Roaming Around Camiguin: Day 2 – Kibila Giant Clams Conservation and Nursery

After our trip to Mantigue Island, our motorcycle driver brought us to Kibila Giant Clams Conservation and Nursery off the town of Guinsiliban. Again, we were supposed to go snorkeling here (yes, with the giant clams) but the current was raging so we felt it was not safe to go. Better to go here on a hot summer day when the water is calm and quiet.

See the raging waves?

Unlike all the other tourist sites in Camiguin, the Kibila Giant Clams Conservation and Nursery is a non-government project, and all the proceeds (entrance fees, rentals, etc.) go to the maintenance of the nursery. There’s a Php 25 entrance fee per person and a snorkeling fee of Php 150 per person. The snorkeling fee already includes a guide as they don’t allow guests to snorkel on their own to prevent accidents and mishaps at the nursery. They said giant clams can bite you. As in serious, bone-tearing bite.

You can also rent snorkeling gears and lifevests here but what I don’t understand is that they will still charge you half of the price of the rental of the gears even if you bring your own. That’s on top of the snorkeling fee. Huh? This for me and head on highway robbery.

Clam shells displayed at the viewing area

Fees and Rentals

So, what do you see inside the sanctuary? There’s actually a tank where you can view six out of nine species of giant clams in the world. The guide said four of the six are endemic to Camiguin while two were brought here all the way from Bolinao in Pangasinan.

There’s another tank where the baby clams are. Guests are restricted to touch any of these for safety reasons.

The largest clam inside the tank

This giant clam is way smaller compared to what’s out in the nursery, which the guide said measures about a meter. There, that’s giant. Having learned that, I blame myself and the bitchy tides for not  allowing me to snorkeling out in the nursery. That could have been a very nice underwater experience. Oh, and blame it to my underwater camera, which to date, has been replaced twice because it keeps on “drowning” every time we use it underwater. Sad.

baby taklobos

Aside from being a fantastic snorkeling site and an educational center, Kibila Giant Clams Conservatory and Nursery serves meals upon order. You can actually choose from their great selection of fresh seafoods such as crabs, prawns, squid, and fish, and have it cooked the way you want it.

Hubby ordered buttered prawns (giant at that), grilled squid, rice and a liter of soda. Price was ok at Php 400+ for 3 persons. The taste was worth the price (imagine having lunch or dinner at Dampa) as the seafoods here were so fresh. The squid, while large in size, was cooked tender and succulent. The prawns were divine.

Buttered prawns

Grilled squid

 And as a sweet bonus, you’d be dining at the tables by the sea! The breeze and the sound of the waves make for a perfect venue.

Tables by the beach

A piece of advice though, it is better to go here in the morning when the waves are calmer and the tides are still low for you to enjoy snorkeling at the nursery. My verdict, if you aren’t here to snorkel or to eat, then you’re missing a lot.

Roaming Around Camiguin: Day 2 – White Island

Sand, sand, and sand

When I was young, I thought Camiguin was just a white sandbar with no one living on it and nothing built on it. Blame it on the  photos of White Island that I often saw in postcards and textbooks. I thought it’s an island where you can literally play Adam and Eve for day, but yes, I’m wrong. So when it’s time for me to come face to face with Camiguin’s White Island, I was kinda ecstatic.

How to get there:
If you are staying in Paras Beach Resort or anywhere in that area (we stayed at Camiguin White Island Resort which is just beside Paras Beach Resort), you can actually walk to the port where the boats to White Island dock. If staying in Mambajao or Bahay Bakasyunan, you may take a motorela (their version of a tricycle) to Brgy. Yumbing (or just tell the driver to drop you off at the corner where the street going to Paraas Beach Resort is). From there, you can just walk your way to the port.

