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

For our 4th day in CDO, we decided to do a little side trip going to Bukidnon to experience the Dahilayan Adventure Park. Going to Bukidnon is easy, but going to Dahilayan Adventure Park is a bit of a challenge.

Bukidnon is a landlocked province located in the Northern Mindanao Region. The name “Bukidnon” means highlander or mountain dweller. It is considered to be the food basket of Mindanao.

Here are two options on how to commute to Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon from CDO:

1. Go to Agora Bus Terminal. From there take either a van or a jeepney going to Barangay Camp Philips, Manola, Fortich, Bukidnon. Once in Camp Philips, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) going to Dahilayan Adventure Park. It is advisable to contact the habal-habal ahead of time to assure that you have a ride going there.
2. Via the Zipzone Shuttle from CDO. This is available every Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:30 am which is found at Coffeeworks in Divisoria. Round trip fare is 350php/person. You can also ride it going back to CDO which leaves Dahilayan at 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For reservation, contact 09228801319.

Welcome to Bukidnon!

What we did was option 1, riding a jeepney to Bukidnon. Luckily, we were able to look up a habal-habal in the internet, Kuya Bibot. He gave us a price of 500php round trip. So when we arrived in Bukidnon, he was waiting for us immediately to take us to Dahilayan Adventure Park.

The Famous Pineapple

Read on for our Dahilayan Adventure Park Escapade!

Kuya Bibot
Habal-Habal (motorcycle) Driver in Bukidnon
Mobile No: 0916-2864637

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: The Sunken Cemetery in 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: 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

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: Food Tripping at Limketkai Mall

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

After our DIY City Tour of CDO, we decided to call it a day and find a place to eat. Again, we haven’t researched about this so we just decided to go to Limketkai Mall where the popular Missy Bon Bon is located. Limketkai Mall is one the biggest malls in CDO and houses various stores from restaurants, bars, shopping stalls, etc.

Once we got there, we went straight to Missy Bon Bon Breadshop because we were hungry. Missy Bon Bon serves a variety of food, from pastas, to breads, to rice. But of course, being a breadshop, their specialties are their baked goodies. Also, they are very popular with their gelato which we weren’t able to try. But I did try the Milo Dinosaur. It was good, though not as great as the one I was able to try in Singapore. There is also free wifi in the store!

The Interior of the Place

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop

Very Cozy Looking

After resting a bit, we headed to Bigby’s Restaurant even though we were already full. Bigby’s is one of the most popular restaurants around CDO. I would probably compare it being like T.G.I.Fridays in Manila. Since we were already very full, we decided to just order their platter of Appetizers just so we could taste their food. The platter consists of cheesesticks, buffalo wings, fries, quesadilla. I don’t know if it was just because we were so full but the food wasn’t up to par to what I was expecting. It was too oily and, well, not that good.

Bigby's Platter of Appetizer. Not that good.

With our tummies bursting to the brim, we decided to return back to our hotel and rest for the night. Up next, Bukidnon and Iligan City!

Missy Bon Bon Breadshop
Rosario Drive, Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, CDO
Ground Floor, Gaisano Mall, CDO
Contact No: (088)856-6852
Email address: missybonbon.cdo@gmail.com


Bigby’s Café and Restaurant
Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center, CDO
Contact No: (088) 857-5511
Ground Floor, SM City CDO, Upper Carmen, CDO
Contact No: (088) 859-1358


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: The Sunken Cemetery in 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: 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

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: DIY City Tour of CDO

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

After our very tiring and adventurous morning, we decided to just rest a bit and then continue on with our ‘do-it-yourself’ city tour of CDO. This was a spur of the moment idea so we weren’t able to research a lot about places to go to in CDO. Since our hotel is located near Divisoria, we decided to just walk around and see what tourists spots are around it.

GASTON PARK
This is just a few blocks away from Divisoria Plaza, you can walk to it. It’s basically a park with a huge fountain in the middle. It was named after the first Mayor of CDO, Segundo Gaston. It served as a training ground for the local revolutionaries during the 1900s. The park boasts of its giant fountain but unfortunately, when we were there the fountain wasn’t working. There's also a nice-looking playground at the side.

The Fountain

The Playground at the side

CITY MUSEUM
Located just a stone’s throw away from the park. This was, unfortunately again, closed.

