Absolutely Stunning Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin Island

Finally, I had a chance to explore the great falls (Katibawasan Falls) in Camiguin Island. This is my first time to visit in Northern part of Mindanao particularly in the Pearl-shaped Island commonly known as Camiguin Island. 

In history, Camiguin Island is derived from the native word "Kamagong", a species of the ebony tree in which can be describe as a dense black wood or heavy woods and obtuse enough to sink in water. Camiguin Island was part of Misamis Oriental and it became a sub-province in 1958. In June 18, 1966, was made into a separate province. Camiguin Island was formally inaugurated in 1968. Mambajao is the capital Municipality of Camiguin Island.

By visiting Camiguin Island also requires that you make a few choices. Camiguin Island is excellent and many attractions including Ardent Hot Spring, Sunken Cemetery, Church Ruins, White Island, Mount Hibok-Hibok and Katibawasan Falls.

Considering, Katibawasan falls was my first stopped for this trip. Permit me first to explore and share my great experience for this Falls. Like everyone said, Katibawasan Falls is absolutely stunning and clear waterfall plunges about 76 meters. The falls is surrounded by wild ferns, huge trees, ground orchids and boulders. A magical place to all locals and nationals, a very relaxing falls and has its unique beauty. You can really feel the water splashing on you.

Katibawasan Falls is an ideal place to cool off during summer as it provide a very cold water, a refreshing splash and there is no reason to not go swimming because the falls really invites you to go and swim and Yes! I did, I swam for about 10-15 minutes for me to experience the extreme cold water of Katibawasan Falls. Hehehe.

Indeed, I was really impressed and it was an awesome experience. It is pretty cool to visit Katibawasan Falls and you will have a better experience.

An entrance fee of Php15.00 for adults and Php6.00 for children.

Thanks for this picture Mr. http://www.mynomadichabits.com

How to get there

From Cagayan de Oro City, you can take a bus located at the Agora Market and take a bus bound for Balingoan and travel time is about 2 hours. At Balingoan, you can walk towards Balingoan ferry terminal and take a ferry boat bound for Camiguin Island. It will take an hour before you can reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, fare is Php170.00.

You can contact Camiguin Provincial Tourism Office at (088)3871097 loc. 119-120.

Daily Schedule of Trips

From Balingoan (M/V Yuhum)

05:45 AM

06:45

08:30

09:45

12:30 PM

02:15

03:30

From Benoni (M/V Kalinaw)

05:00 AM

05:30

08:15

09:30

11:30

01:00 PM

02:00

Enjoy Katibawasan Falls.

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Itinerary for Mt. Lanaya (Kalo-Kalo Peak) via Legaspi Trail Alegria, Cebu

Mt. Lanaya (Kalo-Kalo Peak), Alegria Cebu is towering around 720 Meters Above Sea Level (MASL). To reach Mt. Lanaya, climbers enthusiast have to board a Bus from South Bus Terminal going to Bato-Samboan. Just tell the bus driver to drop you off at Barangay Legaspi infront of Barangay Hall and this is your entry point to reach Mt. Lanaya.

Day Trek Only

0100 - Meetup South Bus Terminal

0200 - Take bus from South Bus Terminal to Alegria

0500 - ETA Alegria

0600 - Registration for free (Barangay Hall)

0630 - Breakfast (Bring your own Food)

0700 - Start Trek via Legaspi Trail

1100 - ETA Mt. Lanaya Kalo-Kalo Summit, picture taking.

1200 - Lunch at Summit

1300 - Off to Barangay Lumpan

1400 - ETA Barangay Lumpan, ride Habal-habal to Alegria Proper

1500 - ETA Alegria (Snacks)

1600 - Off to Cebu City

2000 - Home sweet Home...

Estimated Expenses

South Bus Terminal - Alegria - Cebu City (Php296.00)

Habal2x from Lumpan to Alegria Proper (Php15.00)

Food and Snacks (Other expenses) Php (Php150.00)

Guide Fee (Php500.00) per day

Total Estimated Budget = Php 961.00/person.

Note: If you are in a group you can save for the guide fee.

Carefully pick your climbing clothes before venturing Mt. Lanaya.

