Camiguin Day1 Part1 - Getting to Camiguin & Villa Paraiso

We were planning our next team building and were hoping it would be different than most of the eat-out team building we did. One of our officemates is going back to Camiguin to fetch his family, so we thought, why not go with him?!! We heard Camiguin is one of the must-see places in the Philippines with its famous sand bar, falls and natural springs and by just looking at the pictures, we knew we had to tag along.



All 15 of us booked a flight via Zestair. Luckily, we booked the earliest flight, 3AM, giving us more time and opportunity to sight see, swim and basically enjoy. We got into the airport, checked in our luggage, paid the terminal fee, waited for awhile. Surprisingly, the plane took off on time and at 5 AM we landed in CDO airport. It was still dark when we got off the plane and were shocked that it was cold just like in Baguio and Tagaytay. It was explained to us that CDO airport is atop of mountain.

When we were outside the airport, we were approached by some drivers offering vans for hire that would take us to Balingoan terminal for 3000-3500, good for 13 pax. Sorry for them, 15 of us plus our baggage wouldn't definitely fit in. We rode a taxi to take us to the Agora Bus Terminal for a fixed price, P250. At 5:30AM we reached Agora bus terminal.

Agora bus terminal is also called Market City. You can take different routes from here:
Davao City (BuDa or Bukidnon-Davao)
Malaybalay and Valencia City (Bukidnon)
Kabacan (North Cotabato).
Butuan City (Agusan del Norte)
Gingoog City (Misamis Oriental)
Balingoan (ferry for Camiguin Island)

We took an airconditioned bus that would would take us to Balingoan bus terminal for P143. This bus leaves every 30 minutes so do not worry. The bus drove for another 1 1/2 hour and at 8:30, we were at Balingoan bus terminal.

We easily walked from the bus terminal to the port as it was near but if you have heavy baggage, you can hire a motorela for P7 each. The time ferries leave and the price varies. For ordinary ferries, it would take an hour to reach Camiguin while fast craft would only take 30 minutes. The only available ferry that time was an ordinary, non_AC and fare was P170. There is a terminal fee of P2.25. From the looks of it, the ferry's quite used but good thing though vests are just above us... just in case. :)

We docked off Balingoan port at 9:30AM then reached Benoni Port at 10:30AM. Multicabs and Jeepneys are available for hire but if you'd like to commute, that's also an option.We hired a jeepney for P550 and after 30 minutes, we reached our resort, Villa Paraiso.

We chose Villa Paraiso because they can accommodate big groups. They have 3 dormitory rooms  for P3000/night for 12 pax. They also offer discount for lean season which you need to mention before booking. Our room was spacious and clean and the staff were nice. You can check their website here.

It took us 7 1/2 dreadful hours of travel to reach the Island of Camiguin by air (plane), land (bus) and sea (ferry). We wouldn't deny that it sucked out all the energy in us but on the other hand, we were thrilled that finally, we'd be able to experience what this Island has to offer.



Camiguin Day1 Part2 - Afternoon in White Island
Camiguin Day2 - Inland Tour
Camiguin Day3 - Leaving Camiguin
Camiguin Itinerary & Expenses