The Museum which was closed. Boo!

ST. AGUSTINE CHURCH
Located also just beside the park. This church is the city’s main Catholic Church and the seat of the Archdiocese of CDO. The original church was built in 1845 but was destroyed during the American bombardment in 1945. The only survivor of the church is the wooden cross found in front of the church. We weren’t able to go in since there was a mass going but nonetheless, the exterior of the church was still very overwhelming.

St. Agustine Church

St. Agustine Church

VICENTE DE LARA PARK
This is just beside the Misamis Oriental Provinicial Capitol. From Gaston Park, we rented a motorella to get us there. This is previously known as the McArthur Park and is popular venue for joggers or just those who wants to relax and stroll around. In the middle of the park, you would notice a huge monument called the Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental designed by Eduardo Castrillo. It honors the rich cultural heritage of Misamis Oriental.

Lots of Trees all around Gaston Park

Gaston Park

Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental

Heritage Monument of Misamis Oriental

MACABALAN WHARF/MACARTHUR MARKER
From the Vicente De Lara Park, we hailed a jeepnery right in front (I forgot what signboard, we just asked the locals around) to take us to Macabalan Wharf where the MacArthur Marker would be found. On the way there, we were thinking that the place might be crawling with tourists since it looked very nice when we searched for it in the internet. So imagine our surprise when we got there. The jeepney told us to get off an isolated place with one gate near the road. When we got near the gate, we were surprise to find the white hat of MacArthur inside. So this is Macabalan Wharf. Haha. It doesn’t look that ‘touristy’ or maybe because there were no people around when we got there. Anyway, the Macabalan Wharf was the place which was occupied by the American forces during the Philippine-American War in 1900. This is also the place where Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed in Mindanao in his route to Australia.

Macabalan Wharf Plaque

MacArthur Marker

We had a comedy moment while taking pictures. We thought that the side facing the entrance gate was the front of the hat of MacArthur so we were taking a lot of poses there. Then suddenly, the caretaker went out of his office and told us that he will take pictures of us in front of the hat. Then he showed us the front of the hat which was opposite to where we were taking pictures haha.

The Real Front of MacArthur's Hat

Closer Look

Anyway, you could learn a lot about the history of the place inside. There are several plaques, stories, etc. it was a very insightful tour.

That ends our City Tour of CDO. Up next, food tripping at CDO!

Read more:

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: The Sunken Cemetery in 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: 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

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro City

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

Our 3rd day consists of White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro City. CDO is known as the white water rafting capital of the Philippines and with its very low rate (the local government has standardized the rates), it is a must to try it out if you’re in CDO.

RATES FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING:

• Beginner’s Course – 700php/person, 3 hours river run, 14 rapids (class I-II)
• Advance Course I – 1000php/person, 4 hours river run, 24 rapids (class II-III)
• Advance Course II – 1500php/peron, 5 hours river run, 27 rapids (Class III)
• Extreme Course – 2000php/person, 5 hours river run, 18 rapids (Class III-IV)

To further deepen your fear and apprehension:

• Class I – very easy, fast moving water
• Class II – easy to moderate, small to medium sized regular waves with some obstacles
• Class III – moderate to exciting, numerous waves that are bigger and a bit irregular, currents can be tricky
• Class IV – exciting, longer rapids with powerful waves and strong currents
• Class V – difficult, massive waves, violent rapids
• Class VI – limit of navigation, rarely run, considered un-runnable

There are several rafting companies to choose from, each one of them with different packages to avail. We chose the 1st Rafting Adventure Beginner’s Course. We added 250php for the CD of pictures. VERY IMPORTANT to note, if you’re travelling in a group of 2-3, make sure to contact any rafting companies in advance to make sure that they could include you in another group. I think the minimum number of people in a raft is 4. Luckily, we were able to join a family of 4. The jeepney picked us up early in the morning and we traveled for around 1 hour going to the rafting site.

