Breaking news! The iconic slogan 'It’s More Fun in the Philippines' has been replaced by 'Love the Philippines!'
In fact, the Department of Tourism introduced this new campaign over two years ago. What do you think about it? Personally, I still prefer the old slogan, it sounds better, hits you emotionally, and feels more personal. Now the question is, do you love the Philippines? Are you in love with it, or just loving it?
As for me, I honestly love my country, its beautiful islands and its warm, kind-hearted people, especially the Visayans.
Riding a ferry to Camiguin
But I can’t ignore the dark side: the widespread corruption, conscience-less politicians, and failed flood control projects. That part, I truly hate. That’s why I encourage fellow taxpayers and the younger generation, the young blood, to keep speaking up about what’s wrong in the system, and to stand up for what we know is right. I hope it's never too late.
Now, moving on to the next topic, Manifestation. When you want something, do you really need to manifest it every single day? Honestly, I don’t do it religiously. You know why? Because to me, manifestation feels more like a wish you release into the universe. You think about it randomly, without putting pressure on yourself that it must happen. What really matters is having strong faith in God, that it will be given to you. And you know what? For me, that works.
Our first dinner here in Camiguin.
One example is our trip to Camiguin Island. I first manifested it back in 2019 when we visited a travel expo in Manila. I remember seeing a really eye-catching booth for Camiguin Island, and I found myself wishing I could go there someday. Little did I know, a few years later, that wish would come true, thanks to a friend whose dream destination just happened to be Camiguin.
Good morning from Lanzones Cabana!
This trip finally happened in 2022, when I was invited by a friend who wanted to celebrate her birthday in Camiguin Island and also planned a side trip to Cagayan de Oro. It felt like everything was aligning, another friend of mine used to live there, and we even got to meet up before we went on our white water rafting adventure.
I remember we had to fly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, then take a van from the airport to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental, before finally reaching Camiguin Island. It took a lot of patience and effort to get there, but it was absolutely worth it.
We were welcomed by our tour guide in the late afternoon, holding a banner with our names printed on it. From there, we drove straight to our accommodation, the Lanzones Cabana. To make things less hassle, we had made sure everything was paid in advance before traveling to Camiguin Island and Cagayan de Oro, especially our tour packages and accommodations.
Tongatok Cliff Viewdeck
To be honest, when we arrived on Camiguin Island, it felt like stepping into the set of Jurassic Park or Anaconda, a real jungle, filled with a mix of fear and excitement.
Here's a brief piece of geographic information from a beautiful brochure I picked up at an expo a few years ago, which I’d like to share. Camiguin is known as the 'Island Born of Fire,' located off the coast of southern Philippines. Its volcanic origins and past eruptions have given rise to an abundance of natural wonders, from relaxing hot springs and white-sand islets to refreshing cold and soda springs, majestic waterfalls, and the mysterious sunken cemetery. The land is also rich and fertile, making it the perfect place for growing the sweetest lanzones.
It was already evening, and there wasn’t much we could do, so we headed to a nearby eatery just outside our accommodation. The dinner was good. Everyone was tired from the long journey, so we took the time to relax and unwind to regain our energy for the full-day tour planned for tomorrow.
A Brief History of Camiguin
Source: camiguin.gov.ph
The name Camiguin is derived from the native word “Kamagong”, a species of ebony tree that once thrived on the island. This name reflects both the island’s natural richness and its indigenous roots.
The island's recorded history began with the arrival of Spanish explorers. Ferdinand Magellan landed in Camiguin in 1521, followed by Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565. The Spanish established their first settlement in 1598, in what is now the municipality of Guinsiliban. The name Guinsiliban comes from the old Kinamiguin word “Ginsil-ipan”, meaning “to look out for pirates from a watchtower.” A Spanish-era watchtower still stands in the area, a reminder of how early Camiguinons guarded their shores against Moro pirate attacks.
In 1679, a more permanent Spanish settlement was founded in the area then known as Katagman or Katadman, now Catarman. This settlement flourished for nearly two centuries until the violent eruption of Mount Vulcan in 1871, which buried much of the town in lava and forced the community to relocate. The ruins of the old town, including the famous Sunken Cemetery, can still be visited in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman.
Ruins of the Old Spanish Church of Bonbon
After the Philippines gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946, Camiguin remained part of Misamis Oriental. It was declared a sub-province in 1958, and eventually became a separate province on June 18, 1966. The official provincial government was formally inaugurated in 1968.
Today, Camiguin is not only known for its dramatic volcanic history but also for its rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and natural beauty.
We came here to relax and leave all our worries behind.
On our second day, we began our first island tour, expecting to visit Camiguin’s popular natural attractions and heritage sites. What I really enjoyed about the experience was riding in a private open-air multicab, which allowed us to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Our first stop was the Walkway to the Old Volcano and the Stations of the Cross, but we didn’t manage to finish the climb. I think we were still tired from the previous day and didn’t have much energy yet. Tucked in Barangay Bonbon, Catarman, just a kilometer from the national highway and close to Paras Beach Resort and Caves Dive Resort, the Walkway to the Old Volcano is both a spiritual and scenic experience.
