A Weekend of Freediving and Food Trip in Camiguin
Camiguin is a small island province located in Northern Mindanao. Also known as the “Island Born on Fire”, this island was formed over the years due to repeated eruptions of volcanoes. In fact, there are 7 volcanoes located in the island but only Mt. Hibok-Hibok remains active. Volcanic eruptions maybe destructive but it can also produce beautiful natural wonders and Camiguin is abundant of this.
Camiguin maybe the smallest province in the Philippines but it is also one of the most blessed when it comes to natural attractions- highlands, waterfalls, springs, white sand beaches and amazing underwater scenery, Camiguin simply has everything!
View this post on Instagram
My first visit to Camiguin was in 2017 with my officemates. We toured around for 3 days and visited some of the most amazing spots in the island like the famous White Island, Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls, and Old Church Ruins just to name a few. I was supposed to blog that experience but I lost all my photos when my phone broke. Sad.
Last August 31, 2019, I visited Camiguin for the second time to attend the closing ceremony of Camiguin Dive Fest, try freediving and experience what this exotic paradise has new to offer.
My best friend Doyzkie and I got invited by the Local LGU to cover the closing ceremony of the first-ever Camiguin Dive Fest. It’s a two-month long event which aims to promote the island’s rich and pristine dive sites and at the same time raising awareness to sustainable and responsible tourism.
There were a total of 800 plus dives recorded during the duration of the Camiguin Dive Fest which was participated by hundreds of divers not only from the Philippines but also from the other parts of the world.
One of the highlights of the event was the underwater photography contest. The winners were announced during the closing ceremony of Camiguin Dive Fest held at Black Beach Divers Camiguin. The event was also attended by representatives of participating dive shops, divers, guests, and the Honorable Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo.
It was amazing to see how the dive sites of Camiguin are thriving through the photographs of the divers.
Freediving in Camiguin
The next day, my most anticipated activity in Camiguin happened, and that is to freedive! I’ve been wanting to try freediving for the longest time and I finally did it!
We started our day at Kurma Eco Lodge with a yoga class to help our body relax and control our breathing. After the yoga class we prepared for the freediving trial. It started with a briefing for us to be aware of basics, and do’s and don’ts. We then headed to the shore and swam to our freediving point. It was quite a long swim from the shore so swimming skills is a must.
There were five guests who availed the freediving trial and we were grouped based on our experience level. We were all first-timers in our group and the maximum depth that we can dive was set to 5 meters, while the other group’s maximum depth was set to 10 meters. 3 buoys were setup, 1 for us to cling on and the other 2 were used to setup the guide ropes that we used as guides during descend.
We took turns in freediving and I was the first one to do it. Before diving down, our instructor reminded me to relax, take a deep breath and equalize. On my first dive, I was able to reach 4 meters down but I forgot to equalize. When diving, as you go deeper, you will feel the pressure in your ears. It is important to release the pressure by pinching your nose and blowing the pressure off your ear. I did a total of 3 dives but I was not really able to reach the 5 meter mark because I had a hard time equalizing. I was still happy though because I was able to somehow do it. After almost 2 hours, we swam back to the shore to enjoy Kurma’s brunch buffet.
Every first Sunday of the month, Kurma holds Kurma Karma Day. Guests who avail their brunch buffet can join the yoga class and freediving trial for free! The brunch buffet cost Php475 per person.
Freediving, bucket list checked!
Where to Eat in Camiguin
During my first trip in Camiguin I wasn’t really able to enjoy the food scene of Camiguin. On my second visit, I was amazed that Camiguin has these amazing restaurants and I’m glad our friend Potpot brought us to some of these.
La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita is a italian restaurant serving homemade pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes. It is located just across Camiguin Airport and it is a perfect spot to grab a bite while waiting for your flight.
Location: Open Map
Hayahay Cafe
If you are into healthy and organic dishes, Hayahay Cafe is the restaurant to visit. The restaurant and food are very “Instagrammable”. Perfect for your feed goal.
Location: Open Map
Kurma Eco Beach Lodge
During our visit in Camiguin, we availed Kurma’s Brunch Buffet for us to try their freediving for free. For only Php475 pesos, you’ll get to enjoy a spread of international selection and homemade goodness. I personally love their homemade jams!
Location: Open Map
Guerrera Restaurant
If you are craving for some South East Asian flavors during your trip in Camiguin, Guerrara Restaurant is the place to visit. They serve, Thai, Vietnamese and other Asian dishes. Guerrara is also situated in the middle of a rice paddy with a clear view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
Location: Open Map
The Beehive Driftwood Cafe
Located in Catarman, The Beehive Driftwood Cafe is known for its organic products and dishes. You can buy here organic coffee, honey, and snacks that you can bring home as “pasalubong”. They also serve meals if you are hungry. Please note that there is no mobile signal in this area.
Location: Open Map
That’s it for my weekend trip in Camiguin. Thank you Camiguin Tourism Office for inviting us to experience your exotic paradise. I’m looking forward to Camiguin Dive Fest 2020! But before that, Lanzones Festival is coming up! Are you going?
