Nature At Its Best
Trip Start
Feb 25, 2008
1
4
5
Trip End
Feb 29, 2008
Where I stayed
Camiguin, Mindanao, Philippines
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
We took the Paras Sea Cat to the Benoni Port. The ferry crossing took almost an hour. There, I saw the clouds kissing the mountains. I thought it was romantic. :)
When we reached the island, another private van of the resort drove us to the property. It took about 30 minutes or so. The front of the resort wasn't eye-catching. It looked just like an ordinary concrete rural house to me. But when I saw the inside, it was all I hoped for - a paradise. The receptionist greeted us with a welcoming smile and checked us in. Another resort personnel helped us with our bags and led us to our room (a Superior Room). Afterwards, he brought us our welcome drinks. Felt like a star. LOL!
We ate breakfast, rested for a few minutes and swam in the resort's swimming pool for a bit... and so we took off for a whole day treat.
First Stop: Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross
Life-size images depicting the Stations of the Cross were placed along the walkway carved at the side of the Old Volcano. This was a major hike. There were more than a hundred of steps to take before reaching the top and we were running out of time for the other spots. Kaya ang ending, di kami nakarating sa tuktok. Hehehe. We took some pictures with the images and we went to our second destination.
Second Stop: Sunken Cemetery
This was an old cemetery by the shore of Bonbon, which collapsed and sunk under water during the 1871 volcano eruption. The area used to have a cross marker and is now teeming with corals and marine life. I heard that it's one of the best places for snorkling. I wondered if it would really just be sea creatures that one would see under water. Hahaha. Despite the curiosity though, we didn't dare to try. LOL!
Third Stop: J & A Fishpen
It's a large fish pen near Benoni port where people can fish and select fresh seafoods and have them cooked in the restaurant. We didn't eat here as we just ate breakfast but we ordered fresh buko juice to go. :) Saw one uncommon bird too, I forgot its name though.
Fourth Stop: Old Gui-ob Church Ruins
This is where the old belfry, convent and church walls, and remains of the 1871 Dean Volcano eruption could be found. There is a new chapel, which seemed to be under construction. On when would it be finished, I didn't ask. Hahaha.
Fifth Stop: Ostrich Breeding Farm
Saw a number of ostriches and their eggs. With their big size, I wonder if an ostrich can carry me. LOL!
Sixth Stop: Soda Water Swimming Pool
The one and only soda water swimming pool in the country. Unfortunately, we were not able to swim on it as they were on the process of cleaning the water. Only got to take pictures from the outside. Sayang! :(
Seventh Stop: Katibawasan Falls
A beautiful, clear stream of water cascading 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. I was in awe. Indeed, it was one good proof of how beautiful nature is.
Eighth Stop: Sto. Niņo Cold Spring
A terrific huge pool of cold spring water measuring 25 X 40 meters sprouting from the sandy bottom. Played the cold water with our bare hands, felt like water inside the fridge. :)
Ninth Stop: Ardent Hot Spring
The water temperature in this mineral pool is 40 Degrees Celsius. Mist rises from the heated waters that run down the vents on the active Mt. Hibok-hibok Volcano. The warm water was perfect for swimming. Plunged into it, like quenching my thirst. :)
Final Stop: Mambajao Town
Dropped by the town to take out something for dinner before going back to the resort. It was very tiring but so worth it. :)
Reference: http://www.parasbeachresort.com/interest.html