Our boat to White Island

At the port, you will pay Php 450 for the boat rental. Lifevests, snorkeling gears and aqua shoes are available for rent at the booth and the nearby stores. We had our own lifevest and snorkeling gears when we went there so there was no need for us to rent, but I highly suggest you rent one if you don’t bring your own. Safety first.

Trips to White Island are usually done at sunrise (call time is at around 5:30 am). Although, to be honest, I don’t see the point of doing this aside from having to avoid the harmful rays of the sun. In my honest opinion, I’d rather go here at 6:30 am and watch the sun shed light on the white powdery sand, and appreciate its pure charm.

Horseshoe-shaped sand bar

The island is naked, with no structures anywhere, so don’t expect to see cottages and tables there. But, there are vendors who rent out giant umbrellas and picnic mats.

Waves at the White Island

There are also vendors selling fresh sea urchins at Php 10 each. Haven’t tried this but friends who love Japanese food swear by this!

Fresh sea urchin

Your boatman will ask you what time will you be picked up as he will have to leave you and go back to the port to pick up more passengers. We stayed from 6:00-9:00 am. I think staying on the island beyond four hours will make you bored already, unless the waves are calm and you can snorkel around the sand bar.

Bare beauty of the White Island

Selfie moment!

If you need a tour guide or fuss-free Camiguin tour packages, you may want to check Teddy Pabualan’s http://camiguintransport.blogspot.com/. You may reach him at +63917.521.9391 or teddybird2005@yahoo.com.

Roaming Around Camiguin: Day 2 – Mantigue Island

When I was still doing my research about Camiguin, I knew from day one that I wanted to see four major spots: Sunken Cemetery, White Island, Mantigue Island, and the Kibila Giant Clams Nursery. I had actually thought of snorkeling in all these spots that I had to tell our guide, Teddy Pabualan (http://camiguintransport.blogspot.com/), to allot more time for us to do “our thing” (snorkeling, I mean). So, having our plans laid out, we were able to check out all four destinations, except that we only snorkeled in one — at Mantigue Island Nature Park.

How to go there:
The most convenient means of getting at Mantigue Island is through hiring a multicab or a motorcycle that will bring you to the port at Brgy. San Roque in the town of Mahinog. The port is around 15 minutes away from Benoni Port and about 30-45 minutes away from Brgy. Yumbing in Mambajao where most of the resorts are.

If you are alone or with a travel buddy, you may also opt to hire a motorcycle with a driver to take you to the port. Kuya Teddy referred us to his friend, Dodong (more popularly known as “Ice Cream” as he used to work in an ice cream factory). His mobile number is +63935.3645811. He gave us a rate of Php 500 for transfers from Camiguin White Island Resort to Mantigue to Kibila Giant Clams Sanctuary and back.

At the port, pay the boat rental fee of Php 550 at the booth. Get the stub where your boat number is written and proceed to your assigned boat. The boat can fit a maximum of six people. All other fees such as environmental fees, table rentals, and snorkeling fees can be settled on the island itself. Just a tip, if you’re not planning to snorkel at the marine sanctuary, do not pay the snorkeling fee just yet. You can still snorkel near the sand bar and I bet you will still see Nemo. By the way, snorkeling at the marine sanctuary also entails an additional Php 200 charge for your boat as they will have to bring you to the site about a few meters away from the shore. If you are confident that you can swim that far, then do it by all means.

Other fees at Mantigue Island

Our boat to Mantigue Island

The boat ride from he port to Mantigue Island takes about 45 minutes. The earlier you go, the better because the waves can get a little bumpy in the afternoon. Please also note that fish feeding is not allowed in Mantigue Island.

Read! Important!

What to do in Mantigue Island:

Explore the mini forest
Our guide told us that guests can actually explore the mini forest in Mantigue Island. Iasked if there’s trekking or hiking required but he confirmed there’s none. Plus, you don’t have to worry about being baked in the heat of the sun as the trees shed shadows on the path, making it a refreshing, relaxing walk.

