SUNKEN CEMETERY HISTORY
CATARMAN, CAMIGUIN — This island’s famous Sunken Cemetery, marked by a cross standing in the middle of the sea, resulted from the birth of Mount Vulcan in 1871.
The island of Camiguin is of volcanic origin and composed of four young “stratovolcanoes” overlying older volcanic structures. These include Mt. Vulcan and Mount Hibok-Hibok, still considered active having last erupted in 1953.
History records show that Mount Vulcan started as a volcanic fissure on April 30, 1871 after weeks of earthquakes on the island. After continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it gained a height of nearly 2,000 feet and submerged areas of Catarman, including the former capitol’s cemetery.
Today, all that remains of old Catarman are the ruins of an ancient Spanish San Roque church, a convent and a bell tower.
Remnants of the structures and gravestones of the cemetery were still seen during low tide until 1948 when Mount Vulcan erupted for the fourth time, which buried the area deeper by 20 feet. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark this old gravesite.
This cross is a favorite subject for photographers providing a focal point for astonishing shots of sunsets in Camiguin. Check out these great looking set of photos.
69space.com also includes Camiguin in its list of the top 10 dive spots in the Philippines. The cemetery is a popular spot, between 5 to 20 meters one can find gravestones already gilded with colorful soft and hard corals inhabited by abundant marine life.
In this post for Trifter.com, Unofre Pili has this to say about the unique market: “Seeing this large and imposing cross against the background of a crimson sunset ends up one contemplating things divine.”
How to get to Camiguin:
The closest airport to Camiguin is in Cagayan de Oro City. From there, head for the bus terminal in Agora Market. Take a bus to Balingoan town and then hop on a ferry bound for Camiguin Island. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.
You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to the town of Guinsiliban in Camiguin.
3Days Camiguin Day Tour Package – P3,925 per pAx (min. of 2)
Inclusive of:
• Pick Up from the resort/hotel
• Whole Day Camiguin Countryside Tours
• All Entrance Fees to Tourist Destinations
• Transportation for Countryside tours
• Motorized Boat for White Island Hopping
• Motorized Boat for Mantigue Island Hopping
• Driver/Fuel/Tour Guide
Itinerary:
Day 1:
• Pick-up from the resort/hotel
• Start of Camiguin Island Hopping Tours
1) White Island Hopping
2)Mantigue Island Hopping
• End of Tour, Return to Resort
Day 2:
• Pick-up from resort/hotel
• Start of Island Hopping Tour
Walkway to Old Vulcan via Crucis
Sunken Cemetery
Guiob Old Church Ruins
Soda Water Pool
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
• End of Tour, Return to Resort
Day 3:
• Pick-up from resort/hotel
Katibawasan Falls
Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring
Check-out from Resort (pick-Up)
Pasalubong Shopping (optional)
• Camiguin Airport
Note: Itinerary can be interchange. Meals are Not included. Airfare Not included. Guest can ask the tour guide for the best nearest restaurant/food establishment during the tour.
Travel Packages available upon request/inquiry:
Mobile: (smart) 0947.470.6297 / 0920.666.5702
e.Mail: avielletours@gmail.com
site: www.avielletours.blogspot.com
Photo Credit: boyets tour
Contents: Anna Valmero
CATARMAN, CAMIGUIN — This island’s famous Sunken Cemetery, marked by a cross standing in the middle of the sea, resulted from the birth of Mount Vulcan in 1871.
The island of Camiguin is of volcanic origin and composed of four young “stratovolcanoes” overlying older volcanic structures. These include Mt. Vulcan and Mount Hibok-Hibok, still considered active having last erupted in 1953.
History records show that Mount Vulcan started as a volcanic fissure on April 30, 1871 after weeks of earthquakes on the island. After continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it gained a height of nearly 2,000 feet and submerged areas of Catarman, including the former capitol’s cemetery.
Today, all that remains of old Catarman are the ruins of an ancient Spanish San Roque church, a convent and a bell tower.
Remnants of the structures and gravestones of the cemetery were still seen during low tide until 1948 when Mount Vulcan erupted for the fourth time, which buried the area deeper by 20 feet. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark this old gravesite.
This cross is a favorite subject for photographers providing a focal point for astonishing shots of sunsets in Camiguin. Check out these great looking set of photos.
69space.com also includes Camiguin in its list of the top 10 dive spots in the Philippines. The cemetery is a popular spot, between 5 to 20 meters one can find gravestones already gilded with colorful soft and hard corals inhabited by abundant marine life.
In this post for Trifter.com, Unofre Pili has this to say about the unique market: “Seeing this large and imposing cross against the background of a crimson sunset ends up one contemplating things divine.”
How to get to Camiguin:
The closest airport to Camiguin is in Cagayan de Oro City. From there, head for the bus terminal in Agora Market. Take a bus to Balingoan town and then hop on a ferry bound for Camiguin Island. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.
You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to the town of Guinsiliban in Camiguin.
3Days Camiguin Day Tour Package – P3,925 per pAx (min. of 2)
Inclusive of:
• Pick Up from the resort/hotel
• Whole Day Camiguin Countryside Tours
• All Entrance Fees to Tourist Destinations
• Transportation for Countryside tours
• Motorized Boat for White Island Hopping
• Motorized Boat for Mantigue Island Hopping
• Driver/Fuel/Tour Guide
Itinerary:
Day 1:
• Pick-up from the resort/hotel
• Start of Camiguin Island Hopping Tours
1) White Island Hopping
2)Mantigue Island Hopping
• End of Tour, Return to Resort
Day 2:
• Pick-up from resort/hotel
• Start of Island Hopping Tour
Walkway to Old Vulcan via Crucis
Sunken Cemetery
Guiob Old Church Ruins
Soda Water Pool
Sto. Nino Cold Spring
• End of Tour, Return to Resort
Day 3:
• Pick-up from resort/hotel
Katibawasan Falls
Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring
Check-out from Resort (pick-Up)
Pasalubong Shopping (optional)
• Camiguin Airport
Note: Itinerary can be interchange. Meals are Not included. Airfare Not included. Guest can ask the tour guide for the best nearest restaurant/food establishment during the tour.
Travel Packages available upon request/inquiry:
Mobile: (smart) 0947.470.6297 / 0920.666.5702
e.Mail: avielletours@gmail.com
site: www.avielletours.blogspot.com
Photo Credit: boyets tour
Contents: Anna Valmero
