"Camiguin Island Adventure" - Camiguin Province

Hola mi amigos!!!

Camiguin is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) off the northern coast of Mindanao. It is politically part of the Northern Mindanao Region of the country and formerly a part of Misamis Oriental province. Camiguin is the second-smallest province in the country both in population and land area after Batanes. Mambajao is the capital of the province and its largest municipality both in area and population.

This time, I had been to White Island, Katibawasan Falls, Guiob Church Ruins, Sunken Cemetery, Walkway, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, and Ardent Hot Spring.

White Island

Small boats at the back

White Island is really a horseshoe shaped island but the tides sometimes change its shape and size. It is located 1.4 km north of Mambajao. There are no trees or any human inhabiting the place. Sea urchins are common around the island.

Thousands of tourists visit the attraction every year. The island can be reached through the base of Brgy. Agoho or Brgy. Yumbing in Mambajao about 4 to 6 km west of the poblacion. There are small boats which can be hired to give you a ride, be aware that its a little bit scary because the waves are really wide.

Upper view of Katibawasan Falls

Katibawasan Falls is located at the foot of Mt. Timpoong which is 5 km southeast of Mambajao. The falls is very high with its height of 250 feet.

Closer view of Katibawasan Falls

The tourists would really enjoy the cold water which is very relaxing to the muscles. The natural pool is surrounded by ferns and trees. If you're not a good swimmer, don't worry, it is not that deep to be afraid of. 

16th Century Guiob Church Ruins

The old church ruins or the "16th century Guiob Church Ruins" is located at Brgy. Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin.

old church ruins

In 1871, Mt. Vulcan erupted and destroyed the whole church. 

It is just 20 minutes away from Paras Beach Resort.

Sunken Cemetery

Sunken Cemetery was swept and driven by the eruption of Mt. Vulcan in 1871. It is where the remains of the locals rested. 

In 1980's, the cross was erected to mark the graveyard of the locals in Camiguin.

Walkway stairs

The Walkway to the old Volcano and Stations of the Cross has 14 stations of Jesus Christ. Its base is 8 km away from the top end which is situated in Mt. Vulcan. 

The last station of the cross

The locals conduct their "Panaad" every holy week, which is an annual festival. They walk through the 8 km path of the stations of the cross to show their penitence and faith. 

It is also a time of spirit renewal for them. 

Sto. Niño Cold Spring- pool for kids

Sto. Niño Cold Spring- pool for adults

Ardent Hot Spring

Sto. Niño Cold Spring is located in Catarman, Camiguin. From its name alone, you can really feel that the water is so cold with an average temperature of 20 °C. While entering inside, a vendor of "chicharong pusit" is expected to welcome you.  There are two pools intended for kids and adults.

Ardent Host Spring

Entrance fee is Php20 per person

Picnic Shed / Table

AM - Php50 (Php10 per hour in excess of 4 hours)

PM - Php60 (Php15 per hour in excess of 4 hours)

Function Hall

AM and PM - Php450 (Php75 per hour in excess of 4 hours)

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is a spring which naturally get its heat from Mt. Hibok-hibok. It is the best destination for you to end the trip in Camiguin. The heat of the spring is proven to relieve stress and body pains. 

There are actually 7 pools with varying temperature. The hottest one has a temperature of 40 °C. The 7 pools are connected to each other. The warmest pool is on the upper part while the hottest pool is in the lower part.

Thank you for joining me again in this island adventure of mine.

I hope this will help you with your plan in visiting the island of Camiguin.

If you want a place to stay,

just contact:

Telephone: +63 (88) 3879008

Telefax: +63 (88) 3879117

Mobile: +63 9177152285

parasbeachresort@gmail.com

(c) http://www.camiguin.gov.ph/province.html

http://www.nscb.gov.ph

"Alindahaw Lakeview Resort"- Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur

Another trip... Another adventure...

The entrance

It was summer time and I had only 3 remaining days to relax because I'll be having my summer class soon. I felt so bored inside our house, always blackout, so I decided to go in a place, somewhere I can relax. While browsing the internet, I found Alindahaw Lakeview Resort which is located in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur (almost 1 hr of travel from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Norte - 49 km)

From the highway, I rode on a habal-habal (tricycles for mountain travels) with just a fare of Php50 which was almost a 10 minute ride.

With an entrance of Php60 per head, you can already enter the entire magnificent land.

Swimming pools provided for kids

On nightfall, the serenity is disturbed by the croaking of frogs and creaking of crickets. One can feel the cool mountain breeze during the setting of a new day and witness the fog slowly settles down the lake from the nearby mountains. If one is lucky, the lake is still at night that it looks entirely a thin mirros facing the night sky.

source:  http://www.alindahawlakeview.com

The floating cottage

This floating cottage at the back of me is for rent. If you want to feel like floating while eating, talking with friends and family or even dating with your special someone, this is such an opportunity for you.

