Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire (Part 1)

Day 1 - 31 January 2016

We started the day early to prepare for our travel towards Camiguin. As we have checked the distance from Iligan, approximately we will be there by noon. So, we hired two habal-habals to the bus terminal which the guard of Staylite Suites suggested to us. We paid 100php for both and split the fare into 3. The bus terminal is 5 to 10 mins away from Staylite Suites so we were able to ride the non-stop CDO bus for 100php until Bulua Terminal.

The bus ride took us roughly less than 2 hours and then we rode a jeepney for about 15-20 minutes going to Agora Terminal for 12php. From there, you have an option to ride either a bus or a van to Baligoan Port. In our case, we chose the later due to travel time since that van just needs to be filled with passengers that it will go straight to the port. A man approached our group while we were at Dunkin Donuts and offered his transportation service to the port for 120php per person.

The van was slowly filled with different passengers bound for Balingoan Port. The back part of the van was our space and I must say that it was quite comfortable for our 2-hour ride. At 11:30 AM, we were able to catch the M/L Hijos ferry which will be leaving by noon. Ferry ticket was at 170php and an additional of 2php and 15php for the Municipal and Terminal Fee. While waiting for the ferry, I texted our contact for our tours and accommodation in Camiguin, Teddy, that we're about to board.

Our transport towards the Island Born of Fire

The ferry started to roll by 12:30 PM. We passed by several fishermen near the port doing their thing under the intense heat of the sun. I can only imagine their sacrifice just to get some fish for a living.

Feeling the fresh sea air on my face, I tried to get a nap since the travel time would be around 1.5 to 2 hours. As I close my eyes, the excitement fills me in of what I may see and experience on our upcoming adventure.

Inside Benoni Port

Then our ferry have reached the port of the small island of Camiguin. We immediately went inside the terminal to have our clothes changed for the tour. Their terminal was clean and spacious for travelers. Just outside the terminal, our driver was patiently waiting for us holding a placard with my name. In my mind, I was "Oooh, cool!" hahahaha. We rode a green multicab and headed to our first destination - Mantigue Island.

When we booked our tour with Sir Teddy a month before our trip and we decided to have it customized since we only have limited time with specific destinations that we wanted to visit.

By 2:30PM, we reach the jump off towards Mantigue Island. We hopped on our small motor boat (550php per boat) and after 10 minutes, our feet have felt the fine sand of Mantigue.

View of Mantigue Island from the marine sanctuary

According to TripAdvisor, Mantigue Island is the 4th top destination after Katibawasan Falls and White Island. This natural beauty is very good in terms of diversity since aside from the beach, you can also see that there's vast space for trees. You actually have plenty of things to do here. You can visit and stroll in their nature park, have a picnic area with tables under the trees, paddle boarding, you can swim and do snorkeling with giant clam or just bum by the beach.

However, if you want to go the the marine sanctuary (which I suggest that you do), you will need to pay 100php for the boat and another 10php per pax for the environmental fee. For me, the additional fees are all worth it. Your eyes will feast with the amazing view underwater.

Snorkeling at the marine sanctuary

Our lovely boat guides

After enjoying the sun, sand and the island, we proceeded to the Arden Hot Spring to relax. It's waters come from Mt. Hibok-Hibok where most hikers also go to to end their day. The entrance fee is 30php for adults and 15php for kids. Inside, there are tables and rest rooms for visitors. If in case that you don't have food with you, you can buy snacks or even meals outside the park. We enjoyed the hot waters while we exchange stories about our day.

On my next post, we will have our entire day touring around Camiguin. Until then!

Talicud Island: The Other Part of Davao

09 September 2015: Day 0

Me and my colleague, Nash had been very excited about this trip for it's both our first time to visit Davao. Since most of the people would like to enjoy the city, we decided to go the nearby islands of the province. We planned our itinerary months before and we were researching for the best things to do, best places to go in Davao.

