It was in the hot summer of 2011 when Rhei and I set out for Camiguin, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) with the ff. goals in our minds: tour the beautiful island-province of Camiguin, conquer zipline at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon and the white water rafting in CDO all in one long weekend with friends and
balikbayans from Canada.
So, off we went with our cameras, of course!
PART 1: CHARMING CAMIGUIN
We were all excited as we started the first leg of our Amazing Adventure. At the CDO airport, we were met by our driver/tour guide, whom we hated at first, because we thought he was not careful in driving and was racing and honking all the time. But in the end we loved him for the same reason. We are crazy people.
To get to Camiguin, we drove to the pier and traveled for an hour or so by boat.
Camiguin has 2 hot springs, 2 cold springs, 2 falls, 1 soda swimming pool (the only 1 of its kind in the country).
I had to check this site
http://www.camiguin-island.com/camiguin-volcanoes.shtml for the numberof volcanoes in the province. It lists 7 volcanoes, most famous is Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
White Island, attracts many tourists
including us.
A view of the C-shaped island from our boat
It is actually a sandbar, where the sand is really white
and the water, clear-blue.
It's nice to take a dip
take pics
pose for a photo
ala-Ms.Camiguin,
have a picnic or just sit, admire and take in the picturesque scenery.
At first glimpse of the falls, all we could say was, Wow!
After getting over our fascination, the girls dove right in. Apparently, it's cold!
Before leaving the rich, green and peaceful island of Camiguin,
we made stops at the Bura Soda Swimming Pool, Hibok-hibok hot springs
and the Sunken Cemetery.
This cemetery is marked by the huge cross. It went underwater when Mt. Vulcan Daan erupted in 1870. You can actually go to the solemn place by boat but we chose to just watch from afar and sample their barbecue.
Is that chicken feet? Rhei says, yum, yum!
Even without our driver/tour guide telling us that Camiguin has zero crime rate, you can feel the serenity of the place. Its people, as townspeople are in the country are warm, always ready with their genuine smile. Just as we were curious of them, of their lifestyle, so were they of us.
PART 2: BLESSED LAND CALLED BUKIDNON
It's but lovely, the place verdant, the climate cool. Why haven't I been here before? It's got pine trees and temperature like that of Baguio City minus the pollution and traffic.
We've always known Bukidnon for its Del Monte pineapple plantation. But it didn't occur to me it was this vast. Miles and miles of pineapples.
Left and right, here and there, there's pineapple everywhere.
We thought why not get a closer look
and maybe pick one?
Our driver said, you could actually do that before. Just pick for free. But anymore.
But he also said, we can look for pineapples that the pickers dropped behind.
Little Miss got lucky! Pffbtt!!!
Now, for what we came here for,
zipline at the Dahilayan Adventure Park,
That's the longer and more thrilling one because you start at the top of the hill. Like an eagle!
Here's the lame version (340 m + 150 m) but fun as well.
All set and waiting for their turn
And now, the winners
as judged by Sachi,
drumroll please,
Rhei for Best Toothpaste Smile Award
Mommy M for I Conquered My Fear of Heights Award
(It took her awhile to fly away and when she finally did, she screamed and screamed and screamed. That's why she looks exhausted. Kidding.)
And Little Miss for Best Photo Award
(You're wearing red nail polish? Kikay!)
After this, we all had our fill at the Del Monte Golf and Country Club where bottomless pineapple juice was served for only 20 or 40 pesos only. Sorry, my memory is failing me. We all took advantage of it and each had an overload of vitamin C that day. But that's not the best part of our lunch, the steak and burgers are divine. But since I was then avoiding meat, I could only smell the tasty meat and salivate. I will go back soon and have my revenge.
PART 3: CRUNCH TIME IN CDO
Back in CDO, we started the last day of our trip with heavy breakfast for the "race" ahead. We had a river rafting scheduled in the morning, we had to check out by noon at the hotel (later extended to 1pm) and catch our flight at 3pm. While having breakfast, it seemed attainable and we were on high spirits. But we got delayed in the river because of the traffic in the city, so we had to call up our travel agent to arrange with the hotel to extend our check-out for 3 rooms, drop by the river rafting organizer to pick up the cd of our video and pics, and ask our driver to do what he does best, drive us recklessly to the airport. Which he did very well.
But that's getting ahead of the story.
All set for our river adventure. Rhei felt like dancing
while Little Miss couldn't hide her tongue, este, her excitement. Who else is not hiding? Tita eSCee, who couldn't help but bare her legs in her ultra-super-mega short shorts. Rosee got inspired.
This is it. We're in the boat, no backing out now. Not even Little Boy E.
We cannot just sit like princesses, we had to paddle too.
After navigating a few rapids, we were quite proud of ourselves and happy.
Boy, was it really hot. Our guide had to frequently splash water on us to keep cool.
And we liked it.
After getting the hang of traversing the rapids, we braved to stand on our feet.
Seeing how calm the water is on this part of the river, Little Miss is wanting to jump.
The kids are hungry, their moms came prepared with buns.
Conquering river wild
Scary!
Look, we're ahead. We're winning!
And finally, end of the line.We did it! Ahooo-ahooo!!!
Next time we visit, we're ready for Advance level.
This is us after - all spent, wet, and hungry but never too tired to smile for the camera.We all agreed it was our best trip ever!
