Camiguin Island Budget Travel

Immersing myself in nature ignites a sense of vitality within me, prompting me to seize any opportunity to escape the confines of my 8-10 hour workdays spent staring at a computer screen. Thus, when the chance to visit Camiguin presented itself, I eagerly embraced the prospect. After all, who can blame me for seeking a break from the monotonous routine of my room?

Despite having heard enchanting tales about Camiguin since childhood, it wasn't until 2017, thankfully, that I set foot on this captivating island. True to the stories, Camiguin, a small gem in the Northern Mindanao region, boasts numerous delightful tourist spots and is renowned for its sweet lanzones. Remarkably, the island has not succumbed to excessive commercialization, preserving its charm.

View of Mt. Hibok Hibok

The presence of a Jollibee food truck is the only noticeable nod to commercialization in Camiguin. While this may hint at the burgeoning development of the place, it has not overshadowed its inherent beauty.

During my Camiguin adventure, I forged new friendships and etched beautiful memories into my travelogue. Although I didn't meticulously track expenses, I managed the entire trip within a budget of Php5,000.

Embarking on our journey as backpackers from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, we negotiated a reasonable fare for a jeepney ride to Agora Terminal, Cagayan de Oro City, displaying our charm at the early hour of 5 a.m. Our rapport with the driver mirrored a sense of urgency, as if it were the last jeepney ride of our lives.

How to get there (from Laguindingan)

For those planning a similar route, note that Cagayan de Oro's airport is now situated in Laguindingan. From Laguindingan, various transportation options, including buses, vans, metered taxis, regular taxis, and even jeepneys, provide access to Cagayan de Oro.

Upon arriving at Agora Terminal, we indulged in an early breakfast at Jollibee, marking the most expensive meal of the trip. Our journey continued with a three-hour bus ride to Balingoan port, followed by a two-hour ferry journey to Benoni Port, marking our arrival on the island.

We hired a multi-cab for our transportation needs during the stay in the island.

You may want to read this: REDISCOVERING MY HOMETOWN: LAGUINDINGAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

Balingoan port

Benoni port

Camiguin Adventure Highlights:

Day 1

• Sto Nino Cold Spring
• Bura Soda Water Park
• Ardent Hot Spring
• Sunken Cemetery

Sto Nino Cold Spring

The water is indeed cold. The crowd never made the water a little warmer. It was a pleasant feeling after the gruelling hours of travel amidst the summer heat biting into our skin. It was a refreshing dip.

We panicked a little when we saw a fish. We thought it was a snake. And then we saw more!

Just outside the swimming area is a free parking space with free car wash too. Nice!

Check this blog post too: 5 FISH RECIPES FOR A REFRESHING DINNER

Bura Soda Water Park

Tasting the natural soda-like spring water, we reveled in the pools, each catering to different swimming preferences.

The first pool is quite deep. So, if you are not really a swimmer, well you can just stay at the poolside like me or swim with the kids in the other pool.

Sorry, need to put those smileys.

Ardent Hot Spring

Ending the day with a soothing dip in warm waters, we enjoyed a massage-like experience with the rushing waters.

We seated with our backs on the rushing waters. It felt like we were being massaged at the same time.

Before heading home, we made a quick stop at the famous Sunken Cemetery, though the darkness hindered us from capturing its beauty.

DAY 2

• White Island
• Mantigue Island
• Katibawasan Falls

White Island

A long stretch of sandbar, offering a beautiful view and an opportunity to enjoy the scenery, with only a makeshift food stall for shade.

Here's my exact review I wrote in Google Map:

"This white sandbar stretches for few meters. You can see little fishes on the shore. It is nice to stay for a couple of hours and enjoy the scenery. It can be very hot by noon as there is no trees or shade to protect you from the sun except for the makeshift food stall in the middle of the island. The store offers snacks and drinks for hungry visitors."

shadows in the sand

sexy back

me and the two photobombers

Enjoying the succulent sea urchin.

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Mantigue Island

Ideal for snorkeling and leisurely stays, this spot, unlike White Island, it provides cottages and natural shade for a more extended visit.

This is where we spent our time snorkeling and enjoying the underwater view. I didn't see a lot of fishes though, maybe I was just not in the right spot? I don't know. But I did enjoy swimming anyway. 

Katibawasan Falls

A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and icy-cold water, providing a mesmerizing experience.

It was the coldest swim I did in my lifetime. The water was icy cold that seemed to freeze my blood for few seconds. It is surrounded by luscious greens, wild plants and ferns. It's a picturesque. It's mesmerizing especially when you're in the water and looking at those huge boulders and plants.

Bidding farewell with smiles and a touch of nostalgia, we left with the hope of returning one day. Despite not covering every planned spot, our time in Camiguin was a cherished escape into nature's embrace.