<=prev |
|
Camiguin Island
page
1
|
|
next=> |
In a true Filipino fashion, the people are warm,
open to friendship, hospitable, generous and religious.To the amazing
delight of many visitors, the island is so clean aside from being
green - Flora abounds throughout the whole island exceptionally
maintaining the ecological balance. The air is so pure, the mountain
is so green, and the water is so clear that your visit to the island
will become your once-in-a-lifetime love affair with mother nature
which is its greatest reward.
Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island with
a total land area of 238 sq. kilometers. It lies 10 kilometers off
the coast of the Province of Misamis Oriental. Along with the Provinces
of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental,
Camiguin forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising
Region X or Northern Mindanao. In terms of land area, Camiguin is
only around 2 percent of Region X.
 
Camiguin is said to be "Born of Fire".
It has seven volcanoes unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular
island full of natural wonders and historical riches.As an island
of varied ecosystem, Camiguin's uniqueness lies in its varied terrain,
pristine natural environment and rustic setting. As a matter of
fact, the Province has been identified by the Department of Tourism
as one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines, and
No. 7 diving spot in the world.
Characteristics of Camiguin
Camiguin almost defies description. It is a tiny
island of lush forests, volcanic splendor, eternal hot and cold
natural springs, pristine patches of black and white beaches, majestic
waterfalls, exotic marine life, blue-ridge mountains, serene surroundings,
idyllic lifestyle; it has a glorious past, and is inhabited with
jovial people. The truth is, Camiguin is best experienced than described
as one gets enchanted by her mystical charm. It really has amazing
natural resources and peaceful atmosphere that stir and baffle the
minds of everyone.
Camiguin is believed to be one of the Philippines's
most beautiful island - a virtual paradise - as the island allows
visitors to experience a sample of untouched beauty in its entirety.
Locked in the eternal embrace of the sea, Camiguin continues its
simple existence sheltered from and unfazed by the virulent pressures
of today's accelerated lifestyles.
 
Camiguin generally has good weather with seasonal
rain showers enhancing its fresh green environment. Fine weather
is guaranteed from April to June, while the coolest is from November
to January. To get to Camiguin, one has to travel one and a half
hours from Cagayan de Oro City to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, and
take any of the hourly scheduled ferries across the channels of
Mindanao Sea, which dock in either ports of Guinsiliban or Benoni.
There is a regular sea and air transportation
from Cebu to CAMIGUIN and vice versa. Once in Camiguin, one can
go around the 64-kilometer circumferential road in just one hour
and a half time through public or private transportation. The people
of Camiguin are friendly, fun-loving, and very hospitable. Camiguingnons
are also hardworking.
The main occupation of the people is fishing and
farming. Coconut is the major production as far as sources of income
is concerned. Other plantations are abaca, rice, mangoes, lanzones
and other fruit trees. Small cottage industries are increasing in
number to accommodate the influx of visitors. Cebuano is the main
language while a few speak Kinamiguin, an ancient dialect. Nearly
everyone speaks English fairly.
|