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Mindanao Travel Information
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Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island lying in the Bohol Sea, some 54 kms. southeast of Chocolate Hills and some 90 kms. north of Cagayan de Oro airport; 120 kms. southeast of Mactan International Airport and 10 kms. north of Misamis Oriental. Composed of 5 municipalities namely: Mambajao (Capital town), Catarman, Sagay, Guinsiliban and Mahinog, Camiguin has two other attractive islets better known as White Island and Mantigue Island. Each of these has unique endowments.
Camiguin is about 300 sq.kms. or approximately 29,00 hectares; its length measures 33 kms.; width at widest point is 14 kms. with road circumferential measuring to 64 kms. Cool climate is attributed to vegetation and natural springs. Daytime temperature averages at 26°C. Coldest months are December, January and February. Maximum rainfall had been recorded on months of June to December.
In the heart of the island bubbles the flowing mineral pools of Ardent Hot Springs. Mists rise from the heated waters running down from the vents of Hibok-Hibok Volcano, the only active one among the seven on the island. Revel in the therapeutic waters. Picnic beneath the sheltering trees. Enjoy a game of darts or table tennis, comfortable dormitory - type rooms and duplex cottages are available for overnighters.
Camiguin is an island paradise surrounded by natural wonders like hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. It is also here where you can taste arguably the sweetest lanzones fruit in the country. Exotic varieties of flora and fauna can be found in the island depicting the richness of this small but charming island in the South.
By day, take a side trip to some of Camiguin Island's attractions: the clear pools of Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the slender beauty of Katibawasan Falls, and the isolated white-sand bar called simply White Island. This is also the favorite jump-off point for trekkers and mountaineers in search of adventure in the slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
GETTING THERE - There are three ports operating in the province of Camiguin. The main port of entry is in Benoni, with minor ports at Balbagon and Guinsiliban. Balbagon Port links Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, Benoni Port links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro, and Guinsiliban Port which also has a roro landing facility links with Balingoan and Cagayan de Oro.
Camiguin can be reached either by ferryboat or small aircraft. The fastest way to get to the island from Manila is to take any of the commercial flights to Cagayan de Oro City. In Cagayan de Oro, one can either hire a taxi right outside the airport terminal or take the bus in the city center to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental. The bus terminal is located at Agora, Lapasan. Depending on the weather condition, it takes about one hour and a half to two hours by land to reach Balingoan Port, which is 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro. This port is the nearest jump-off point to Camiguin. The ferryboat ride to Benoni Port in the Municipality of Mahinog takes about one hour. This port is 17 kilometers from Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin Province which can be reached by jeepneys. The six photographs portrayed below should give an idea about the Port at Balingoan and one of the ferryboats that regularly plies the Balingoan-Benoni route.
A new terminal building has recently been constructed and when the planned improvements are completed, 737 jet planes will be able to land in Camiguin linking major destinations as Manila, Cebu and Davao. Camiguin is only 35 minutes by airplane from Mactan (Cebu) International Airport. SEAIR is now serving the Cebu-Camiguin-Cebu route every Monday and Saturday.
POINTS OF INTEREST - Old Catarman Church Ruins - Located in Barangay Bonbon, 10 kms. from Catarman Poblacion - Remnants of the 1871 Vulcan Daan Eruption.
Cross Marker and Sunken Cemetery - 15 kms. from Bonbon, Catarman, huge cross was installed in 1982 as marker of a cemetery which sank in 1871 vulcan eruption.
Katibawasan Falls - 5 kms. southeast of Mambajao; the falls measures 250 ft. high.
Tuasan Falls - 6 kms. northeast of Catarman Potential source of mini hydropower.
Ardent Hot Spring - 4 kms. North uphill of Catarman proper. Pool has an area of 25 meters by 40 meters; deep water.
Tangub Hot Spring - 12 kms. west of Mambajao; Diving is good at about 10 to 20 meters temperature is determined by high or low tide.
