Mantigue Island, Camiguin

Mantigue Island was the last place to visit in our Camiguin itinerary, but definitely not the least! For me, it was the highlight of our Camiguin trip. We went there at around 2:30 pm and we had to travel for 20 minutes from the mainland to the island. We paid 550 pesos for the boat which can carry a maximum of 6 persons as well as 20 pesos for environmental fees. 

For the rest of our Camiguin journey, just click on the ffg:

Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire (Day 1)  

Camiguin @ Day 2: The Galapagos of the Philippines

 

Brgy San Roque, Mahinog Port to Mantigue

If you don't have any snorkeling gear with you, a small hut in the area also offers snorkel and fins rental. Mantigue Island boasts of their marine sanctuary which is really a perfect site for snorkeling. You can even rent a glass boat for 300 pesos (max of 6 pax capacity) to see the marine treasures underneath.Below are a glimpse of the surrounding views while waiting at the boat terminal.

Sailing to Mantigue

Navy ship we came across while sailing to Mantigue Island

Welcome to Mantigue Island! Admittedly, Mantigue is not as popular as the White Island/Sandbar on the other side of Camiguin but I'd always choose the latter over the former anytime. I mean, White Island is unique in its own sense since seldom can one find an isolated stretch of pure sand in the middle of the ocean. But Mantigue Island has its own beautiful offerings too. The sand was really fine and to me, it seems as powdery as that of Boracay's. Well, I can't really tell for sure since the last time I visited Boracay was 2 years ago. But it was really paradise for us. I always value the notion of exclusiveness in a place. Beauty and privacy at the same time.

Tourist Information Center in Mantigue Island

    Mantigue Island has a lot to offer. From diving spots, to marine sanctuaries, to swimming with turtles and other marine creatures, to just dipping in the crystal clear waters far from the noise and pollution of civilization. And just like most of the tourist spots in the Philippines, international quality at a very affordable local rate. :D

Mantigue Forest

    Actually, upon arrival on the island, we were immediately welcomed by one of the caretakers and offered a tour of the place, especially its forest. This is also one of the rare features available in Mantigue. The forest offers numerous species of trees and plants, not easily available in other tropical places. No wonder Camiguin is consistently compared to the island paradise of Tahiti and Hawaii for the diversity of plant and animal life. This is one evidence! ^_^

So my camera's not that good, but this one's actually a very black tree!

    I didn't have the time to take many pictures coz everyone's walking fast, and I couldn't barely catch up. But trust me, it was mostly my first time seeing those tree species.

Cute bridge connecting us deeper to the forest

We had to minimize our voices to prevent disturbing the sleeping bats and other forest creatures.

Reminds me of Tarzan and his jungle

   Our guide pointed to us the sleeping bats, then he did this hooting sound which made the bats fly so we can see the span of their wings and all.

Bizarre root formations are abound.

Weird is Beautiful! :D

 

It was just too bad that we ran out of time (and of money!) and so we just skipped the snorkeling part and visit to the marine sanctuary. Oh well, there's always a next time! :D

For the rest of our Camiguin journey, just click on the ffg:

Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire (Day 1)  

Camiguin @ Day 2: The Galapagos of the Philippines