6 Ecotourism Activities in Camiguin

These days, a lot of destinations brand themselves as ecotourism or sustainable destinations. This means they rely on small-scale tourism where tourists can visit relatively undisturbed natural areas and enjoy low-impact nature activities compared to commercial mass tourism. Camiguin, the “island born of fire” offers an amazing ecotourism destination in the Philippines. The island province is blessed with natural attractions and tourism efforts revolve around conserving the environment and improving the well-being of the local people.

Here are just a few eco-tourism activities you can enjoy in Camiguin.

Mountain climbing / hiking

Camiguin is a great destination for hikers and mountaineers. The island is home to at least 14 volcanoes, the most famous of which is Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Timpoong, the tallest peak.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) has declared Mt. Timpoong and Mt. Hibok-Hibok mountains as an ASEAN Heritage Park and is the center of biodiversity on the island. The protected area has several established trails for trekking where hikers can get views of an active volcanic crater, pass through lush mossy forests, enjoy volcanic rocks landscape and get a panoramic view at the peak overlooking Bohol and Mindanao islands.

The local tourism recently held its 2^nd Climb Camiguin mountain tourism program inviting 26 hikers from around the country. According to Expedition head Nilo Lazarito, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, the hike offered a challenging yet rewarding experience for experienced hikers.

“Teeming with flora, climbers were greeted with wild berries along the starting trail. Sightings of the endemic Camiguin Ayum just beside our path was a delight. Endemic birds were seen too as if greeting us into the wild,” said Lazarito.

According to Lazarito, the heritage park hosts an important watershed and serves as a sanctuary for endemic birds, rodents such as the Camiguin forest mouse, various amphibians as well as medicinal trees and plants.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching or birding is a form of wildlife observation in which the observation of birds is a recreational activity. The activity can be done with the naked eye or with the help of binoculars and telescopes and listening for bird sounds. According to photographer and birder Julius Paner, Camiguin offers an excellent birding destination.

“Camiguin has a high level of avian endemism. A lot of bird species and sub species can be found only there and nowhere else in the world, which makes Camiguin a really good market for birding,” said Paner.

In a birdwatching activity held on the island held last March 2020, he was able to document at least 47 species including endemic species such as the Camiguin Hanging Parrot, Camiguin Bulbul, Yellowish White Eye and the subspecies of Black-Naped Monarch.

Other special birds include the Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher, Mangrove Blue Flycatcher, Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, and Purple-throated Sunbird.

“Camiguin Island is one of the best birding sites in Mindanao and even in the Philippines. For two consecutive years of birding here I am personally impressed by how the birds grow in number,” he added.

Diving

Camiguin also happens to be a world-class destination for divers, with marine protected areas nearby hosting a variety of aquatic life including beautiful corals and sea turtles.

Cebu-based mountaineer and diver Gian Jubela of the blog Adrenaline Romance considers Camiguin as one of the country’s best emerging diving destinations.

“Camiguin offers a unique destination because the dive sites surround an isolated volcanic island. The dive sites are incredibly pristine, which is surprising considering the popularity of the island as a tourist destination,” said Jubela.

Beginner-friendly dive sites include Mantigue Island, the Sunken Cemetery and Tangub Springs. Experienced divers can enjoy exploring the areas around Burias Shoal, Jicduf Shoal, Old Volcano and Black Forest.

“We were given the opportunity to explore Black Forest, one of the island’s most popular dive sites and the nearest one to Camiguin’s gem – White Island. We saw lots of rarely seen marine organisms such as hydroids, crinoids, giant clams, nudibranches, and sea kraits! Other dive sites boast of their own special features. For avid scuba divers, free divers, and snorkelers, Camiguin will surely satisfy your diving cravings,” said Jubela.

Visit natural springs and waterfalls

Camiguin is home to several beautiful natural springs and waterfalls that are great for swimming, relaxing and taking a dip. Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring is a hot spring with fresh and hot sulfuric waters heated by Hibok-Hibok Volcano ranging from 33°C to 38°C. In contrast, Sto. Nino Cold Springs is a large pool with 20°C waters.

Camiguin also has several waterfalls, including Katibawasan Waterfalls, Tuasan Falls and Binangawan Falls.

Beach-bumming and snorkeling

For non-hikers and divers, Camiguin’s smaller islands provide a remote paradise for swimming, beach-bumming, and snorkeling. White Island is a stunning white sandbar located about 1.4 km off the Northern Shore that offers a scenic place for swimming and picnics. Small outrigger boats from the shore can take you to and from this small strip of paradise.

Meanwhile, Mantigue Island is a 4-hectare land declared as a marine sanctuary. This tiny island is home to a verdant forest and picturesque white sand beach. The island contains a short, but scenic forest trail, picnic huts where you can enjoy meals on the beach and snorkeling areas nearby where you can see turtles in the wild. It also offers a great view of Mt. Timpoong, Camiguin’s highest peak.

According to Candice Borromeo-Dael, Provincial Tourism Officer of Camiguin, the province is developing its island tourism programs in a competitive, but sustainable and inclusive manner.

“With unprecedented growth in tourist arrivals, we need to strike the balance among economic, social, and environmental health. The province through its five LGUs is strictly enforcing existing environmental laws to safeguard the natural wealth found underwater, along coastlines, inland, and volcanoes,” said Dael.

She added that the local government is enforcing a carrying capacity for all sites and tourist attractions and ensuring that any infrastructure addresses the proper water and solid waste management.

Buy sustainable souvenirs

For many tourists, part of travel is taking home unique souvenirs. When in Camiguin, tourists can choose sustainable products that give back to the community and help the environment.

Treasures Camiguin is a gift shop that showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen in Camiguin, including handmade bags, traditional and modern weaving, and trash to treasure pieces. The building also contains a sea glass museum and art gallery with sea pottery mosaics on display.

Seaglass Jewelry is a line of beautifully designed necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories that make use of discarded glass that have been molded by the ocean. The bespoke sea glass inspired pieces are upcycled and handcrafted by the women of Agoho.

Some woven bracelets are made with smaller sea glass pieces and ghost nets, or discarded fishing nets where turtles and fishes usually get trapped. The jewelry creators have partnered with divers’ association in Camiguin to collect these ghost nets.

The shops also sells hand-embroidered linen, handmade bags from recycled materials, nito woven baskets and mats made by the artisans of Mainit, and other Camiguin made handicrafts and food products.

Hopefully, locals will be able to sustain these initiatives and the island will continue to attract responsible tourists so that the natural vibe of Camiguin that is its main draw will remain preserved for years to come.