The View Going to the Rafting Site

RAFTING COMPANIES TO CHOOSE FROM:
1. 1st Rafting Adventure Philippines
Telephone Nos: (088) 875-1270, (088) 856-3514
Mobile Nos: 0917-3255544, 0908-8849575
Email address: riverguide95@yahoo.com, riverguide95@raftingadventurephilippines.com

2. Kagay White Water Rafting
Telephone No: (088) 310-4402
Mobile No: 09177122323
Email address: dankaamino@yahoo.com

3. Red Rafts Cagayan de Oro
Telephone No: (088) 857-7238
Mobile Nos: 0919-5023617, 0917-8556983, 0922-8973175
Email address: nelson.cee@gmail.com

4. Great White Water Tours
Telephone No: (088) 856-2352
Mobile No: 0920-9380677

5. Golden Friendship White Water Rafting Corporation
Telephone No: (088) 858-9007
Mobile No: 0919-4924488

6. CDO Bugsay River Rafting
Mobile No: 0917-3284729


At the rafting site, the guides will be instructing you on the commands used during the ride as well as safety precautions. Of particular interest is the part wherein they will teach you what to do when you fell off the boat. Very, very important to listen to these instructions because even though you have helmets and life vests, rocks jutting out from the river can still scratch you up.

The Starting Point

Our Guide Giving out Instructions (from the CD pictures)

A Panicked Kid at the Starting Area haha

4 most important things to remember: Forward!, Stop!, Paddle back!, Paddles up high five! These are the instructions the guide would be shouting at you during the river ride. It is a team sport so paddle very vigorously to avoid flipping the boat off. If you can’t paddle anymore, hold on to dear life haha.

The Look of Fear while listening (from CD pictures)

The Raft

Also found on the starting site are several stores where you could buy sunblocks, arm guards, souvenirs, etc. What to wear? Just make sure to have your arms and legs covered or placed with sunblock since you would really be baking under the sun. Also, wear shoes/slippers that have straps so as to avoid it being plunged into the river. You could also opt to not bring underwater cameras/waterproof cameras since there would be a guide paddling in a kayak ahead of you taking action shots/videos. It’s very worth it to purchase it.

After lots of briefing and lots of thinking of backing out, we are ready to try out our first ever white water rafting!

All Set! (from the CD Pictures)

The beginner’s course consists of 14 rapids and in between those rapids, there are some peaceful clearing wherein you could swim or just relax. The water is very cold but you’ll eventually get the hang of it. It was a bit disconcerting at first though because even if you don’t exert any effort, you will find yourself slowly gliding down the river, which, if you have a paranoid brain as mine, you would imagine yourself being left by your boat and finding yourself in the rapids in no time haha. Another IMPORTANT thing to note, once you’re in the boat, it is imperative that you remember that to your right side is Bukidnon and to your left is CDO. I don’t know why haha but the guide told us it is our bearings if ever we fell of the boat (luckily, that didn’t happen to us).

Here we go! (from the CD Pictures)

Fighting the rapids! (from the CD Pictures)

Adrenaline-pumping ride! (from the CD Pictures)

Not only are there rapids, there are also caves seen (from the CD Pictures)

It was a very exhilarating adventure. Not only is your adrenaline pumped up, but you could also enjoy an amazing view! From rocks, to trees, to falls, the river is just one majestic place! And the rapids did not fail, at one point I was just holding on to dear life and not paddling anymore and shouting at the top of my lungs hahaha!

High-fives all around! (from the CD Pictures)

Ahoo! Ahoo! (from the CD Pictures)

Enjoying a refreshing, cold dip (from the CD Pictures)

Anyway, after 3 hours of rapids, paddling, swimming, and lots of high fives with the paddles, we finally emerged at the drop-off point. It was such a huge achievement for us since we are both afraid of rivers and both of us don’t know how to swim. We finished at around 1pm. We decided to pass by the hotel and then after do some city tour of CDO.

So if ever you find yourself in CDO, NEVER miss an opportunity to try out their Whitewater Rafting!

By the way, the CD pictures will be picked up at their office a few hours after the rafting. It is located at #86 Jongko Bldg. Arch. Hayes Street, CDO. For us, it was a walking distance from Victoria Suites.

Up next, City Tour of CDO!

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: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano
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

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: Old Church Ruins and Walkway to the Old Volcano

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

OLD CHURCH RUINS
Just near the Sunken Cemetery is another famous tourist spot, the Old Church Ruins. It is one of the oldest structures found in Camiguin Island and is located in Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin. It was built during the 16th century and its walls are made of coral stones. This was also part of the devastation brought about by the Mt. Vulcan Eruption last 1871. Today, it is now known as the Old Church Ruins of Gui-ob.

