Camiguin
Camiguin is an oval shaped island located just north of the province of Misamis Oriental on Mindanao. Its terrain has been formed largely by seven volcanoes.
For a while during the 80's, Camiguin was traded as an alternative to Boracay for shoestring travelers who didn't like Boracay anymore because it has become too commercial. However, on Camiguin (in spite of the fact that it is a nice place) the beaches are no match for Boracay.
Actually, because Camiguin is dominated by volcanoes, among them the still active Mount Hibok-Hibok, big volcanic rocks abound everywhere on the island, and along most beaches. Especially at low tide, the joy of going for a swim in the clear waters around the island might be dampened by the pains of crawling over slippery volcanic rocks.
But the island compensates for this disadvantage by having a very friendly population and being definitely peaceful. Furthermore, it offers as an alternative to swimming excellent opportunities for mountain climbing and exploring beautiful nature.
Although the majority group of the island today are Cebuanos, Camiguin was originally inhabited by the Balanghai, who were descendants of the Manobo tribe in central Mindanao. The Spanish colonized the island in 1622. But even before then, the fleets of Magellan as well as Legazpi had stopovers on Camiguin to fetch crystal clear drinking water for their further journeys.
Camiguin, by the way, is famous for having the sweetest lanzones fruits of the whole archipelago. Because of the fertile volcanic ground, other agricultural products also grow well.
GEOGRAPHY
Area: 230sqkm (89sqmi)
Topography: mountainous
Mountain: Mt Hibok-Hibok 1,332m (4,370ft)
POPULATION
Majority Group: Cebuanos; Language: Cebuano
Island Population: 63,000
Cities, towns: (Census of 1990, x1000): Catarman 14, Guinsiliban 4, Mahinog 11, Mambajao 25, Sagay 9.
Political Structure (Province, capital): Camiguin, Mambajao
MAMBAJAO
Mambajao was created when the inhabitants migrated from Catarman as a result of the latter's destruction by the eruption of Mt Hibok-Hibok in 1871.
There is a tourist information desk in the municipal hall across from the church.
Accommodation
Camiguin Travel Lodge (1) - at the market
sgl/dbl 40/50; basic, no fan; bicycles for rent P 50/day
Tia's Cottages (2) - outside of town
transport by tricycle
rm 90; extra bed 30; basic
PLACES OF INTEREST
Katibawasan Falls (12) - 2km (1.3mi) south of Mambajao; can be reached by tricycle; beautiful 50m waterfall drops into a cold pool, teeming with fresh water shrimp and fish
Continued
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/philippines_islands_camiguin.htm
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