Mt. Hibok-Hibok - Approached thru base of Barangay Esperanza, Mambajao. The 1,250 meters slope, loose rocks and boulders are among the challenges.
Old Vulcan - 13 kms. west of Mambajao; has a 70 to 80 meters drop-off; Landmark or "Panaad".
White Island - 2 kms. across Agoho or Yumbing beaches; uninhabited sand bar.
Mantigue Island - 3 kms. offshore across Brgy. Hubangon and San Roque, Mahinog, 4 hectares of forest-fringed with white, sand beaches.
Cabua-an Beach - Nearest beach in Mambajao proper; Venue of San Juan Hibok-Hibokan Festival.
Agohay Beach - 7 kms. from Brgy. Agoho, Mambajao Camping area for Hibok-hibok mountaineers.
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Postal Code 8000
Area Code 082
Land Area 2,212 sq km
Population 1.2 million
Dialects Spoken Cebuano, other dialects include Tagalog, Chinese, Muslim, majority can speak and understand English Religion Roman Catholic 83.83%, Islam 2.36% Protestant 4.50%
Close to Davao City is Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak and home to the monkey-eating Philippine Eagle, an endagered species, and the waling-waling, a rare ochid of exceptional beauty.
BACKGROUND - Davao City is one of the most alluring gateways to the Philippines. There are two reasons which make Davao unique: its people and its warm hospitality. Within bucolic highlands, migrants from all over the country live in harmony with indigenous tribal folk.
Close to Davao City is Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak and home to the monkey-eating Philippine Eagle, an endagered species, and the waling-waling, a rare ochid of exceptional beauty.
Of late, Davao has become a booming tourist destination as evidenced by the rise of leisure establishments in the region.
Davao is also the biggest cutflower producer in the country and a major exporter of tropical fruits.
A tour of the city and its outskirts will bring the visitor to Dabaw Etnica, a tiny settlement of the Mandaya Tribe; Dabaw Museum whose diaplay includes tribal artifacts and costumes; and the Taoist and Lon Wa Buddhist Temples.
Davao is also known for its exquisite beaches, there is even an old Perl Farm that has been converted into a world-class resort. These beaches are all easily accessible by banca (out-rigger boat) or land travel.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE - Davaoeños is an even mix of tribes, migrants from all over the Philippine archipelago and traders from all corners of the world. Some of these tribes include the ethnic Bagobo, Mandaya, Manobo, Tiboli, Mansaka and the B'laan tribes. The solemn rituals of the tribes, their rhythmic dance steps and chanting music, and the rich customs and traditions of migrants make up the Davao culture of today.
AREA PROFILE - Davao City covers 244,000 hectares, the world's largest in terms of land area. It is located in the Province Davao del Sur. It is bounded on the North by the municipality of Kapalong and on the North East by the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; on the East by the Gulf of Davao and on the West by Mt. Apo and the province of North Cotabato; and on the North West by the province of Bukidnon.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY - Davao City serves as the primary agricultural and trading center of Mindanao. It is already an international gateway with the opening of the Davao International Airport. The City is known for its exotic fruits like pineapples, bananas, pomelos, marang, mangosteen, and the odoriferous but tasty durian, which are sold very cheaply when in season. Davao also produces export-quality handicrafts, and also sells antiques, artifacts from Mindanao's tribes, Indonesian batik, traditional Muslim brass items, and costume jewelries. It has become Philippine's major source of products for export. The City is home to the world's largest bird, the Philippine Eagle, whose sanctuary is at the foot of Mt. Apo, the Philippine's highest mountain and where the "queen of orchids", Waling-Waling is found.
AMENITIES - A variety of culinary specialties awaits even the most discriminating gourmet. Fasfood and popular choices are rampant in Davao City. Specialty cuisine such as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Asian dishes are also served in Davao's restaurants. For the night owls, the choices are numerous. From the simple to the classy and high-tech karaoke lounges, disco and ballroom dancing. to lounges that feaure live bands and jazz music.
SHOPPING - Davao is certainly the shopping capital of the south as it prides itself in having the most number of malls and department stores this side of the archipelago.
