It’s been a week now since we arrived from a sought-after pre-Summer and post-Christmas tropical treat in Cagayan de Oro City, en route to our main destination: the Island Paradise of Camiguin. Although our itinerary is relatively short (Two Days/ Two Nights), it was nevertheless a worthy and amazing trip especially for a first timer. And I couldn’t thank you my batchmate, Kae, for this who knows-once-in-a-life-time excursion to celebrate her birthday day. Alfred (another batchmate) was also with us. In a nutshell, I should say that this particular trip is like an amazing race of some sort as we were literally running after our time since we checked in at the airport.
ACCOMMODATION
Since we are on our backpack, we walked our way to search for the cheapest accommodation rates around Limketkai complex. And lucky for us, we were able to find a newly build and mind you, very affordable but cozy inn called Traveler’s Pod. It is within a Limketkai Gateway Tower (Ground Floor) right beside the Limketkai Mall. The complete address is below:
Traveler’s Pod
Gateway Tower 1, Limketkai Drive corner C.M. Recto Avenue, Limketkai Center
Phone: (+6388) 851-8988
Mobile: (+63917) 717-6910
As we are on a day tour, we booked for two nights for only 300++/pax per night AC Room (with CR & Cable TV). I high suggest this accommodation, even for families. The rooms are relatively safe as it is inside a building, while the ambiance is very conducive for resting since they also offer spa services. You can just imagine the interior setup and the soothing music all day in its hallways. Not to mention the very polite staff.
WHERE TO GO
Camiguin Island Paradise
CDO Weekend Market
CDO White Water Rafting
We were not able to avail due to limited time. Our purpose really is to conquer Camiguin, so decided to set aside the rafting activity next time. (I was eventually able to try white rafting in Davao. Our story in my upcoming posts)
ITINERARY
Day 1
4:00 PM PM ETD- NAIA 3 (Cebu Pacific)
5:30 PM PM ETA- Cagayan de Oro Airport
5:30 PM Take a van to city proper (15 minutes)
7:00 PM Check-In (Traveler’s Pod)
7:30 PM Dinner at Ket-kai (short for Limket-kai Mall), beside Robinsons
8:00 PM Explore the City: Eat & Buy at the Saturday night market at the Provincial Capitol area
DAY 2
4:00 AM Wake Up/Bath
5:00 AM Go to Rural Transit Bus Terminal
5:30 AM ETD to Balingoan Port (around 2 hours long)
7:30 AM ETA Balingoan Port/Terminal to Camiguin
8:00 AM ETD to Benoni Wharf, Camiguin
9:00 AM ETA Benoni Wharf; Look for Multicab Operator (preferably Kuya Junior)
9:00 AM Start of Day Tour
9:30 AM Katibawasan Falls (30 Minutes)
10:30 AM Ardent Hot Springs (1 Hour)
12:00 PM White Island, 15 minutes boat ride (2 Hours)
2:30 PM Via Cruces, Old Church Ruins & Sunken Cemetery (viewing/picture taking)
3:30 PM Sto. Nino Cold Spring (wash up)
4:00 PM Back to Benoni Pier
5:00 PM ETD to Balingoan Pier
6:oo PM ETA Balingoan Pier
6:30 PM ETD Balingoan Bus Terminal (walking distance from the Pier) to CDO Proper
8:30 PM ETA CDO Proper; back to hotel
9:00 PM Dinner/Gimmick: We tried a resto serving ostrich meat at Kagay-anon Restaurant, Limketkai Complex
5:00 AM Wakeup/Bath
7:00 AM ETD for Manila
CHECKLIST:
Light clothing
Small bag (gala proper)
Sun block lotion/ Shades/ Cap
Camera (with extra batteries); better if you have DSLR. You don’t want to miss your new found paradise.
Swimming clothes (Note: Falls, Hot spring, Beach, Cold Spring)
SPECIAL MENTION: Traveler’s Pod and to Kuya Junior (Camiguin guide/driver)
*This is was originally drafted last February 2011.
