Affordable group package

A rare jewel in the Philippines – Camiguin's White Island!


{Trip from November 2010} Camiguin isn’t just any island. It's a rare jewel. Getting to this destination might take a lot from you (physically and mentally as you will have to endure a long travel by road and sea). But reaching it will all be worth it afterwards. And to top the whole trip off, staying at Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin made our visit in the island an even more enjoyable experience. 

Our third day in Camiguin was also our last. But Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin still made our last day one heck of a memorable one! Below was our last itinerary on the island:

Day 3 (White Island hopping)

06:00 Wake-up Call
06:30 Breakfast @ Ocean Side Bar & Grill (inclusive in the package)
07:00 Ready for the tou
07:15 Depart Bahay Bakasyunan and proceed to White Island
07:30 ETA/Agohay (entry point to White Island) take motorized pump boat
07:45 ETA/White Island (swimming snorkeling, sun-bathing, picture-taking)
11:00 Depart White Island and proceed to Resort
12:00 nn Lunch @ Ocean Side Bar & Grill (per pax account)
Pack-up ready for Check-out
Depart Resort and proceed to Benoni port


Our tour van was going to leave at 7 AM. But we were only able to leave at about 7:15 due to a few adjustments. We arrived 15 minutes later at Agohay (entry point to White Island), where an outrigger boat waited for us. The boat trip to the famous White Island took us 10 minutes. 

It's advisable that you bring an umbrella to the island, as there will be no cottages nor trees for you to seek shelter in, especially from the scorching heat of the sun. The white sandbar was completely void of plant life. Even the locals are prohibited from camping or staying long since the isle is known to be the kind that disappears when the afternoon draws to a near. I actually witnessed the sandbar sink further at around 11 AM.


Anyway, there will be locals stationed on the island, offering their beach umbrellas for a price (Php100/umbrella). But since we were only staying for a short while, we opted not to rent anymore. Besides, we came to the beach to get a tan, and not to hide from it.


We started walking by this beautiful island's shoreline right after alighting from the boat. The beach was fascinating, and the water was clear and bluish-green. The white sand was almost comparable to the one Boracay had (but Boracay has finer white sand). But despite that, the famous White island still had a lot of different things to offer, particularly the picturesque backdrop that Mt. Hibok-Hibok offered.


The adventure on the island started when we decided to get to the other side of the beach. To do so, one would have to go through 2-feet worth of water. We could actually feel the strength of the current when we were crossing the ocean, so we decided to just walk slowly through it. After a good 5 minutes, we were able to reach the other mount of the island. And since not many people visited this part of the beach, we opted to settle all of our things here.


We left the island around 11 am. But before proceeding back to the hotel, we made a quick stopover at the Phivolcs center (where we encountered an actual 'Bayawak') and 'by the viewpoint' (where we could see a panoramic view of Camiguin). We also dropped by the famous Centennial tree before heading back to BBC.


Since we already had our bags packed the night before, we decided to do a quick dip in the pool before getting our last meal in BBC. It was in fact, our last day to experience the beautiful pool in BBC, before heading back to Cagayan De Oro.


 We checked out of BBC by 12 NN. Our tour guide Kuya Robert, who was also the resort driver, drove us to the nearest pasalubong shops. From there, we bought a few more Camiguin delicacies before heading back to CDO. 

We were able to buy several boxes of Tablea boxes (the best kind of home brewed chocolate drink that I’ve ever drank), as well as 2 kinds of Pastel bun brands (buns that were filled with a sweet sugary filling). As soon as we finished buying our pasalubong, we headed off to Benoni Port. 


We then bade our goodbye’s to Kuya Robert, and then boarded the Ro-Ro Boat back to Cagayan De Oro (a big sea vessel that allowed the boarding of trucks and other means of transportation). We arrived in CDO an hour and fifteen minutes later. Although the last 15 minutes of our boat trip consisted of light rain showers, CDO still welcomed us the second time with open arms. We were thrilled to set foot on CDO again, as we were about to start another journey in Mindanao.


As for the rest of our journey.. well, you’ll have to stay tuned for those last few awesome days!

Explore & Be Free!
Mai

Budget Biyahera

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44 comments

  1. Franc RamonJuly 9, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    I'm 101% sure that you had fun in Camiguin just seeing those pictures  make me wish I was one of those enjoying the beach and having those jump shots.  I love the photo where you presented the beach in full color and black and white side by side.

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  2. Tess Torrecampo-ChancellorJuly 9, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    That is a wonderful trip, good food, nice place ,clear water for a swim and most of all you had fun.

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  3. BrennaJuly 9, 2012 at 12:28 PM

    waaaw! camiguin looks absolutely beautiful! sana mapuntahan ko na din yan soon. :(

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  4. AgeofthediaryJuly 9, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    I've never been to Camiguin. I hope to travel there soon!

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  5. joysflairJuly 9, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    the clear water caught my attention, obviously your smiles denote a trip that was full of fun and enjoyment  :)

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  6. EdmarationJuly 9, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Hey There Mai!  You know what, when I was a child, Camiguin is my dream island and not actually Boracay. I learned about Camiguin before in TV at MGB by Noli de Castro if you remember that, hehe.

    And what a clever idea naman yung mga nandiyan. Siguro sinadyang hindi sila maglagay ng umbrella at cottages sa beach para kumita ang umbrella renting nila, haha :)

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  7. AJJuly 9, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    I love the desert island look of White Island! Reminds me of the movie Temptation Island. :) The crystal clear water looks very inviting too.

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  8. Sumi GoJuly 10, 2012 at 1:17 AM

    Wow! The water looks so pristine! :D I've always wanted to go to Camiguin.. Ang ganda! I think i'd spent most of the time in the beach though than in the pool.. ^^ Wish I can experience Ro-Ro too in the future. Btw, I love tablea! Your mere mention made me crave!!!