This trail up Mt. Vulcan features 14 life-sized white statues depicting the Stations of the Cross, making it a popular Lenten pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees. Each statue symbolizes a part of Jesus Christ’s journey to crucifixion, guiding visitors along the climb.
The uphill trek can be challenging, especially under the midday sun, but the reward is worth it: sweeping views of Camiguin’s western coast, where the sea, sky, and land beautifully meet. Whether you're here for faith or the view, the Walkway offers a peaceful and reflective escape.
From a refreshing swim to a hearty lunch.
Next, we made a quick stop, less than 10 minutes at Tongatok Cliff Viewdeck, just enough time to snap some photos. With the sea stretching out below and Mt. Vulcan in the background, it’s the perfect spot for those Insta-worthy shots.
The third tourist spot we visited was also the highlight of our day tour: the Sunken Cemetery in the town of Catarman. It is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in Camiguin, having survived violent volcanic eruptions. We had to ride a small boat to reach the giant cross. The water was very calm, making us feel warmly welcomed to explore the area. We took pictures and enjoyed seeing the island from a different perspective. Although it’s a mysterious landmark, I wasn’t scared knowing there’s a cemetery beneath the sea.
Marked by a giant white cross rising from the sea, the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin memorializes a cemetery submerged by volcanic eruptions in the 1870s. Today, it’s a stunning blend of history, nature, and spirituality—and one of the island’s most photographed spots, especially at sunset.
Getting to know more about this natural attraction.
Another place we visited was Sto. Niño Cold Spring, my personal favorite of the day. We stayed longer here, taking time to chill, relax, and even enjoy lunch by the cool pool. The refreshing water helped me unwind and soothe my muscles, making it the perfect spot to recharge.
Nestled in the heart of Camiguin Island’s Catarman town, Sto. Niño Cold Spring offers a serene escape with its crystal-clear, naturally cool waters. Flowing from underground springs, the refreshing pools stay cool year-round, inviting visitors to swim, relax, and unwind. Surrounded by lush greenery, this peaceful spot is perfect for families and nature lovers seeking tranquility and a refreshing break.
But it didn’t stop there, from one cold spring, we headed straight to another, the refreshing Tuasan Falls. I have to say, it's one of the most accessible waterfalls I’ve visited in the Philippines. Tucked away in the forested western side of Camiguin Island, Tuasan Falls is a pristine natural wonder shaped entirely by nature. Its cool, clear waters cascade into a pool surrounded by natural rock formations, untouched and inviting.
This soda water pool is super interesting and great for your health — might as well take a dip while you’re here!
Perfect for adventurers and mountaineers, the journey to Tuasan is just as thrilling as the destination. Located in Mainit, Catarman, the falls are accessible by motorcycle or the local "habal-habal." A short hike along a cliffside trail leads you to the river and the falls, so wearing proper gear is a must.
Next up was a truly unique and refreshing spot, and yes, the swimming didn’t stop there! I’m 101% sure it was my first time experiencing a swim in a natural soda water pool. Yes, you heard that right, a Soda Water Pool!
Located in Catarman, Camiguin, this natural, carbonated spring is fed by volcanic activity, giving its waters a unique, bubbly texture. Rich in minerals, the sparkling water is said to soften the skin, and yes, you can even drink from the nearby mountain taps! The facility features separate pools for kids and adults, picnic sheds, and is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
This seaside cafe has a vintage, rustic vibe with beautiful driftwood accents.
Our first day felt like a full-on bonding session with nature, and water! We had multiple swimming stops at different spots, each one more refreshing than the last. We even managed to grab some souvenirs at the iconic Sunken Cemetery. To wrap up the day, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon snack at The BeeHive Driftwood Café, a charming, cozy spot by the sea. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee, take in the ocean view, and listen to the soothing sound of the waves. The owners were warm and welcoming, and I couldn’t resist buying some of their locally sourced coffee grounds to take home.
Heading by boat to the highlight of our stay in Camiguin.
Oops! I just realized I forgot to mention one of the tourist spots we visited on our first day, the Old Church Ruins. Honestly, it feels almost like a forgotten site, but it holds so much history that every visitor should know about. It tells the story of how a powerful volcanic eruption buried an entire town and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating power of natural disasters.
The Old Church Ruins, also known as the Guiob Church Ruins, stand as one of Camiguin Island’s most iconic historical landmarks. Nestled in the village of Bonbon, this site offers a powerful glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage while telling the story of how volcanic activity has shaped its history.
Among the best places I've traveled to, it's stunningly natural and gorgeous.
Built in the early 1800s during the Spanish colonial era, the Old Church was buried in 1871 by a devastating eruption of Mt. Hibok-Hibok. Today, only the stone ruins remain, intertwined with vines and trees, creating a hauntingly beautiful reminder of nature’s power and history.
Moving on to our second day of touring Camiguin, I can confidently say this was the second-best island-hopping experience I've had, right after my Palawan adventure, which I’ll be sharing in an upcoming blog post. I’m so grateful to God for blessing us with perfect weather that day, especially since it was the wet season and it had been raining heavily just nights before.
Welcome to White Island, Camiguin!