Inside it, you would see a small unfinished chapel which still holds masses. Surrounding that is a lushful of greenery with trees lining parallel to each other. It was a very beautiful place. I don’t know if they kept the chapel unfinished so that it would really look like a ruins or the government doesn’t have enough budget to finish it, but it actually adds to the charm of the place. Of note also would be the local children selling candles around the chapel. We bought some candles and took pictures with them, it was a really nice experience since we have a language barrier so we were just acting out what we wanted to say and laughing because we just couldn’t understand each other.

The Old Church Ruins

The Friendly and Cute Local Kids

WALKWAY TO THE OLD VOLCANO AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS
After that, we went to the Walkway to the Old Volcano.

Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross

The Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the cross is a series of steps on Mt. Vulcan (Old Volcano). It is located in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin. It is a very popular tourist destination during the Holy Week when the Panaad Festival happens. Along the way up the steps, there are 14 Stations of the Cross which are life-size and is painted white. By the way, you have to pay an environmental fee of 5php/person before trekking on.

White Statues Depicting the Stations of the Cross

White Statues Depicting the Stations of the Cross

Our original plan was to get to the top in a maximum of one hour. But after only about 4 stations, we gave up haha. The distance between 2 stations are far away. At the start of the trail, it was still very relaxing since there are cemented pathways/stairways going up and lots of trees to hide you from the sun. But then the trail disappeared as well as the trees so you could really feel the sun already. That’s when we decided to just call it a day.

The Cemented Walkway going up

After, we went back to Paguia’s Cottages to get our things and headed off to buy some pastel and lanzones (very very very sweet and yummy!). Side note, pastel in Camiguin is not cheaper compared to CDO. They are just the same price and the same taste LOL. So if you’re still going to go around CDO, buy pastel there and save yourself the trouble of bringing back boxes of pastel from Camiguin.

We left Camiguin at around 1pm and arrived at our hotel at around 7 pm. We stayed at Victoria Suites which was very near Divisoria so no hassle in finding foods or things to buy. The room is OK, wifi is a bit slow. But there is free breakfast every morning.

That concludes the Camiguin Part of our Northern Mindanao Trip. In general, Camiguin is a very peaceful place and full of history. With 7 volcanoes surrounding it, there are a lot of stories to tell and discover about this place. When in CDO, never miss an opportunity to trudge on to Camiguin and experience this unique island.

Up next, White Water Rafting in CDO!

Victoria Suites
Tirso Neri Street, Cagayan De Oro City
Contact Nos: (088)309-2222, (088)847-4447
Mobile No: 0922-8219728
Email Address: info@victoriasuitesonline.com


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: The Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin
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

Read More»

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

Read More»

Conquering Northern Mindanao: White Island Beach at Camiguin

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

For our 2nd day in Camiguin, we started it with a tour at the famous White Island Beach. The boat ride to the island is part of the room package we got. White Island is basically, a white sandbar located just 1.4 km off the northern shore of Mambajao in Camiguin. It is literally just a sand bar, with no trees or shelter of any kind so it is advisable to go here early in the morning since it will be too hot in the afternoon.

The Boat taking us to White Island Beach

The Boat Ride and the Blue Waters of Camiguin

The boat ride took about 10 minutes from the resort. As we were docking, we can’t help but notice the wonderful view surrounding the White Island. From here, you could see Mt. Hibok-Hibok in all of its glory. And of course, you could see sand, sand, and more sand haha. The sand is so white and is comparable to the sands found in Boracay. I could roll around all day if I wanted to. It is also advisable to bring your own towel or blanket or umbrella so you could just lounge around and avoid the sun. We stayed there for about an hour but then it got too hot so we decided to go back to Paguia's Cottages and fix our things to prepare for our part 2 of the Camiguin Tour.

Our First Glimpse of White Island Beach

Sand, Sand, and more Sand!

Enjoying a Stroll in the white sands

How amazing is this?

Mt. Hibok-Hibok in the Background

Next, the Sunken Cemetery in our Part 2 of the Camiguin Tour.

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: The Sunken Cemetery in 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

Read More»