Lagoon Bistro & Vjandep Pastel of Camiguin

Our first meal experience upon arriving at Camiguin was in Lagoon Bistro. Located west of nearby Benoni port, its within the perimeter road of the island province. Compared with the more popular J&A Fishpen restaurant which is also nearby, I guess Lagoon Bistro has a simpler menu, yet less expensive than its "touristy" competitor.

Above photo shows some of the menus offered by the bistro with corresponding prices. Restaurant's ambience is composed of wooden tables and benches, covered by bamboo and pawid, or roof made of sewn coconut/nipa leaves. Ventilation is provided by the sea fronting the restaurant.

Sto. Rosario Church of Camiguin

One of the unique churches I've seen is the Sto. Rosario Church in the town of Sagay, province of Camiguin. The church's exterior is very simple, while its adjoining bell tower is partly obscured by trees. It lacks the grandness of a cathedral, no eye-catching carvery on its facade, nor a weathered-look beauty that is common to most century-old churches.

But as what an old adage says, "Don't judge a book by its cover". This ordinary-looking church has more to offer inside. The original church was built in 1882 using coral stones, but the years have taken its toll, making renovations inevitable to strengthen its structure. Utilizing steel bars and modern building techniques, it is somehow surprising that the new church designers have not really forgotten their roots, by using indigenous materials.

The White Island of Camiguin

One of the famous tourist destinations in Camiguin is the Medan island, or more popularly-known as White Island. Its a sandbar about 10 minutes by motorboat from the mainland. As there is no tree cover on the sandbar, most people visit it early in the morning, to avoid the sun's blistering heat.

We left Teddy's cottage at about 5:30 am, and walked for about 5 minutes to the wharf, where we registered our names before boarding the boat to White Island. Round trip boat rental is Php 400. After a refreshing early morning cruise over the calm sea, we were the second group to set foot on the sandbar that day.

Camiguin's Water Springs & Katibawasan Falls

A visit to Camiguin is not complete unless you try their natural springs and beaches. On our first day at Camiguin, we have visited 3 natural spring pools, so we're in wet clothes after lunch until past the dinner time.

Our first water spot is at Sto. Nino Cold Spring, where the pools' flooring has sand and pebbles. The cold water is perfect for swimming after lunch, when the sun's heat is still near its peak. They have 2 swimming pools -  the deep one about 8-ft. deep, while the shallow pool is less than 3-ft. deep. 

The Sights of Camiguin

Right after our sulit lunch at Lagoon Bistro, we proceeded to our tour of Camiguin. We went first to the Giant Clam Sanctuary, where as the name suggests is devoted to propagation of the giant clams. Entrance fee is only Php 20/person. Their water tanks show the different species of giant clams or "taklobo" in Filipino language.

The clam species are in various stages of growth and colors. We noticed that the baby clams can open or shut their mouth, as they react on lighting conditions. But as they mature, they somehow loose this ability. We were impressed by the knowledge of a young girl in the center, as she answered the visitors' queries about the clams' behavior, scientific name, etc.

Camiguin's Attractions and Lanzones Festival

Out of my 12 remaining "must visit" local places on my list, Camiguin is definitely on the top three. This small island province is blessed with many natural attractions, historical sites, good food, and warm people. Its a complete tourist destination by itself. So let me narrate in detail why I would love to visit Camiguin.

White Sand Beaches

I'm a sucker for white sand beaches. I could stay in a beach the whole day, just admiring the cyan blue water splashing gentle waves on the white sand shore, inviting me for a refreshing dip, or lulling me to sleep on a hammock shaded by a tree. A relaxing massage on the beach, a cold beer in hand with freshly-cooked seafoods, or just chatting with friends, are also good ideas to pass away the time on the beach. Camiguin has Mantigue and White islands to satisfy that beach bumming urge.