CDO-Camiguin: 3D2N Itinerary and Budget for 2 pax

“Kaladkarin” people who are always game for anything are the best travel companions! That is why I could not be any happier when my bestfriend, Espee, accepted my short notice invitation to accompany me on a domestic trip.

My original plan was to visit Cagayan De Oro only for the sake of White Water Rafting but I found out that it is possible to do a side trip to Camiguin (and also Bukidnon if time permits) from my research prior to this trip. Little did I know that Camiguin would actually become our main trip instead of CDO.

Day 1 and 2 – Camiguin

Camiguin is an island province located in northern Mindanao formed through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It is famous for its natural attractions such as Katibawasan Falls, Sunken Cemetery, Soda Water Pool, Ardent Hot Spring, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, White Island Sandbar, Mantigue Island, etc. You are surely going to wear swimsuit the entire tour so changing into dry clothes after each stop is not a necessity.

Katibawasan Falls

On the way to Sunken Cemetery

Sunken Cemetery

Old Church Ruins

Inside the Ruins

Sto. Nino Cold Spring

Literally COLD

Soda Water Pool

Walkway to the Old Volcano

White Island Sandbar

Just finished snorkeling

 

Contact Kuya Teddy Pabualan at 09175219391/ 09392440521 or visit their site here for affordable lodging and Camiguin tour packages.

Day 3 – Cagayan De Oro

Cagayan De Oro is the City of Golden Friendship located in Misamis Oriental in Mindanao. You have not been to this city if you did not try its acclaimed tourist attraction known as White Water Rafting. I was undoubtedly ecstatic because I finally checked it off my bucket list! It is an outdoor sport that utilizes an inflatable raft to navigate over rapids of a river. It requires teamwork and deals with risk so you have to listen carefully to the precautionary measures. Please make sure to wear sunblock and proper swimsuit that will protect your skin from sun exposure. I did not bring a rashguard so I bought a pair of arm sleeves which was being sold in the vicinity.

Met new friends, Paul and Jhackie!

I recommend The Red Rafts for various white water rafting courses, i.e., beginner, advanced, and extreme, a photo/ video CD, rafting equipment, and a mouthwatering abundant lunch. They can accommodate up to 10 people and a minimum of 6 per raft so together with their two professional guides, Espee and I had to join another pair, Paul and Jhackie. They also have a disembarkation area where you can leave your valuables and take a shower. You may contact Kuya Bam at 09067722640 or email them at theredrafts@gmail.com.

For a budget hotel in CDO, contact Rich Manor Pension House at 09274669846/ 09496349868/ 8800986 or visit their site here or join them on facebook.

Itinerary and Expenses:

• Day 1

TIME	ITINERARY	EXPENSES/ pax
4:40 AM	Flight from Manila to CDO (Cebu Pacific Piso Fare + Baggage Check-in)	1071.82
6:05 AM	Arrival in CDO
6:15 AM to 7:15 AM	From CDO Laguindingan Airport, go to Agora Bus Terminal via shuttle. We took the Magnum Express van.	199
7:30 AM to 9:30 AM	Take a bus bound for Butuan at the Agora Bus Terminal and buy a ticket heading to Balingoan Port.	140
9:35 AM to 9:45 AM	Walk or ride a tricycle (P8) from the Balingoan Bus Terminal to Balingoan Port. I suggest walking which takes about 10 minutes.	8
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM	From Balingoan Port, take a ferry to Benoni Port in Camiguin. We were able to catch the Dona Pepita Ferry trip.	170
	Note: P170 for regular fare, P145 for students, P135 for senior citizens, and P85 for children
	Terminal fee	2.25
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM	Tour + Pabualan Cottage (P3340)	1670
	Lunch	50
	Katibawasan Falls	30
	Ardent Hot Spring	30
	Tongatoc Cove	Free
	Walkway to Old Volcano	5
	Sunken Cemetery	Free
	16th Century Guiob Church Ruins	Free
	Soda Water Pool	30
	Sto. Nino Cold Spring	30
7:00 PM	Dinner	80
10:00 PM	Lights out
Total	Day 1	Php 3516.07/ pax

• Day 2

TIME	ITINERARY	EXPENSES/ pax
6:00 AM	Wake up
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM	White Island Sandbar	20
	Boat	150
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM	Buy pasalubong.	150
	Lunch	50
	Shower
12:00 PM to 12:30 PM	Pabualan Cottages to Benoni Port
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM	Take a ferry from Benoni Port to Balingoan Port	170
	Terminal Fee	2.25
2:30 PM to 2:40 PM	Walk from Balingoan Port to Balingoan Bus Terminal.
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM	Ride a bus bound for Butuan at the Balingoan Bus Terminal and buy a ticket heading to Agora Bus Terminal.	140
6:30 PM	Check-in at Rich Manor Pension House.	472.5
	Note: Matrimonial Standard Room costs P945. It was quite disappointing though as their water seemed filthy.
7:00 PM	Walk from Rich Manor Pension House to Centrio Mall for about 15 minutes.
	Buy Missy Bon Bon Gelato (2 flavors).	90
8:00 PM	Dinner at Lokal Grill and Seafood (located in front of Rich Manor Pension House)	150
10:00 PM	Lights out
Total	Day 2	Php 1394.75/ pax

• Day 3

TIME	ITINERARY	EXPENSES/ pax
6:00 AM	Wake up
7:00 AM	Fetched by The Red Rafts at Rich Manor Pension House
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM	The Red Rafts white water rafting advanced course with lunch package (P1000 without lunch)	1200
	Note: Photo/ Video CD costs P500/ head. We puchased 1 CD only.	250
	Arm sleeves	40
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM	Shower
2:00 PM to 2:30 PM	Go to SM to take a shuttle bound for Laguindingan Airport
2:30 PM to 3:00 PM	SM to Laguindingan Airport	150
	Note: We took a special shuttle because we were in a hurry to catch our flight.
3:30 PM	Buy Vjandep Pastel (dozen/ box) at the airport.	180
	Buy Vjandep Pastel (half dozen/ box) at the airport.	90
	Note: Do not purchase at the airport if you want to buy at a cheaper price.
4:30 PM	Flight back to Manila (Cebu Pacific Piso Fare + Baggage Check-in)	1071.82
	Terminal fee	200
6:10 PM	Arrival in Manila
Total	Day 3	Php 3181.82/ pax

TOTAL EXPENSES including roundtrip flight, Camiguin tour, white water rafting package, lodgings, transpo, food, and pasalubong

Php 8092.64/ pax

The Verdict:

Cagayan De Oro and Camiguin are ideal Philippine destinations for adrenaline junkies and beach bums alike who want to take a break from the busy city life.

CDO	Rating
Ambiance	3
White Water Rafting	5
The Red Rafts	5
The Red Rafts lunch	5
The Red Rafts guides	5
Rich Manor Pension House	2.5
Lokal Grill and Seafood Restaurant	4

Camiguin	Rating
Ambiance	4.5
Pabualan Package Tour	5
Pabualan Cottages	4
Tour Driver	5