In Pinay's footsteps: White Island

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

CAMIGUIN 4: White Island

Today, they wanted to go to the White island, but I wasn't too keen to wake up before 6 a.m. just to go there. But they woke up Joko to join them and I woke up, too. I followed them just to take pictures as they take the boat ride, but in my subconscious, I know I wanted to join them...and so I did! I was unprepared but I guess for me, the most important thing to bring was just my camera..and nothing else!

White Island is a sandbar about 1.4 kilometers off the shores of Camiguin between Agoho and Yumbing district and is one of the most popular sites to visit in the island.

the building behind the boatman is Paras Resort!

Barangay Agoho and Yumbing are 4 km north of Mambajao. A motorela brings you there in 10 minutes.

Since we were already in the Paras Resort across the White Island, we just needed an 8 to 12 minute boat ride from the boat-station in Yumbing, beside the Paras Resort to the White Island costing about Php 300.00 to 400.00 per boat and you can divide the cost depending on the number of passengers, up to 8 people.

This sandbar has absolutely no trees nor shrubs, with picturesque background, Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan.

I thought I remembered a single shrub there 28 years ago but I guess it may have been a small hut!

I thought there was a shrub then...and we were the only visitors, only four of us!

We now have to pay an environmental fee of P20.00 but it is fine since they really do keep the beach clean.

Sign the visitors record book and pay Php 20.00...

Since it is a sandbar, of course, we see lots of white sand. Now, there is a continuous influx of tourists in little pump boats visiting the sandbar where you can swim, snorkel or simply just enjoy the view.

The island is still big enough and there are areas
where the visitors don't necessarily go there anymore...

found a little shade...

don't forget the souvenirs...

looks modern from the vantage point...

It was enough for me just to be there again...

Freedom!!!

the seaweed and the sand dollar...

now back to Paras Resort!

I appreciate the people of Camiguin and how their political will makes their Island a very nice and comfortable place to visit! It is very clean...with good roads...kind people...and they have developed the tourist spots they have...and still keep the rustic feel!

Monday, August 8, 2011

CAMIGUIN 1: Reminiscing Rustic Camiguin

"CAMIGUIN ISLAND is known to the island "Born of Fire". It has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes. Volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular island which is full of natural wonders and historical riches."

~~~ I copied this description from the Camiguin official tourism website!

I remember the first time I went to Camiguin was 28 years ago...that was really rustic Camiguin and all I remember was the very simple and natural beauty I saw and felt, and that I really enjoyed that vacation!

We rode PAL from Cebu to Camiguin direct! ...hehehe... PAL was by sea and we call it "PALUTAW-LUTAW" (translation: FLOATING)! It was a small wooden boat but since we were young and adventurous, anything goes!

approaching Camiguin

I remember the old ancestral home of the Chan's, which I really couldn't locate again, but Cynthia said it was in Mambajao. We would sit in the azotea and it also had the "haunted feel". I remember sitting in the "pantalan" (pier), which was walking distance from the family home and with a basketball court along the way! It seemed we were the only tourists at that time.

I remember going to the White Island, but we jumped off from the black shores of the mainland with small huts and coconut trees...and again, I couldn't place it! Cynthia informed me the place is now the present PARAS RESORT...what a transformation!

We were the only people in the White Island aside from the boatman who fetched us much much later! We had the place to ourselves! We swam and did funny things which only we could laugh about...secret of sorts!

Of course, we went to the Katibawasan Falls and were able to "shampoo" our hair without anybody reprimanding us...that was, just for fun of course!

Katibawasan Falls

We were brought around by Cynthia's relatives...our driver then is now in position in the Camiguin government. Of course, we visited the Ardent Hot Springs and the Sto. Niño Cold Springs which continue as tourist attractions to this day!

Ardent Springs then

Sto. Niño Cold Springs

I will forever remember that Summer and I'm so happy that when I came back, Camiguin still maintains the rustic feel even if it has now the best roads. That really impressed me because it makes travel soooo much easier.

Here are present pictures of the natural beauty of Camiguin keeping its rustic feel...