Have a picnic by the beach
There’s an area where guests can eat and have a few drinks. You can bring your own or have the staff at the island cook something for you. It’s more of a paluto-type of restaurant.

Picnic area

Frolic by the beach
Hey, you are here for this, aren’t you? Mantigue Island has a shifting sand bar that is best for beach bumming. There are no beach beds nor cottages on the sand bar but you can still enjoy walking barefoot and sunbathing for sure. The current may be a bit tricky so make sure to stay near the shore at all times, unless you are wearing a lifevest and you are planning to snorkel.

I love the sun, sea, and sand here

The other side of the beach

Snorkeling
As I have mentioned earlier in this post, you have two options:  snorkel at the marine sanctuary where you will need your boat to drop you off, or at the marked area near the sand bar. Either way, you’ll get to see Nemo, but of course nothing can beat the marine life at the marine sanctuary itself! There are also turtles, corals, and a lot more. Again, no fish feeding please.

Nemo found me

So, if ever you visit Camiguin in the future, make sure to include Mantigue Island Nature Park in your itinerary. In my honest opinion, this is the best part of our Camiguin escapade.

Up next: more of Camiguin!!!

Roaming Around Camiguin: Day 1

Katibawasan Falls

Camiguin, known as “the island born of fire,” is the second smallest province in the Philippines (in terms of population and land area, next to Batanes). The pear-shaped island province is divided into five municipalities namely Catarman, Guinsiliban, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay.

—————————————

We arrived at Benoni Port at around 11:45 am. We got the tour services of Teddy Pabualan of http://camiguintransport.blogspot.com/. You may reach him at +63917.521.9391 or teddybird2005@yahoo.com.

From Benoni Port, we requested that the driver bring us somewhere where we could eat, and he recommended a buffet place in Mambajao. Since we came a bit late for lunch, the selection was already limited and we felt like it’s not worth the price (Php 125) so we asked our driver to bring us somewhere else. He finally brought us to a quaint eatery in front of the hospital. Our meal was dirt cheap at Php 40 each, which already includes a viand, rice, and a bottle of Coke. The food was ok, – homecooked, clean, and decent selection.

After lunch, we started with our island tour. Kuya Teddy’s whole day island tour is priced at Php 1,500 for a multicab, this already includes pick-up from Benoni Port and transfers to Camiguin White Island Resort where we stayed. I believe the tour rates in Camiguin are standard. Also, with the exemption of the Kibila Giant Clams Sanctuary, all tourist spots in Camiguin are government-controlled. Official receipts are issued upon payment of entrance fees.

Notes on Kuya Teddy:
Aside from him being an efficient and attentive tour guide, we noticed that his team is always on time. They were never late in any of our tours. For tourists like us, it is no question that time is really important, and one single minute missed means a lot. Also, his team members were all easy to deal with.
—————————————-

Katibawasan Falls
One of the three major falls in Camiguin (the others being Tuasan and Binangawan Falls), Katibawasan Falls in Mambajao is said to be the highest falls on the island, plunging 75 meters into a huge rock pool. The water is cold and refreshing here, so it is a perfect spot for cooling down after a tiring journey. Entrance fee is Php 20.

Right outside the gate of the falls are souvenir shops and small stores selling snacks. Don’t miss the chance to try Camiguin’s iconic kiping – a flat giant round giant crisp chip made of cassava flour and drizzled with coco jam. 

Souvernir shops outside Katibawasan Falls

The good thing about this falls is that you don’t have to trek so much to reach it. From the gate, a pathway leads to a viewing deck and a restroom where you can change into your swimming outfits should you wish to take a dip at the rock pool.

Clear, cold water flowing unto rocks

Katibawasan Falls

Camiguin’s iconic delicacy

Want some kiping?