What to Bring/Things to Bring/What to Wear.

Food (Breakfast and Lunch)

Water (2 Liters each)

Trail Food

Bandana or small hat to keep off the sun

Sunglasses

Good hiking socks

Close shoes

Poncho/Rain Coat

Camera

Happy Climbing and be Safe. :)

Gibitngil - The Funtastic Island of Medellin, Cebu

Where I have been at this time?

If you are an adventurous kind of person and you are not afraid of heights like me?... I will take you there in Medellin and let us explore their famous island (Gibitngil Island - also known as Funtastic Island). You can spend some quiet time alone on this Island with your friends and with your family. Here, you can do zip lining, kayaking, cliff jumping or just merely swimming and enjoying the crystal clear waters.

The island is gorgeous, so calming and with affordable cottages you can choose from. Small cottages ranging from Php50.00-Php150.00 and big kiosk on top is Php250.00 only. If you want to have a medium kiosk with diving board you can have it for Php200.00, so do with medium cottage with grilling area for Php200.00 only. An entrance fee of Php10.00 per person. There is no resort in the island. Gibitngil island is only using solar energy as source of electricity. I advise all visitors to bring their own foods, no restaurant available at the island as of this time.

For those seeking breathtaking adventure in Northern part of Cebu? Gibitngil Island is right for you. Try their cliff jumping (30-40 feet high). Though, it sounds fun but also a little scary. So worth it.

I could not believe that some people actually jump off the cliff. And you would never believe that I had a great time and I survived their tombstoning for 8 times. Hehehe. For your safety, make it sure that the water is deep enough. Safety must come first.

I would personally say that Gibitngil Island has it all and is an ideal place or funtastic place to be.

How to get there

From North Bus Terminal one could take any bus (Ceres Buses) heading to Medellin and is approximately a three-hour ride from North Bus Terminal. You can take and an airconditioned or  non-aircon bus. Php150.00 fare for an airconditioned and Php 143.00 for non aircon bus.

From barangay Kawit, Medellin you can hire a pumpboat for Php 1500.00 good for 20 people. 

 Enjoy the Funtastic Island...

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Hidden Beach Resort in Aloguinsan, Cebu - Hidden Treasure That Should Be Discovered

Need a break from extremely irritating work? then, have a Hidden Beach Resort in Aloguinsan.

Head for your paradise at Hidden Beach Resort in Aloguinsan, Cebu. I have heard about this resort and wondering why is it called by many a Hidden Beach Resort? is it really hidden? or what? Join me here and let us explore the Hidden Beach Resort in Aloguinsan, Cebu.

Hidden Beach Resort is such a paradise that is about to explore or discover by many locals and nationals. Aloguinsan has this hidden treasure that need to be discovered and an eco-tourism that everyone should not miss. Perfect getaway for everyone (company outing, birthday party and more).

It is advisable to bring food and drinks from the city and you can cook with your own food there.

How to get there

 There are four routes that you can choose from with an estimated travel time of 1 to 2 hours.

Aloguinsan can be reached by public buses or public utility vehicles (Van for hire) from Cebu South Bust Terminal in Cebu City or from Citilink.

You can take a bus from South Bus Terminal to Carcar City with an estimated fare of Php 50.00-60.00. From Carcar City to Aloguinsan you can ride a Habal-habal (Php 150.00-160.00).

You can directly take a bus from South Bus Terminal to Aloguinsan (Php 80.00-100.00) direct trips are rare and most of the time direct trips are available on weekends only.

You can also go to Aloguinsan via Toledo. From Citilink to Toledo Terminal you can take a V-hire (Php 100.00-120.00). Then from Toledo to Aloguinsan you can hire a public utility jeepney (Php 35.00-40.00)

Or you can take a V-hire from Citilink to Pinamungajan (Php100.00-120.00) and from Pinamungajan to Aloguinsan you can hire a tricycle (Php15.00-20.00)

From the highway of Aloguinsan, you can ride a motorbike (habal-habal) or a tricycle to reach Hidden Beach Resort. An entrance fee of Php10.00 will be collected and you can rent their native tables for only Php150.00 and cottages for only Php250.00 (day use only).

Have fun and be safe!