Buyers may indulge themselves with hours and hours of shopping and entertainment at Gaisano Mall of Davao (J.P. Laurel Avenue), Victoria Plaza (J.P. Laurel Avenue), JSGaisano Citimall (Ilustre Street), New City Commercial Center (R. Magsaysay Avenue), Makro-Davao (Bangkal) and SM City Davao (Ecoland), where the ordinary task of purchase is sprinkled with an element of pleasure and amusement.
For souvenir seekers, Aldevinco Shopping Center (C.M. Recto Avenue) has the best buys for your money’s worth with their wide choices of batik garments, brass products, ethnic accessories and souvenir shirts. Just exercise the art of haggling. You might even get your favored items at half its original price.
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Cagayan de Oro, the capital of Misamis Oriental, is one of Mindanao’s most progressive cities, and one of its most picturesque. Surrounded by mountains and bordered by the majestic Cagayan River and Macajalar Bay, Cagayan de Oro exudes freshness and innocence. Vast pineapple plantations define its landscape; and rainforests and wildlife continue to thrive under its care and protection.
GEOGRAPHY - Cagayan de Oro is located along Macabalan Bay in Central Coast of Northern Mindanao. It serves as Regional Center for Region X, bounded by Barangay Bugo on the east; on the west by Barangay Iponan; and Barangay Tumpagon on the south. Its total land area is 48,885 has. or 488.8583 sq. km.
CLIMATE - Cagayan de Oro has a climate characterized by relatively dry season from November to April. Wet season is May to October. Heaviest rainfall is June to October. Driest month is March with an average of 27.42 mm. of rain.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
PUEBLO DE OR GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB - An 18-hole par 72 world classes all weather championship Golf Course designed by world- renowned designer Robe Trent Jones II. It is complete with facilities and amenities such as modern clubhouse, functions rooms, pro-shop, driving range, practice putting greens and others.
VICENTE DE LARA PARK situated in front of the Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental with age-old mahogany trees that provides a therapeutic canopy for the promenades.
LA CASTILLA: Museum of Philippine household heirlooms and antiques. This is the Rodolfo and Elsa Pelaez family memorabilia. Administered by the Liceo de Cagayan University.
THE CATHEDRAL: The home of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City, this place of worship is also famous for its century old stained glass windows.
Catanico Falls - Concealed by huge boulders, the rapids, cascading falls and natural pool of Barangay F.S. Catanico. Only 20 minutes by car and 45 minutes by foot from the city center.
Makahambus Cave - Explore underground caves and a 130-foot circular gorge. The ravine is thick with various species of plants and huge trees.
Malasag Reforestration Area - Rolling hills ideal for horseback riding, mountain climbing/biking. Sunrise and sunset are best in the hills of Malasag where one has a panoramic view of the city and the bay.
GETTING THERE. From Manila, domestic flights leave several times a day for Cagayan de Oro. Passenger ships also arrive regularly from Manila and the Visayas.
GETTING AROUND. Air-conditioned taxis are readily available. Cagayan has extensive bus connections around the region. To reach Camiguin island, take a ferry from either Cagayan de Oro harbor or Balingonan town; flights directly to the island may be available from Cebu.
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Dipolog began as tribal settlement of the Subanons who were part of the second wave of Malay migrants to the Philippines. Earliest recorded historical entries date back to 1834 when a civil government was organized by the Spanish Provincial Government of Misamis with the Appointment of a CAPITAN as town executive, a TENIENTE and an AGUACIL to maintain Law and Order.