Sunken Cemetery 

During the 1871 eruption of the Mount Vulcan in Camiguin, the Spanish cemetery was wiped out, and on the exact site now stands a cross surrounded by the sea. Aptly called the Sunken Cemetery, this site in Catarman is indeed a perfect spot to watch the sunset. There is no entrance fee imposed here, but should you wish to ride a small paddle boat to go to the cross, you have to pay a minimal amount to hire the small boat, and another fee to go snorkeling. We would have wanted to snorkel here if only the waves were calm. I read a lot of good reviews about the marine life surrounding the cross. Don’t worry, you might not even notice that there’s a cemetery beneath as colorful corals and playful fishes guard the entire sanctuary. They said it’s not a scary cemetery after all. =)

Sunken Cemetery

Walkway to the Old Vulcan
Not too far away from the Sunken Cemetery is the Walkway to the Old Vulcan. This site also contains some of the remnants of the 1871 Mount Vulcan eruption. Our driver said we can actually go up but we felt too tired to hike up already. There, we should have seen the 14 Stations of the Cross and a panoramic view of the island. One thing that I also noticed is that the vegetation in Camiguin in one of the greenest I’ve seen. Verdant forests are everywhere, thanks to total log ban.

Walkway to the Old Vulcan

Guiob Church Ruins
Also a scar of the great 1871 eruption, the Guiob Church Ruins is another must-see spot in Camiguin. Here, you will be enthralled with the picturesque view of the sea and the ruins of the 16th century Spanish church which was buried during the eruption.

Walls made of coral stones and egg whites at the site

You can light a candle and say a little prayer here

Century-old tree at Guiob Church Ruins

Playing around the ruins

The ruins if the bell tower

Sto. Nino Cold Springs
Back to Catarman, we checked out one of the three most-visited springs in Camiguin – the Sto. Nino Cold Springs. The springs here are mind-blowing cold so we didn’t allow ourselves to have a dip. We went there in February and the breeze alone was so cool that we felt like we couldn’t stand the cold springs. If you are going here in the summer season, dipping into the water here is a apt way to cool down. Entrance fee is Php 20.

Sto. Nino Cold Springs

Up close

Bura Soda Water Park
When I asked our driver why is it called “soda springs,” he said that people believe that the water here is sweeter than ordinary tap water. It’s like a soda. But admittedly, the driver does not believe this tale. This spring is located at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok (another active volcano that forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire). Entrance fee is Php 20.

Bura Soda Water Park

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort
Our last stop was the famous hot springs in Mambajao — Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort. It was the perfect way to cap our day as the hot spring waters with temperature as high as 38 degrees Celsius soothe our numb calves and stressed muscles. The warm bath experience is surreal. A tip though, make sure to put on some insect repellent as mosquitoes play around the area especially in the late afternoon. Entrance fee is Php 30.

There are also rooms available for overnight stays, as well as cottages for day picnics. A butterfly park within the complex is something that the kids would definitely enjoy.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort

Add caption

We left the resort feeling recharged despite being on the road for more than 12 hours already. It was only day one of our trip in Camiguin and we were already happy with we have seen so far. Day two  is all about Camiguin’s pristine beaches, so stay tuned!

The Best Crispy Pata in Cagayan de Oro

In my many visits to Cagayan de Oro, the only restaurant where I would usually eat at was at Dear Manok. Its version of crispy chicken skin is worth dying for (literally, hehe). But, five years later, when I went back to CdO, I’ve got to try something beyond the usual. We dined at Chicken Ati-Atihan at the busy corner of Pabayo and Hayes Streets.

Chicken Ati-Atihan is right across Frito Paborito

It was not my first time in Chicken Ati-Atihan. Five years ago, we would eat at its Iligan or Ozamis branches, where we would usually feast on chicken inasal (local barbecue) and buko halo halo. Little did I know that Chicken Ati-Atihan has the most HEAVENLY crispy pata!