Our flight was via Cebu Pacific on a Sunday at 5:00 in the morning. Our flight got delayed for about an hour but it then it was a smooth flight. We arrived at Davao past 7:00am. Our first stop was Samal Island and according to our research, there are several ways on going to this known island. Sasa and Sta. Ana wharves were our options but we opted for the later since there are several trips from Davao City to Kaputian (a part of Samal Island that this less developed). We walked towards the front part of the airport where the cabs are waiting. People were right, cab drivers are fair drivers though the once we rode with was a bit quiet or maybe shy. Anyway, the wharf was about a 20-minute ride from the airport. We arrived before 9:00am which I thought just in time to catch the boat to Kaputian. But to our surprise, the boatmen (I don't how to call those people who are in-charge of each boat) said that the next boat will be arriving by noon! (Oh my, that's 3 more hours of waiting!) The Sta. Ana wharf was not the usual port that has a ticketing office so you have to talk to the people there to know which boat to take for each destination. To cut the story short, we opted to take Andro, a boat heading towards Isla Reta. Isla Reta is located in Talicud Island which is just beside Samal Island. The boat was large enough to accommodate about a hundred passengers and during this day, many people are on board for their Sunday getaway. For this more-than-an-hour trip, we paid 80php per head.

Isla Reta Beach Resort is indeed one of the best beaches in Talicud or maybe in the Philippines. With their shore of white sands and clear waters, many people are visiting to relax and to enjoy the nature. Isla Reta Beach Resort has several types of accommodation and you may approach their Reception for inquiries. Budget travelers may opt to bring or rent a tent for overnight stays. Check their Facebook page for more details!

Docking at Isla Reta Beach Resort

Isla Reta

While we were at the boat, I was already contacting Dayang Beach Resort where we opted to stay for one night. Good thing that there was an internet signal in the middle of the sea. (haha!) I spoke to Ms. Laura, the resort's caretaker, which was helpful when I asked for their availability and resort details. She even gave me a contact number of a habal-habal driver to pick us up at Isla Reta. However, due to a motor problem, a different driver picked us up named Kuya Ryan. He met us at the gate of the resort and from there, we rode a habal habal. I can say, he was a very good driver because some roads a VERY steep and at the same time, rocky too! He was able to drop us safely in Dayang Beach Resort and we paid him 160 PHP for that one-way ride.

We arrived at the resort around 11:00am and headed to a sari-sari store which happened to be the "reception" area for guests. Ms. Laura was there and we asked for the cheapest room that they have.

(c) Nash :)

Rates starts from 500php and up. We chose the second cheaper room which is 700php per night. While waiting for our room, a fisherman approached us to sell his fresh catch of fish. I am not sure what you call that kind of fish but it was big and enough for 4 people to eat for only 100php. Good deal right?

The facade of our home

From the inside

Dayang feels so comfortable and relaxing to be at. If you want a run away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is one place to go to. Just like Isla Reta, this resort offers white sands and beautiful waters. However, there are a lot of small rocks and shells near the shore so be careful while you walk along. But this did not lessen the beauty of the island. 

Since it is still lunch time and the sun is very striking, we ask Ms. Laura to have our fish be cooked while we rest inside our mini home. Yes, you can ask help from the resort staff to cook food for your with just a small fee. There are no other source of food aside from the fishermen or the sari-sari store in the resort. So before you go here, you may buy some food to be cooked or cooked food in the market near the Sta. Cruz port which is the main port in Talicud. It is a short walk outside Isla Reta. Going back, when you want the staff to cook food for you, better tell them an hour before you want to eat to save time and also that you stomach would not get angry. Haha!

Let's eat! (Fish - 100php + Rice - 50php + Cooking Fee - 50php)

We roamed around the island around 5:00pm just the before the sunset. From Dayang, we walked toward Babu Santa Beach where the usual stopovers of tourists that go island hopping during the day.

Ruins of an old port

Babu Santa Beach (c) Nash

Waking up with the sound of the waves and the birds humming was a kind of morning that I missed about this. Having limited signal made me connect more to nature. 

To those who are planning to go here, please take note of the following:

- Can only be reached via habal-habal where only 2 persons can ride at a time

- Contact Ms. Laura at 0999 459 1319 and ask for availability

- Bring some canned goods or cup noodles to save money for food

- Bring power banks for your gadgets. No socket in the huts. BUT you may bring socket adaptors and use it on the light bulbs

- No electricity from midnight up to 9am

- You can buy drinking water, rice (to be cooked) and other quick goods at the sari-sari store

- Water from the faucets at the common restrooms are pumped from the beach. You may buy water for brushing your teeth and taking a bath at the sari-sari store.