Cagayan de Oro: En Route to the Island of Camiguin

by lakwatserong tatay

For our 2nd day of Northern Mindanao Escapades. We woke up early to prepare for a long day of trip adventures in the island of Camiguin. From our hostel Victoria Suites, we went to Agora Market Terminal and arrived just in time for the 630am trip of Bachelor Express Bus (Yellow Bus) bound for Butuan. We paid php84 each for almost 2 hours trip from Cagayan de Oro to Balingoan, i told the conductor that to drop us off at Balingoan and then we proceed....^_^

Bound to Butuan Bus Liner

The was actually just like the non-ac bus of EDSA, but for this time there were no standing passenger or maybe it would depend on its season or the travel time...hehehe..we manage to have our own sit and stay on the backpart of the bus...where we will see everyone....we have also our photo opps along our almost 2 hours bus ride....^_^

The sun was really up when we arrived at Balingoan Bus Terminal, one of the stop over stations of Butuan bus bounds. From the bus terminal, you have option to ride a motorela (php7), if have big backpacks or travelling bags, it is better to ride than walk...hehehehe, or have a leisure walk to the port as it is just few meters away across the main street and Balingoan Bus Terminal, but be careful in walking because you have to cross the highway where all of the buses and trucks going.

Balingoan Bus Terminal

We bought a ticket at the booth for the ferry bound for Benoni Port, Camiguin. A one-way ticket costs php170 and php2.25 (terminal fee). Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Ferries leave Balingoan to Camiguin Island every hour from 6:00am to 5:00pm daily.

We had the chance to have some of our photo opps while waiting for for some vehicles and trucks to be loaded on the ferry, and  then afterwards other passengers got aboard too.....including us...^_^

xplorerboyz in photo opps mode...^_^

Super Shuttle Ferry 9

As there were only few passenger aboard the ferry, me and johari had the chance to roam around the ferry boat. We savored the cool breeze of the air while cruising and the rays of the morning sunlight as we cruise through the Camiguin channel. We enjoyed also the views as we started to cruise and the view of the majestic island of Camiguin as it is already visible from the ferry.

One of the islet as we started our cruise from Balingoan

ferry's open passengers seats...^_^

of course i would not missed the chance to have photoopps

the captain with other boat crews...

Care to have transportation rentals in Camiguin...

The majestic view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok

my co-xplorerboyz....^_^

This province is known to be as the island "Born of Fire" for it has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes and it is said that due to volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectaculat island that is now bursting with natural wonders that we will be visiting for a 2 days stay....hehehehe. Camiguin Island is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao. Divided into 5 towns, namely: Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Sagay and Mambajao.

Upon reaching Benoni Port, transport services such as habal-habal (single motorcycles that used in tricycles) and multicabs will be approaching you as you've departed the ferry and port. It would be really best if you already contacted someone for the tour so as to avoid getting annoyed, lucky for my group we did that. We were welcome by one of the port's porter and tell us to follow him to Kuya Chris (our tour guide/multi-cab driver).

It is very important to get a services only from someone you can trust. Here's one of the most recommended Multicab tour guide/driver Kuya Chris (contact #: 09215637788) for your tour on all of the tourist spots on this island with his multicab (we got a special rate: php2,500/ 2days) for group of 5 persons.

What's good with Kuya Chris, he was originally a local of Camiguin and really knows well where to bring you and gives your group information on the spots you toured on. It just like having an educational trip, besides being our driver, he will be your tourist guide, travel buddy and also be an photographer...hehehehe. Thanks to Kuya Chris for making our trip to Camiguin an eductional/ecomomical/most memorable one!

Lakwatserong Tatay @ Port Benoni, Camiguin

Watch out for the detailed tour and spots that we visited on Island of Camiguin. We had the chance to see and experience most of the best of Camiguin from swimming, island hopping, trekking and historical sites and many more....and one of the most important one to visit and buy Camiguin's best pasalubong Vjandep Pastel.

This is part of our 6-Days Northern Mindanao Escapades. Visited and X-plored 4 Provinces: Misamis Oriental, Camiguin Island, Bukidnon and Lanao Del Norte. Our first stop is the Capital City of Misamis Oriental, that is known as the "City of Golden Friendship", Cagayan De Oro City.

Food Trips:
Hammer Time Bar & Grill Restaurant (Bar Hoppin)
Mindy's (Eat All You Can Buffet Lunch)
Plaza Divisoria's (Weekend Night Street Food Dining)

Accomodation:
Victoria Suites

Activities:
Our Trip to City of Golden Friendship
Cagayan de Oro River (River Rafting Experience)
En Route to Camiguin (RORO Boat Transfer)