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!

Taking A Few Steps Towards El Nido

View from Marina Garden Beachfront Inn

Day 0 - 26 November 2015

So it begins. Our long wait was over. Rewind to June 2015 - we have booked our round trip ticket to Puerto Princesa for 2,011php per person. I know this is beyond cheap but then, not bad for a round trip fare. We were a group of 6 people, particularly my office mates.

Our flight was at 10:00 AM, 26 November 2015. According to blogs, November is the start of the peak season in El Nido. Expecting fully-booked accommodations, we have checked several resorts and inns in the island and Marina Garden Beachfront Inn. We booked 2 standard rooms with aircon directly with them for 3,250php per night. This includes 1 double bed and 1 single bed with a bathroom and complimentary daily breakfast for each person.

As expected, we had a delayed flight with Cebu Pacific. We arrived at Puerto Princesa around 12:00 noon. Just outside the airport, we were welcomed by Kuya Rey, the driver of the van transport that was referred to us by our office mate. But I DO NOT recommend him because we sought help from him on getting tours arranged for us and it did not went well. Anyway, we stopped by Robinson's Mall to have our lunch and buy some groceries since there is a limited supply in El Nido. I suggest that you buy your stuffs in the city especially if your have a private transportation because some items can be present in the island but it can be expensive.

After eating, we started our 5-6 hour trip towards El Nido. The road was like leading to Baguio -full of zigzags and some sharp curves. I tell you now, those people who have weak stomachs must bring their anti-"biyahilo" medicines and some handy plastics just in case. On our trip, we had two stopovers where you can pee and buy something to eat.

Sunset in Taytay, one of Palawan's municipality

We have arrived in El Nido after 6 hours. We went off the van just near our resort since the road was quite small for plenty of vehicles. Also, it's better to walk around to be familiarized with what's around. Well, the town center was small enough that you can walk and explore around. It has a lot of accommodations and food establishments scattered everywhere. It felt like I was walking in Boracay's main road it's just that El Nido had a lot of side streets and it's more peaceful.

Marina Garden Beachfront Inn was located in front of the PNP station so you have the assurance of additional security during your stay. Check-in was smooth and the resort staff were very friendly. We dropped our bags and rested for a few minutes before having dinner. The room was very good and had a home-like feel. I say that you won't expect that the rooms are good unless you see it in the inside.

Gateway to the beach

The resort has a lot of rooms to offer with it's not-so-big property. You can check their website at http://www.mgelnido.com for more information.

Flat screen TV with cable

We decided to buy pork barbecue and isaws for our dinner at a nearby eatery. They several selections for grilled food that are only 10php per stick. My dinner was only 50php for 3 barbecues and 2 cups of rice. Awesome, yeah? Happy tummy plus happy pocket!

We dozed off to sleep early this night for we'll be meeting Mark, our contact for our tours, as early as 8am. So good night for now!