Why am I so madly, deeply addicted to it? The killer crispy skin is just the forefront, wait until you get to slice the meat attached to it and a chunk of succulent and tasty goodness falls off the bone. It’s the kind of crispy pata that is good to share, something that for the price of Php 328 won’t make you feel as if you were deceived. We were four in the group and the serving size was just right.

The sinful, calorific crispy pata

Aside from the luscious crispy pata, Chicken Ati-Atihan also serves affordable meals perfect for students and budget travellers, again, without sacrificing decent portions and quality of ingredients.

Php 50 for a good meal???

Very Pinoy interiors

The classic favorites are still on the menu — a mix of solo meals and signature dishes that are good to share.

Oh, and if you want rice, they’ll give loads of it!!! There’s an option to have unlimited servings of rice.

We opted to dine at the second floor where we had a nice view of the bustling street

So what else did we order? For appetizer, it was my ultimate favorite crispy chicken skin. I wonder why restaurants here in Manila couldn’t replicate the texture of this one? It’s damn good.

Crispy Chicken Skin (Php 80)

We also had Chicken Ati-Atihan’s classic pecho (breast). The serving is huge for Php 95, even bigger than that of Mang Inasal, and the taste is at par.

Chicken Ati-Atihan Pecho with Unlimited Rice (Php 95)

The pork barbecue, with its tender and tasty meat, is perhaps the most affordable among the dishes that we had. It’s Php 30, baby!!!

Pork Barbecue (Php 30)

To cap the night, we had another cult favorite – buko halo halo! Their version is unique because they use green banana or Cavendish instead of the sweetened one. The coconut meat, corn flakes, and ice cream when mixed are just so tempting. Again, one serving is good to share. This is the best buko halo halo in the Philippines for me, bar none.

Ati Buko Halo Halo (Php 75)

Chicken Ati-Atihan leaves your tummies filled with oh-so-good food without too much wallet damage. This is one restaurant that I will never get tired of coming back again and again. One note though, I feel like the branches in Mindanao are way, way better. Just my two cents.

XOXO

Travelers Pod, Cagayan de Oro

Five years ago, when I would still go on a business trip to Cagayan de Oro about twice every month, the city looked like it still has a long way to go.  There were only a few malls (Limketkai, Gaisano, and SM in the far, far away land), and the airport was still the small one at Lumbia. There was insufficient boutique hotels and decent backpackers’ inn. Well, there were a few but somehow appeared to be rather rustic and most have accessibility issues. Now, half a decade later, I went back to Cagayan de Oro, this time for a leisure trip, and was happy to know that the city had progressed, quite rapidly.

Way back, I used to stay at the Maxandrea Hotel at the corner of Borja and Aguinaldo Streets. The hotel seems to look a bit tired and old already. I tried asking my friends in Cagayan de Oro for their recommendations and some pointed me at Mallberry Suites which is just a few meters away from Limketkai Mall. The hotel indeed looks fresh and new, but the rates took me aback. It’s quite steep for a backpacker like me. Then, someone recommended that I check out Travelers Pod in Limketkai Center. There, I found my match!

Travelers Pod is conveniently located at the ground floor of Gateway Tower, a building that I believe belongs to the Limketkais, too. That being said, the location is near major establishments like malls (Limketkai, Robinsons, Ayala Centrio) and supermarkets like Shopwise and Puregold. It’s also within a few steps away from dining hubs like famous fast food chains (Jollibee, Chowking, Teriyaki Boy, Figaro, Krispy Kreme and many more) as well as the iconic Kagay-anon Restaurant and a lot more.

The inn fuses luxury and comfort, without emptying your pockets too much. It has a minimalist contemporary vibe that makes guests feel relaxed after a long day of touring around. It may not be the cheapest inn in the city but backpackers would definitely feel their money is all worth it. Read on to know why.

