Tres Marias, the
"Jurassic Park"

Short Description

The inland of Camiguin is built on 7 volcano cones. From north to south these are:: Old Volcano, Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Tres Marias, Mount Mambajao, Mount Timpoong and Guinsiliban Peak. The vegetation is primary and secondary forest with large patches of grassland.
At least 54 species of birds and at least 24 species of mammals live on Camiguin. Some of these animals are found nowhere else on earth.
The topography of Camiguin could have been the stage of "Jurassic Park". The only missing cast are the T-Rex, but who knows?

Time and Distance

Easiest access is the road from mid-town Mambajao up to the Mount Hibok-Hibok Volcano Observatory. But instead of visiting the observatory, you continue up the road. There are two starting places for a day long hike: either at barangay Itum or up at the end of the concrete road. Look for a path on your left hand and start straight ahead.

The distance on the road is about 7km and takes some 20 minutes. The hike can be from 1 to 12 hours. Please bear in mind that the sun sets around 6:00PM.

Equipment

Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and good shoes are a must. The indigenous people walk around with slippers or without. Do not copy them. Your skin may get hurt by stones and plants. Up in the mountains you may get into fresh clouds and very often it rains up there, while on the beaches the sun shines. So a dry second shirt and an umbrella can be useful.
Take enough water with you (at least 1.5 liters per person).. There are springs up in the mountains where you can refill if necessary. Take also some food with you. The fresh air and physical activity will make you hungry.
If you have one, take your binoculars with you and a zoom lens for your camera.

What to see

At least 54 species of birds and at least 24 species of mammals live on Camiguin. Some of these animals are found nowhere else on earth. In 2006 searchers have discovered a brightly plumaged parrot, known among locals as "Colasisi." and a long-tailed forest mouse, both unique to the Philippines. The Philippines are increasingly recognized as a global center for biodiversity, with exceptionally high levels of endemism.

The vegetation of Mount Tres Marias is a combination of lowland evergreen rainforest from the base to mid-elevation and submontane forest towards its summit. These levels of vegetation do not exist anymore in other parts of Camiguin. The one lush forest at the lower part of the mountains is now mostly transformed to coconut plantations and corn fields.

But there are are still places, even in the lowlands, where you can see this kind of forest. (see: Bura Soda Pool).

Arriving on one of the peaks, you have a breath taking sight over the rest of the inland of Camiguin. If the atmosphere is transparent, you not only see Bohol and Mindanao, but also Leyte. And if you are the calm type of tourist, watch out for White Island. See it disappear in the see or see it growing.

What to do

Discover this unique world at your own. You can do it on foot, with a mountain bike or with a motorbike. If you choose the motorbike, please make sure that you have enough skills and power to drive it on steep slopes. Guides speaking English, Tagalog, French and German are available. They know the fine places, the animals and plants. Have you ever touched a mimosa? If not, you will learn here, where the expression "Being sensitive as a mimosa" comes from.

Close your eyes for a moment. Do you hear the roar of the T-Rex? Open your eyes and maybe you will see one ...

And a last reminder:

Special

An overnight trek is possible. If you do so, inform somebody (hotel/resort manager, police officer) of your plan and your itinerary.

Costs

Transportation:
- Rent a motorcycle at your resort PHP 400 a day
- Hire a motorela to bring you up and fix an hour when the driver should fetch you. Think of PHP 400.