DIPOLOG was formally declared a municipality by then Mindanao Governor-General John J. Pershing on July 1, 1913. It became a city, and the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, on January 1, 1970.Today, Dipolog bustles with activity but it continues to exude the exotic and scenic beauty it has been known for.The warm hospitality of the Dipognons is recognized throughout thus, the official name, "ORCHID CIY", the symbol of achievement and magnetic beauty that compels people to flock to it. Moreover, Dipolognons are also famous for their artistic talents, deep religiosity, and easygoing nature.Welcome to the City of Free BALMY DAYS… & SUNNY PEOPLE…Dipolog City lies in a 13,628 hectares-rolling hills and wide lowlands in northwestern Zamboanga del Norte.It has generally pleasant climate. The sun shines the most from February to April while rain-showers come to mark the rainy days from May to January.The city has over 1,000,000 residents speaking mainly Cebuano/Visayan. English and Filipino (TAGALOG) are also widely spoken. The original Subanon dialect is used in the highlands Christian Catholic makes up 95% of the population. The remaining 5% comprise Christians of different denominations.
Getting to Dipolog - Dipolog City is accessible via land, air and water routes. Philippine Airlines (PAL) has six flights a week from Manila. By sea, inter-island vessels regularly ply routes to Dipolog from Cebu, Dumaguete, Zamboanga, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila.By land, the concrete national highways link to Dipolog to the north and the cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga to the south.
MAN-MADE/NATURAL ATTRACTION
3003 Steps to Linabo Peak. These concrete steps winding along a tunnel of verdant trees lead to a panoramic vista of sky, plains and sea horizons and a spectacular view of the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. This is Dipolog's highest elevation point - 486 meters above sea level. Fourteen stations of the cross punctuate the way up. At the peak, one can find a community chapel for prayer and contemplation.
Sicayab Beach. This seven-kilometer velvet stretch of fine gray sand is only four kilometers from the city proper, which is a favorite haven of the holiday and weekend crowd.
Pamansalan OISCA Forest Park & Waterfalls. This 64-hectare lush forest gives trekkers and nature buffs an unforgettable experience with nature at its best.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Holy Rosary Cathedral. This edifice was erected by the Spanish Friars a century ago before Dipolog City became a municipality.
Sta. Cruz Marker. This marks the spot where migrating Boholanos from the Visayas landed on and planted the cross as a symbol of Christianity on May 3, 1905
Dipolog City Hall. This imposing structure was built when the municipality of Dipolog as formally declared by the Governor of Mindanao, Gen. John J. Pershing. It was inaugurated on July 1, 1913.
Fiestas and Festivals
Dipolog's main fiestas and festivals reflect its culture and make-up.
Sinulog sa Dipolog - Every third Saturday of January.
Fiesta of San Vicente Ferrer - Every third Saturday of May.
Pagsalabok Festival - Every first week of July. "A street ballroom dancing to the beat of the drums".
Adlaw sa Dipolog - Every first of July. "The city's foundation anniversary"
Feast of the Holy Rosary - Every seventh of October.
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LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES
The Caraga region is located in the norhteastern part of Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by the Bohol Sea, on the southby the provinces of Davao, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, on the west by the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, and on the east by the Philippines Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Caraga region can be reached via Butuan City. Travel time from Manila to Butuan City is 1 hour and 15 minutes by plane and 30 hours by sea.
INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
Airport / Seaports
1 domestic airport: Butuan City Airport
1 international port: Nasipit International seaport
Telecommunication facilities - Communication needs of the province is service by 12 radio stations, 7 cable TV stations, and 8 telephone companies
Industrial Zone - Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate
PROVINCIES
AGUSAN DEL NORTE - Location-faces the Mindanao sesa; bounded on the North by Butuan Bay and Surigao del Norte; on the South by Surigao del Sur; on the West by Misamis Oriental. The Provincial capital, Butuan City is one hour and 15 minutes by plane from Manila and approximately 30 hours by boat.
Agusan del Norte Tourist Attraction
Cabadbaran - features beaches and spring-fed Sumag-a falls and Pool. This is where Mount Hilong-hilong, highest mountains in the Caraga Region at 2,012 meters above sea-level is lovated. The mountain is a delight for mountain climbers not only for its height but also for its varied flora and fauna,
The Carmen Ecological Tourism Center - has an estimated area of 1,850 hectares. It features several beach resorts famous among these is the white sand Bolihon Beach. An ideal site for deep sea and scuba divers. The Center is a favorite destination for field trips and science expeditions, It also serves as the Pillgrim Center of devotees during the Holy Week.