We had to wake up really early to start our tour since we needed to catch a boat to that special island. I thought it was a smart move because it’s one of Camiguin’s most popular natural attractions, and we expected to see a lot of tourists. Honestly, I never imagined I’d get to see it in person, it felt like a dream come true. Before this, I only saw it on TV and social media, especially on the YouTube channel of Music Travel Love.
Not to exaggerate, but White Island is truly one of the most beautiful tourist spots I’ve ever visited, and by far the most stunning sandbar I’ve seen. It felt like I wasn’t even in the Philippines, with its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.
Katibawasan Falls is truly breathtaking — a flawless, straight-line waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Per online sources, White Island is a crescent-shaped sandbar located about 1.4 kilometers off the northern coast of Camiguin Island, Philippines. It was formed from volcanic white sand and coral deposits, shaped constantly by tides and currents. The island has no permanent vegetation or structures and covers roughly 1.2 hectares. White Island offers panoramic views of Camiguin’s active volcanoes, including Mount Hibok-Hibok, making it a popular natural attraction for visitors.
From the pristine White Island, we moved on to another stunning spot, Katibawasan Falls. I was amazed to see such a beautiful, straight-line waterfall for the first time. It’s now one of my favorite waterfalls in the Philippines, right alongside Bomod-Ok Falls in Sagada and Tumalog Falls in Cebu.
We were lucky to find Katibawasan Falls not crowded when we arrived. Credit to the local tourism team in Camiguin, everything felt sustainable and well-organized. The falls have a well-maintained stairway, which isn’t something you see often in the Philippines. We enjoyed swimming in the cool water, fed by Mt. Timpoong’s natural springs. The waterfall drops 75 feet into a stone pool below, perfect for cooling off in the refreshing mist. There are also stone tables nearby, ideal for a relaxing picnic.
The third stop on our tour was another must-visit: Mantigue Island, a 4-hectare marine sanctuary. This small island boasts a lush forest and a stunning white sand beach, with beautiful views of Mt. Timpoong, Camiguin’s highest peak. Unlike White Island, which is a sandbar, Mantigue Island offers more space, finer white sand, clearer waters, and plenty of room to relax and sunbathe.
In Camiguin, beauty never ends — Mantigue Island welcomes you with its powdery white sands and serene vibe.
One thing that stood out, unfortunately, was the trash scattered along some parts of Mantigue Island’s coastline. It’s concerning because it threatens the island’s natural beauty, and I hope the local government is actively addressing it with regular cleanups. Despite that, we had a fantastic day, the sun was shining, and the warm weather made for a perfect swim. I’m truly grateful to God and hope for more beautiful weather on my future travels to fully enjoy each destination.
Camiguin is renowned as a world-class diving destination, home to a vibrant variety of marine life. One of the most awe-inspiring parts of your Camiguin adventure lies beneath the surface, where colorful corals, graceful sea turtles, and countless fish create a mesmerizing underwater world.
The island’s shores and underwater treasures are diverse, captivating, and inviting. For beginners, spots like Mantigue Island, the Sunken Cemetery, and Tangub Springs offer fantastic experiences. Meanwhile, experienced divers can explore exciting sites such as Burias Shoal, Jicduf Shoal, the Old Volcano, and the Black Forest.
Back to Cagayan de Oro — time for some thrilling whitewater rafting!
Next month is October, and that means it’s time for the annual Lanzones Festival, celebrating the sweetest lanzones in the country! Held every third week of October, this festival is farm tourism at its finest, with local backyard farms welcoming visitors while tons of fresh fruit are shipped nationwide. Let's visit, explore and #FeelCamiguin.
Camiguin, you are truly beautiful, and I can’t wait to visit you again and again. Though our time was short, there was so much to appreciate. I saw and enjoyed so many of your wonders. After our day tours, we headed back to Cagayan de Oro for a once-in-a-lifetime extreme adventure: the famous Whitewater Rafting experience.
Compared to our stay in Camiguin, our time in Cagayan de Oro was much shorter, just an overnight stop. I was lucky to reconnect with a longtime friend before our adventure in this vibrant city. Known as the "City of Golden Friendship," Cagayan de Oro is a major economic hub in Northern Mindanao, celebrated for its warm and welcoming people. Often called the "Gateway to Northern Mindanao," it’s famous for thrilling whitewater rafting, rich culture, and growing attractions like Seven Seas Waterpark and Mapawa Nature Park.
To be honest, I thought I was going to back out of the whitewater rafting at first, it really took a leap of faith. After going back and forth in my mind, I realized this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I didn’t want to miss it. At first, it was terrifying, the fast currents, crashing waves, and huge rocks all looked intimidating, even with full safety gear. But as we navigated the river, my fear slowly turned into excitement. By the end, my mood did a complete 180, from scared to thrilled. It’s true what they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover. It was an absolutely amazing experience!
That’s all for today! thank you so much for reading my blog posts! I’m excited to share my next adventure with you, where I’ll be talking about my whitewater river tubing experience in Antique, along with other fun activities and amazing tourist spots we explored. See you in the next blog post!
"Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” — Jaime Lyn Beatty
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