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  9. Rizza JavierJuly 10, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    Cool shots! I love this kind of trip! Looks very relaxing. Fun fun fun!!

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  10. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    200% pa kamo, Franc! Hehehe.. thanks for the compliment. Oh, and have you been to Camiguin na? :)

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  11. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    ...All in one package, what more can I ask for? Hehe! :)

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  12. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Plan a future visit soon, Brenna! I'm sure you'll love it there. :)

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  13. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Plan a trip there soon! :)

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  14. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    So true, Ms. Joy! We sure did.. :)

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  15. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    Hey Edmar! :) And yes, I do remember MGB! Hahaha.. sadyaan mo rin ang Camiguin soon ah.. promise, worth seeing talaga! And totoo yan about the locals there.. maabilidad din! :)

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  16. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    You know what? I haven't seen Temptation Island yet! Hahaha.. 

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  17. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Hahaha.. now I'm craving for Tablea. :P Why not book a trip there soon, Sumi? If you do.. stay at BBC ah! :)

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  18. Mai_FloresJuly 10, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Thanks Rizza! :)

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  19. tauyanmJuly 10, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    those shots really look great!!! love the photos!! breathtaking! everyone looks enjoyed! xx

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  20. Franc RamonJuly 10, 2012 at 3:34 PM

     Nope haven't been to Camiguin but would want to go there sometime.

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  21. mark pogiJuly 10, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    I love the clear blue waters. Ang sarap tuloy maligo. :D

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  22. athenaJuly 11, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    the sand looks more fine than those from other beaches. :o

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  23. Francis BalgosJuly 16, 2012 at 7:11 AM

    I've got sun burns from White Island!
    But it really looked nice, not that good for snorkeling, but basking in the sun makes it worth while..
    all the time, you can look up to the Camiguin Island itself, born of the fire with the ever contrasting.

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  24. Mai_FloresJuly 16, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks! :)

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  25. Mai_FloresJuly 16, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Hehehe.. kaka-engganyo po ba?

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  26. Mai_FloresJuly 16, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Hi Athena! It is, pero Boracay's sand is finer. :)

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  27. Mai_FloresJuly 16, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    Really? Actually, same here! :) I got burnt too.. and yes, Camiguin is definitely worth visiting! :)

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  28. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    Pristince white beaches in Camiguin is such a jewel. I hope I would be able to visit that place this year.

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  29. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Seeing your post makes me want to visit Camiguin. Several years ago, I was in CDO for an audit assignment and the next stop should have been Camiguin but as an audit senior back then, I was recalled back to Manila to do some other job. Haay, I'll get my chance to visit Camiguin.

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  30. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    you know what id been here in Mindanao for so long now and yet never been to Camiguin .. hahaha... hopefully i can visit one of these days . i could use your tips here .. got the number of the hotel resort ?

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  31. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    Hi Dennis! Okay lang yan.. malapit lang naman sa inyo ang Camiguin, so visit anytime and at your own pace. :) Also, here's the link for BBC's contact details: http://bahaybakasyunan.com/index.php/contact

    Hope you're recovering well! God bless. :)

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  32. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    ang ganda ng dagat sa Camiguin. grabe. gusto ko magpunta dyan. waa. ang dami kong gustong puntahan. haha!

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  33. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    Camiguin has been in one of my places to visit list since I've started to travel. Hopefully I'll visit that place by next year after my trips this year hehe.
    - Wanderer Juan

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  34. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 5:19 PM

    The white sand in Camiguin really looks awesome. I'd prefer this than Boracay anytime. Dyan din ba yung underwater cemetery? Or am I just confused?

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  35. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    One of my to-visits down south. Lalo tuloy akong nagandahan sa Camiguin.

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  36. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    Yey! I will bookmark ur post Mai- first week of June mag Camiguin kami at no. 1 sa listahan ang white Island :)

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  37. Budget BiyaheraMay 20, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    sayang 3 hours lang kayo sa Island. But still sulit naman. Camiguin, maisama nga travel wish list ko.

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  38. Budget BiyaheraMay 21, 2013 at 5:23 AM

    Awesome indeed!!.. I haven't been to Camiguin but I am proud we have this island in the Philippines. And there are a lot of businesses going along the way, i.e. breakfast meal,umbrella, ro-ro boat. Tourism indeed brings jobs to people.

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  39. Budget BiyaheraMay 21, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    great photos there!!! love those beach shots! and the swimming pool too! I cannot remember when was the last time we've use the hotels swimming pool hehe.

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  40. Budget BiyaheraMay 21, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    It looks real fun!!! I think riding a RORO will be worth considering to see this gem ....

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  41. Budget BiyaheraMay 21, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    Camiguin... another paradise! I super love your solo picture on the white sand. Are your feet hiding beneath the flaming sand? I guess you had sneakers or slippers on?


    Hmmm... I super like your photo walking along the low-tide waters. You both definitely felt the tickling water current and you just have to HHWW to feel safer. LOL!!

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  42. Budget BiyaheraMay 23, 2013 at 7:34 PM

    The name sounds like "Come-Again." For sure you'll be going back to Camiguin! =)

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  43. Budget BiyaheraJuly 6, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    I like to visit Camiguin. The fine sands, the blue skies, the waters. It's such a perfect combination.

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  44. Budget BiyaheraOctober 8, 2014 at 10:14 PM

    White Island gave me the most painful remembrance of sun burns.. hahaha!
    But I wouldn't trade it with anything else.
    I have to explore more of Camiguin..
    Ingit ako, I toured Camiguin in just a day. You guys checked in.
    Lovely Island Born of the Fire. :)

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