If you want to see the whole site of the lake, then
you can sit on the iron chairs on this side. There you can see the sweet reflection of the clouds on the crystalline structure of water.

 This RESORT is really located in a very tranquil area besides the 722 hectares lake which is believed to be enchanted by some. The lake may be dominated by Purang fishes. 

Yucca House

The building at the back is the Yucca House, named after a yucca plant, which is boasts of seven rooms. 

 If you are with your partner then you can stay in Lumbia Villa (named after the fabled lumbia trees floating around the enchanting lake), Bamboo Suite, Bamboo Executive Suite, Deluxe Airconditioning, or in a Bamboo Deluxe ROOM.

This is your guide in choosing the best ROOM for you which I got from www.alindahawlakeview.com

 If you are alone then you can feel the royal treatment in a room good for one person which is the Superior Room. For three persons they have the Bamboo Business Suite and the Executive Deluxe.

Bamboo House

At the back of me is the Bamboo House which has three floors. It has 5 well-appointed ROOMS with television and bath. There you can really see the top view of the lake and feel the fresh breeze of air. 

 For a whole family, they have the Family Executive which is good for four persons. For the whole group of friends, they have the Standard Dormitory with a minimum of ten persons. Remember, there's an additional of 10% payment for every ROOM during Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and Holy Week.

Palmera Hall

This Palmera Hall is just a kind of reception hall. If you want to have your 

birthday celebration here or even your wedding, then this is the right place for you. This would really be a unique experience for your visitors. 

Lakeview Resto

If you get hungry, don't worry cause Lakeview Resto is here to rescue your unstable stomach. Well, who would want to enjoy touring the whole RESORT with their stomach talking with them. 

Their chef here is internationally-trained so you don't have to worry about eating here. Guests can also request for a private dinner for two at the lakeside for a romantic and elegant experience. Guests can also have their breakfast in bed at their private patio with the most panoramic view of the lake.

Their menu here involves sea foods like crabs, shrimps, etc. They also have Filipino's favorites like chicken adobo and fried chicken which are good for four persons. You can also order a cup of rice for Php15.00. Fried chicken for example is Php135.00 pesos ( 4 pieces ). They also have meats and beefs.

Kayak boats (left) & Infinity pool(right)

Adventure is really unlimited on the resort for only Php750.00 per pax (minimum of 10 pax),  you can already enjoy 1 hour water rides with Kayak, Jetski, Bumper Tube, Stand-up  paddle, Zipline, with free entrance and free 1 hour karaoke at Sing A Lake Music Lounge. For round trip transportation, just add Php200.00. 

It was such an honor being in this momentous place. I never expected to see a lake as lovely as this. I hope many travelers would experience what I had experienced here. This is such an abode of tranquility.

For more info: just call 09176250203

or visit www.alindahawlakeview.com

"No one is born a great traveler, one learns by exploring."

"Maria Cristina Falls & NPC Nature Park" -Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

Hi everyone!!! Another city... Another adventure...

The left side of the plant through the falls view

Iligan City is also known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls because of its more than 30 waterfalls. One of its waterfalls is the Maria Cristina Falls or the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the center of the waterfall. It is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. 

Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant

This 320-feet waterfall is the primary source of electric power in the City and the other nearby industries.  

Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant, one of the several hydroelectric plants that harness Agus River. The power plant has a 200 MW potential capacity[4] supplied by a water flow of about 130 cubic meters per second.

Agus VI is operated by the National Power Corporation and was commissioned on May 31, 1953.Under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Mindanao Super Region development plan, the Agus VI is planned to undergo a 1.856-billion-peso upgrading project.

The whole view of Maria Cristina Falls

  The waterfall has so many fictional stories. But let me share you one story about this waterfall based on http://precyanza.hubpages.com/