Jabonga and Kitcharao - places to go to enjoy fishing or boating on its famous lake, the Lake Mainit.
AGUSAN DEL SUR - Location bounded bu Agusan del Norte in the North, Surigao del Sur in the East, Davao del Norte in the South and Misamis Oriental in the West.
Agusan dek Sur Tourist Attraction
Gibong River - a bewitching stretch of water with breathtaking panorama of unharmed vegetation along its banks. It is the source for irrigation for some 6,000 hectares of rice field comprising 3 municipalities.
Binaba Falls - its crystal clear water came from springs and cascades on boulders of lime rocks.
Tugonan Falls - the ornamental plants and orchids hanging on the branches of towering trees surrounding the area gives one a sence of paradise.
SURIGAO DEL NORTE - Pacific Ocean in the North and East, provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur in the South, Surigao Strait in the West.
Surigao del Norte Tourist Attraction
Siargao Island - the sufing capital of the Philippines which boast of world-class surf waves that barrel up to 9 high.
Lisondra Islet - with its unique rock formations enhanced by its different colors and shades.
Long stretches of white sand and beaches, enchanting caves, magnificent rock formations, mountain likes and vast tracks of mangrove.
SURIGAO DEL SUR - Bounded by Surigao Del Norte in the North, Davao Oriental in the South, Agusan del Sur in the West, Pacific Ocean in the East.
Surigao del Sur Tourist Attraction
Tinuy-an Falls - popularly known as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, has a 3-tiered falls about 45 meters high surrounded with natural forest and a cool atmosphere.
Turtle Island - a turtle-like shape island at a distance, is ideal for picnic, swimming and fishing. Surrounded by clear water, presence of fascinating cave and natural breakwater
Lush primeval forests, pristine white beaches with sapphire-blue waters, mystical kissing islets enchanted caves.
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A Glimpse of Zamboanga del Sur - The city of the Crescent and the Cross. After the defeat of the brave warrior Tagal, Kudarat's brothers, in the famous battle in the Dumanquillas Bay, Christian culture started to take root in the peninsula. The marriage of these two cultures, Muslim and Christian, is best exemplified in the landmark sculpture of the Crescent and the Cross, which dominates the provincial skyline.
Grand church and imposing mosques mingle in the town that is known for speaking "Chabacano", a unique mixture of Spanish and ethnic dialects.
The early settlers of Zamboanga were the Subanons, "people of the river", who set up a fishing and trading village near the coast and called it Pagadian, a corruption of the Maguindanao word "padian" or marketplace.
Often referred to as the Philippines' own "little Hong-kong", Pagadian boasts of its idyllic islets and tribal boathouse villages.
GETTING THERE - Beautiful Zamboanga is only an hour and a half by airplane from manila, one hour from Cebu and 50 minutes from Dipolog. It is one of the principal ports of call for cruise ships and inter-island vessels on the Manila-Cebu-Davao-Cotabato-Jolo-Tawi-Tawi-General Santos-Cebu routes. On the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway that links Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, it lies at the southernmost tip... but land travel to this off-the-beaten-track dream destination in Southeast Asia is better left to the adventurous.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
Fort Pilar - built by Jesuit priest in 1635. The fort is strategically located at a site overlooking the sea and stands as a reminder of the Muslim - Christian wars during the Spanich era.
Zamboanga Golf and Country Club - Founded in 1910, it is one of the country's oldest golf courses. Today, it is a well maintained sports complex.
Pasonaca Park - situated some 500 feet above sea level, is a favorite destination, with its three swimming pools and its specular view. A tree house stands guard over a 58 hectare garden.
Climaco Park - a camping ground and a natural swimming hole.
Tribal Village of Yakan - the sight of weavers using ancient looms whose one end is fastened to a wall and the other ending in a cord wound aroung the weaver's waists is an engrossing experience.
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Source of Information: Department of Tourism Philippines |
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