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The
place is an island paradise surrounded by natural wonders like hot
springs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. It is also here where you
can taste arguably the sweetest lanzones fruit in the country. Exotic
varieties of flora and fauna can be found in the island depicting the
richness of this small but charming island in the South.
The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped
volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90
kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north
by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog
Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.
Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area
pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao
– the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island
plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount
Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a
total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second
smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.
Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote,
palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has
proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the
Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would
increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The
Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country.
Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits,
geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.
The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It
is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable
and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in
the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes
reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from
the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.
A peaceful dreamland awaits you on Camiguin,
a fabulous getaway Island of steep volcanoes, lush jungle and white
beaches like White Island. In this pristine setting, you'll find not only
hot springs To soothe your body but also the clear pool and cold spring of
Sto. Niño.
The stunning Katibawasan Falls and hiking
trails to thrill your senses. The spectacular 250-foot falls (76 m.)
cascades down to a pool surrounded by orchids and ferns. Located 4 kms.
from Mambajao. This is also the favorite jump-off point for trekkers and
mountaineers in search of adventure in the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
The harvest of sweet lanzones fruit is
celebrated every year during the third week of October with a long weekend
of street dancing, parades and pageants in the main town of Mambajao.
People from around the Philippines flock to
the Lanzones Festival, which features costumes displays, sports and
dances, as well as the highly popular Miss Camiguin Tourism beauty
pageant.
The festival is centered around the
lanzones, a fruit with pale brown skin and a sweet translucent flesh,
which is the main income source of Mambajao.
The town is draped with fruits during the
Lanzones Festival which highlights locally grown produce, indigenous
sports, folk dancing and a grand parade, choosing a festival beauty queen
brings the celebration to choose.
In the heart of the island bubbles the
flowing mineral pools of Ardent Hot Springs. Mists rise from the heated
waters running down from the vents of Hibok-Hibok Volcano, the only active
one among the seven on the island. Revel in the therapeutic waters. Picnic
beneath the sheltering trees. Enjoy a game of darts or table tennis,
comfortable dormitory - type rooms and duplex cottages are available for
overnighters.
By day, take a side trip to some of
Camiguin Island's attractions: the clear pools of Sto. Nino Cold Spring,
the slender beauty of Katibawasan Falls, and the isolated white-sand bar
called simply White Island. This is also the favorite jump-off point for
trekkers and mountaineers in search of adventure in the slopes of Mt.
Hibok-Hibok. |