   One day the Sultan raided the town where Maria Cristina lived. All the people scattered and went up the hill to hide. One of the Sultan's underling abducted Maria Cristina and presented her to the Sultan. Maria Cristina was so beautiful that the Sultan decided to adopt her.
   One of Maria Cristina's avid suitor was the son of another Sultan, a well-built and handsome nobleman. Later on, the young man decided to ask for Cristina's hand, and soon after that a big wedding was set.
   But concealed to them, there was a witch who was envious of Maria Cristina, of her beauty and fate with the young nobleman. She vowed that the oncoming wedding would not happen.
  Maria Cristina remembered her mother few nights before her wedding day. She hadn't seen her mother since she was abducted, and that was a long time ago. Feeling sad with all the thoughts of her mother, Maria Cristina went to the creek, on the big rocks which is her favorite place, there she sit and she cried all the sadness inside.
  She was in such a state when the ugly witch came from behind her. She thought it was her fiance and it surprised her to see the ugly maiden instead.
  "I loved him before he even came to know you. He's mine and your wedding will never happen!" said the witch to her. "Go ahead and cry yourself out."
  "You will never have the man I love. You just took him away from me. You are going to turn into a mountain before your wedding day! And your tears will flow to the town, heading to the sea," said the raging witch.
  At last, the long awaited day arrived, the wedding day. Everyone wondered as Maria Cristina didn't showed up. And it was even a surprised when they saw a mountain that as if it was in tears. Water falls from atop flowing into the town and formed a river.
  And that's where Maria Cristina Falls originated,

Inside view of the food court

Outside view of the food court

Forgot your snacks??? No worries, there's a food court beside the Hydroelectric Power Plant where you can buy your favorite snacks. Not only that, they also have souvenirs for sale.

The entrance of the Botanical and Zoological Gardens

Picture with a crocodile

Picture with the Ostrich

Picture with a monkey

Cottages for tourists

Here, you will not only enjoy the godly beauty of the waterfall, you will also enjoy some sorts of adventures. You can see many crocodiles, ostriches, monkeys, snakes, butterflies and more in their Botanical and Zoological Gardens. There are also a variety of plants.

The wishing wel

How to get here???

 From Iligan City, ride in a jeepney bound to Barangay Buru-un. Fare is 15 Php. Tell the driver to drop you in Eskina (crossing) Maria Cristina/NPC. After paying the 35 Php entrance fee at the gate, a  shuttle will bring you together with the other tourist to the viewing deck. They will not allow you to walk when going to the viewing deck to avoid danger with the falling debris from the mountains.

(c) http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=100

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru11/secstat/energy/powerplant.htm

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p080228.htm&no=29

for inquiries:

Contact Number: (063)221-3988/(063)221-9032 to 33

E-mail: npc_npark@yahoo.com

Open Hours: Everyday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Entrance Fee: Php20 for kids, Php35 for adults

Zip Line Fee: Php200/ Shuttle Ride: Php10

"Initao-Libertad Protected Landscapes & Seascapes"- Misamis Oriental

 Welcome again to another adventure of mine. 

The main entrance

Initao-Libertad Protected Landscapes and Seascapes is located in Initao, which is a third class municipality of Misamis Oriental. It is seated about 39 km west of the provincial capital of Cagayan de Oro City, 29 km east of Iligan City, and about 767 km south of Manila. For only Php30 entrance fee, you can already enjoy the trip.

During our trekking

Initao is rich of diverse trees. It has a 57-hectare natural forest with diverse flora and fauna, accessible via the National Highway ( Cagayan de Oro to Iligan) that snakes through the forest. The image above shows our adventure during our trekking in the forest. (A) shows the small trees at my back. (B) shows the nest of a bird, the locals called "Tabon", that can be seen hanging on some trees. (C) shows the soil inhabited by wild ants. (D) shows a piece of coral which proves that the place was once part of the sea. 

Large trees and roots

Diverse trees can be seen on the area like Bugo Tree, Centennial Tree and more. 

Forest tour guide

There was also a tour guide who guided us through the forest. For almost 25 minutes, we had our trekking.

Cave tour guide

The next adventure that we had was caving. Another tour guide guided us through the caves. Only 3 caves were allowed that time, the Lisa Cave, Bat Cave and the Open Cave. The other caves were closed to avoid danger.

Stalactite

Cave Swallow

African cave spiders

The first cave that we had was the Lisa Cave where many "Sayaw-sayaw" or Cave Swallows are nesting. There are also few african cave spiders inhabiting the walls of the cave. These cave spiders are neutral mobs that can inflict poisoning.

The entrance of the Bat Cave

Split-nose Bats inside the cave

A well inside the cave

The second cave was the Bat Cave, where the split-nose bats are inhabiting. This bats are very sensitive to light that's is why we were not able to use our camera with flash light.  There was also a well where you could see a big crab and other lost sea creatures. 

A very small way through the end of the Open Cave 

The last cave was the Open cave. This was the most challenging cave because of its too small holes. We really crawled and got dirty through the small holes just to reach the very end.

The open end of the cave

At the end of the Open Cave was a beautiful view of the sea. From its wonderful rock formations to the fresh breeze of the ocean, your stress and body pains will be vanished.

It was really worth it... 

I had a great time.

The adventure I had in Initao was really one of a kind.

If you are an adventure lover, this is such a good deal for you... :)