The magnificent beauty of Binangawan Falls - Camiguin Island
Camiguin is a volcanic island and a province covered by Northern Mindanao. One of the favorite destinations that should not be missed when visiting Camiguin is the Binangawan Waterfall located in the highland of Sagay. In terms of road accessibility, a paved route is already constructed so that visitors can easily see the magnificent falls.
The easiest way to reach the main fall is to hire a motorcycle in Sagay.
From there, the driver will bring to the drop-off point. As a climbing enthusiast, the treks may be the easy one for you; but steep ones are difficult for me. as a new Hiker like me, I suggest visiting these waterfalls during summer so that the trails are not too slippery.
Camiguin is a volcanic province covered by Northern Mindanao, has been recognized as one of the tourism gateways in the Philippines blessed with beautiful islands and beaches plus a reward of the scenic views of Mt.Vulcan and Mt. Hibok-hibok that put its namesake as the "Island Born of Fire".
Entrance in Binangawan Waterfall is free and the tourist guide will charge you P600 pesos but is optional if you don’t need one. The advantage of having a local guide is to lessen the travel time since the road is quite tricky to find the correct path.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Camiguin has its own Airport that accommodates flights from Manila and Cebu on a scheduled basis. For backpackers way from Cagayan de Oro Zamboanga Peninsula, Surigao province and Davao Region, Cagayan De Oro City is your starting Point. There are also flights schedules available from Davao City and Zamboanga City bound for Laguindingan (CDO) International Airport.
From Laguindingan Airport & Cagayan De Oro; Take a van bound for Cagayan De Oro City (Agora Bus Integrated Terminal). Catch up a bus bound for Gingoog or Butuan City, then get off to Balingoan Terminal (travel time – 2 hours). A short walk going to Balingoan Port.
Catch up on the ferry schedule and get a ticket to reach Camiguin Port. Travel time for Ferry is more or less an hour depending on the water condition. Once reach Camiguin Port (Guinsiliban or Benoni), hire a motorcycle to reach Bonbon, Sagay, or hire a motorcycle (direct from the port or in Malingin, Sagay). From Malingin, take an hour walk or two; down to the treks to appreciate the beauty of Bingawan Waterfall since it is hiding at the untouched forest bass.
From Butuan; reach Butuan Integrated Terminal. Catch up a Bus bound for Cagayan De Oro City, then get off to Balingoan Terminal. A short walk going to Balingoan Port right in the front of the Highway. Catch up on the ferry schedule and get a ticket to Reach Camiguin.
From Davao City; reach Davao City Ecoland Bus Terminal. catch up a Bus bound for Cagayan De Oro City. Travel time is six (6) to eight (8) hours depending on the number of the bus stop, but, I suggest taking a nonstop BUS. Get off to Agora Bus Terminal in Cagayan De Oro City.
At the same Bus terminal, catch up a Bus bound for Gingoog or Butuan City, then get off to Balingoan Terminal. Take a short walk going to Balingoan Port right in front of the highway. Catch up on the ferry schedule and get a ticket to Reach Camiguin.
TRAVEL NOTES
The schedule of Ferry bound for and from Camiguin start at 4:00am; the last trip is at 4:30pm.
Be prepared for unpredicted rains and insect bites since the waterfalls are situated in virgin forests. Encourage you to bring coats and insect bites protection.