The Pods
Travelers Pod has an array of accommodations to suit every travelers’ need. If you just need a space where you can take a nap or sleep for the night but you have limited budget, you may opt to stay at their Single Pods — single beds with plush linens secluded by floor-length curtain dividers. The Single Pods are located at the hallway on the second floor but you need not worry as there is minimal action in the area so you could still be assured of a good night’s sleep. I recommend this if you’re in transit or just killing time before your flight. But, should you still prefer to have a solid, secluded room of your own, you may check out the Standard Pods which are rooms with full sized beds or twin single beds and TV. Guests at the Single and Standard Pods have access to clean and spacious shower rooms and restrooms. Guests in transit may also avail of the hourly rate instead of the nightly rate.

The more private Deluxe Pods, on the other hand, have either a double bed or twin beds, as well as a well-appointed private bathroom with hot and cold shower, and a flatscreen TV. This is perfect for travelling couples and this is where we had stayed.

If you’re coming in with a group or a family, the Premiere Pod is the best fit. It can accommodate up to six people, and has the same amenities as the Deluxe Pod.

All pods come with free Wi-Fi access.

The pods, especially the Deluxe and Premiere Pods, have floor areas that are not too cramped, beddings that are fresh and neat, and clean, well-maintained restrooms/bathrooms. For these alone, every penny you spend is worth it.

Our Deluxe Pod

The flatscreen TV

Our Bathroom

The Single Pods (photo courtesy of Travelers Pod)

The Spa Area (photo courtesy of Travelers Pod)

Common Restroom for Single and Standard Pods

Baggage Area

Location and Accessibility
Just like what I’ve said in the first part of this entry, Travelers Pod is conveniently located in Limketkai Center, thus, everything you need is just a few meters away. The inn can be accessed easily via public transportation as jeepneys ply this route regularly. So, even if your flight arrives late, you need not worry as you can still go to this inn safe and sound.

The Gateway Tower is just beside the newly-opened 4-star Limketkai Luxe Hotel. There’s also a walkway leading to the Limketkai Mall where the Magnum Express lounge is located. Magnum Express is a shuttle service going to and from the Laguindingan Airport. I shall post about this in a separate story.

The facade of the Gateway Tower

The newly-opened Limketkai Luxe Hotel

Since it is somehow connected to the Limketkai Mall, there is easy access to shops, supermarket and food hubs. The famous Kagay-anon Restaurant is right halfway the inn and the mall. Just before you reach the walkway, you will see a couple of stalls that look like the ones in Greenhills along the way.

Security is also tight at the Travelers Pod. There’s a guard at the main entrance of Gateway Tower near Jollibee and there’s another guard manning the elevator going to the corporate offices at the higher floors, near the inn’s entrance. At the entrance, there are about two to three receptionists on duty 24/7.

The walkway connecting Gateway Tower and Limketkai Mall

A view of Kagay-anon Restaurant from the walkway

Amenities and Facilities
Though Travelers Pod does not have a pool or a grand lobby, it has the conveniences that travelers and backpackers would most likely need. There’s a coffee shop for those who want a quick bite, or for those who will be meeting some friends or business partners. I heard the cafe mocha here is good but I didn’t have the chance to try it. If you prefer a breakfast that is a bit gourmet-ish, avail of their special Figaro breakfast add-on for a minimal fee.

For backpackers like us who already came from another destination (we came from a 3d2n Camiguin tour already), the massage service at the inn is a big temptation.

Some Tips

• If you are a big group, might as well get the Premiere Pod for your utmost convenience and privacy.
• If you will only stay for a fraction of a day, take advantage of their hourly rate.
• Bring your own toiletries.
• If you are getting the Single Pods, safekeep your luggage at the baggage counter for your own peace of mind. At least, you won’t have to watch over your stuff throughout the night.

——————————————————————

Travelers Pod

 Ground Floor, Gateway Tower

 Limketkai Center

 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines 

 Tel: +6388.851.8988

Mobilel: +63917.717.6910

 Email: info@travelerspod.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelerspod?fref=ts

—————————————————————–