7/30/2015 02:56:00 AM
Cagayan De Oro | Camiguin | Iligan City
7/30/2015 02:56:00 AMWhen colleagues at work invited us to join their booked trip to CDO, first thing that's on my mind is crossing out places to visit in ...
When colleagues at work invited us to join their booked trip to CDO, first thing that's on my mind is crossing out places to visit in Mindanao on my bucket list. July is a perfect month to visit CDO for its white river water rafting activity. It's rainy season and the currents of the river is deeper and more exciting. At the same time, it can also be a threat to completely cancel everything starting from your booked flights.
Indeed, it was raining hard 2 days before our scheduled flight. The people who initiated this trip already backed out due to bad weather. As they say, 'wanderlust has no seasons', for as long as the flights were not cancelled, I'm going.
At the end, I and Larry, the joiners, pushed through the trip in behalf of the people who initiated and planned it. Flight was delayed but we still managed to arrive safely in Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental. It's around 30 minutes from the city and you have an option to ride a van shared with the public or rent a private car. For us, we're lucky to met a guy who dropped someone at the airport and to earn extra, asked us to pay P300 for his new car and took us to our booked hotel.
On our first day, we did nothing but to eat and roam around the city. Since we arrived in the afternoon, we just waited for it to get dark and for the next day so we can cross the seas and visit the island of Camiguin.
Our itinerary was composed of Camiguin Island-Water Rafting in CDO-Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon-Iligan City. It was a 5 nights-6 days jam-packed vacation.
Day 2. Going to Camiguin Island
YOLO: Balingoan Port going to Camiguin
Going to Camiguin from CDO is easy but time consuming. It's 2-3 hours bus or van ride from CDO. You'll just need to proceed to Agora Terminal and you can choose either van or bus bound to Balingoan Port. We chose a van since it's easier to fill and its end point is in Balingoan Port itself. Unlike riding a bus, it's bound for Butuan which will pass by the port but you'll be sorry if the bus conductor or the driver forget to drop you to your destination.
It's just less than an hour ride in a fast craft. Camiguin is just a small island but you'll be amazed of its history and landmarks. Good thing we already have a contact for accommodation and transportation. The resort where we stayed is owned by a cousin of our office colleague. They also arranged our 8-hour island tour and the boat rental going to White Island.
I thought I was fine just dipping my feet in the cold waters but the sun was so bright that I gave it a go.
YOLO: Play-dead at Katibawasan Falls
Katibawasan is one of the falls frequently visited in Camiguin. It's a needle-like waterfalls because of its height and thin drop of water from the top. The water is cold and clear; perfect to quench yourself after a long travel from CDO.
The Ruins of Guiob Church is very interesting. Just ask the locals and they know the history by heart. In front is the 14 Stations of the Cross which is very famous and visited by the pilgrims during Holy Week.
We also visited 3 springs; Cold Spring, Soda Spring, and Hot Spring to end the 8-hour island trip. Your Camiguin visit will never be complete without a photograph of the Sunken Cemetery. The experience of being there is even more worthy knowing its story and why it is now sunken.
When you wish to visit, it's advisable to do it on sunset. So dramatic and Instagram-worthy. You can also 'cross' the waters to reach the 'Cross'. Also, it's a good area for snorkeling to see what's hidden underwater. Unfortunately, it's almost dark when we arrived so we didn't have the chance to try it but I can see plenty of fishes as if they are guarding the surroundings.
Day 3. White Beach and leaving for CDO
The next day, we were heading back to CDO but we still have a few hours to drop by the White Island. It's a bare island with some kiosks to sell food for visitors.
We only stayed for 2 hours. There's nothing much to do here but it's should still be a part of your itinerary as the beach is so good for swimming. I was told by a couple who we joined in our water rafting that Mantigue Island is so much better if you're after swimming and snorkeling. Sea turtles can be found there aside from the beautiful fishes and colorful corals.
YOLO: Buddha Pose in White Island, Camiguin
YOLO: Buddha Pose with the Sunken Cemetery as background.
Of course, my signature pose will always be present. It's a life and death situation to be seated on Sunken Cemetery viewing deck. There's a chance to fall on the other side, almost one storey in height which is not water but cement and sand. I feel so stupid after doing this.
Day 4: CDO White Water Rafting
YOLO: The adrenaline rush was as fast as the current of the river.
Our Water Rafting activity was also pre-arranged, courtesy of my manager. We were 7 and have the chance to meet Bombee and her Kiwi friend who are both from Bacolod. It's a must that when you get the chance to meet other travelers, have a friendly chat with them. You'll get more travel suggestions and tips from them.
YOLO: Opppsss... Scared to leave the raft when a month ago, a tourist got drowned and died.
While we were interviewing the guides how the girl died, right after they point where she was dropped, unexpectedly, our raft was in a rapid and the girlfriend of one of our companions fell off. I could see the horror in his boyfriends' face and I was just trying to contain myself from laughing as I saw what happened. Don't know if it was intentionally done by the guide to trip the raft but it was a perfect timing when everyone was trying not to fall after hearing the story and when we were exactly on the same rapid location where the lady got drowned and died.
YOLO: Am I the only one who knows where the camera is?
It was an almost 2 hours of fun and excitement and ended up with a lunch included in the package.
YOLO: It was my second time but the excitement and thrill was still the same.
YOLO: High five? No?
Unfortunately, we were not able to do the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon because they only have a Saturday schedule and we were still in Camiguin on our way to CDO. Our water rafting happened on a Sunday.
Day 5: Iligan City.
We already have decided that we will not commute going to Iligan. It was our last day and we still have enough left from our budget, we chose to rent a van. At first, we were offered by the same guy from the airport for P3500 to tour Iligan but decided to choose the brother of the owner of the resort in Camiguin for P3000.
First, we visited the majestic Maria Cristina Falls. From CDO, it was almost 2 hours of land travel but everything was so worthy to be visited. There's a hydro-electric plant and because of its strong current, you're only allowed to view it from a deck. You cannot even go down to just dip your feet in the water. Still, the mist can reach you from where I'm standing.
We also visited the Macapagal mansion where former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has her childhood memories. You can check each room and just leave a tip when leaving.
Also, don't skip the mouth-watering lechon in Iligan. They're located just in front of this mansion and you can eat facing the seas.
And to end this trip, the Tinago Falls. From its name, it's really hidden and you have to use the steps going up and down to see the falls.
Tinago Falls is where KC Concepcion and Sam Milby shoot a part of their movie, Forever and a Day. Sam climbed the walls of this falls which is about 2-3 storey high and jumped off as shown in the movie. Locals told us though that it was a double who jumped and Sam just climbed but dare not jump. To cut the long story short, I did the Sam. I did not jump not because I'm scared but Sam Milby is my role model. lol
It's like an Olympic size swimming pool. I used goggles and tried seeing how deep it was and suddenly I got scared. It was really deep and all I want after is to stay in the raft. You'll be surprised that the kids living in the area have this as their playground for free and they would climbed the walls and jump off altogether.
YOLO: The obligatory Buddha Pose in Tinago Falls, Iligan City.
What's good about visitng CDO is that, it connects you to many more provinces and islands in Northern Mindanao. So if you're planning to go there, spend at least 4 days to maximize your stay. I only spent around P7000 on this trip excluding my airfare.
Leave your comments should you have questions. I'd be more than happy to answer you and help you plan your CDO-Camiguin-Iligan trip. Again, join me as I define YOLO through my travels.
